In this month's Modus we consider what happens when the irresistible force meets the immovable object, with an edition dedicated to the sea and the shore.
In our cover story, we investigate the impact that development can have on our coastlines. Marine geologists are becoming increasingly alarmed by the associated phenomenon of coastal erosion. This is due to both the building of ever-higher sea walls to defend against rising sea levels, and the loss of sand, dunes and mangroves to development, which is making entire regions much more vulnerable to flood events. We examine some examples of this phenomenon at work, and identify what must be done to ensure that the coastal developments of today do not leave behind a disastrous environmental legacy.
Tidal energy generation is the most reliable form of renewable energy, but major projects remain rare and attempts to build generation facilities in promising locations, including the UK, have failed to gain financial and political backing. We ask how, when and why the tide might turn in favour of tidal energy generation, and what sorts of large- and smaller-scale tidal energy generation facilities might be constructed in the future.
Ports are vital infrastructure assets for emerging economies, and who owns or runs a country's major ports is now a political question as much as an economic one. What impact will the current massive injection of foreign direct investment from initiatives such as China's Maritime Silk Road have on these economies? We consider the factors driving FDI into ports, how it may influence the economic development of the countries involved, and whether this influx of money is here to stay.
Flooding is a fact of life, and the IPCC's recent Global Warming report suggests and it's only going to get worse in the years to come. With this in mind, we look at three case studies around the world, showing how different countries are tackling flooding through anti-flood architecture and materials, and how this thinking could be applied to other parts of the world.
Oliver Parsons
Editor of Modus
RICS
An experienced and award-winning magazine editor, Oliver has worked in the sectors of property, insurance, automotive and technology. At Sunday Publishing, he has edited titles for a variety of high-profile clients, including Miller Homes, British Gas, Allianz and Toyota, as well as RICS.
