SYNOPSIS

The world’s largest coastal cities are at risk of disappearing due to climate change, according to the United Nation's climate science advisory panel. Even if global warming is kept under the 2°C as per the Paris Agreement made in 2015, the scientists predict sea levels could be up to 0.60 m higher by the end of this century. This coupled with increasingly extreme weather means land currently home to 300 million people will be vulnerable to annual flooding by 2050. In July 2021, deadly floods upended life in Germany and China sending a stark reminder that climate change is making weather more extreme across the globe. The 2004 tsunami, increased frequency of coastal storms and typhoons as well as annual high tide events exacerbates the condition of Malaysian coastline, Climate change affects biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural resources. Failure to recognise and manage climate and environmental-related risks leads to substantial financial consequences for businesses and households. Coastal development provides opportunities for commerce and living. Adaptation measures and resilient strategies are required to mitigate the climate change impact. This can be in the form of hard and soft measures.


BIODATA OF SPEAKER

Dato’ Ir. Dr. Nik Mohd Kamel Nik Hassan is the founder and Managing Director of Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd., an engineering, and project management consultancy firm. Dato’ Dr. Nik was born in 1953. He obtained his first professional qualification in Civil Engineering from the University of Southampton, England in 1976. This was followed by a B.Sc. (Hons) and then M.Sc. (Hons) in Civil Engineering in 1979 and 1981 respectively from the same university. In 1985, he obtained his Ph.D. in Hydraulics Engineering from University of Manchester’s Institute of Science and Technology, United Kingdom.

Dato’ Dr. Nik started his working life in academia, rising to later become an Associate Professor at the Civil Engineering Department of University of Malaya. He was the Referee for the Institution of Engineers Malaysia’s Journal and Bulletin from 1987 to 1991 and the Director of UM’s Consultancy Unit in 1992. After 14 years of involvement in the academia as a student and then tutor, lecturer and professor, Dato’ Dr. Nik then ventured out and apply his skills and knowledge to the practical world of engineering.

From 1993 onwards, he directed and provided technical advice and input for coastal and water resources engineering projects. These covered detailed designs of coastal engineering design and modelling, dredging and land reclamation projects, flood mitigation, river modelling, hydrological analysis, urban drainage design, water resources management and environmental impact assessment. He is well-regarded in Malaysia as a coastal expert well-versed in study, design and construction.

Dato’ Dr. Nik is also a Professional Member of the Board of Engineers Malaysia, a registered Environmental Consultant with the Department of Environment Malaysia, a member of the International Association of Hydraulics Research (MIAHR), International Water Resources Association (MIWRA), Institution of Engineers Malaysia (MIEM) and the Malaysia Water Association (MWA).

Dato’ Dr. Nik has also been appointed as an Advisor and Academic Panel for Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Pertanian Malaysia and Universiti Tun Hussin Onn Malaysia. He also owns D’Bilut Agro Farm resort in Bentong, Pahang.