Introduction

I first became aware of the need for sustainability whilst reading the Club of Rome’s book “Limits to Growth” as an undergraduate in 1973. Subsequently, as a civil and structural engineer, I have endeavoured to ensure that sustainability is an important factor in my projects.

Al Gore’s film, “An Inconvenient Truth”, initially reinforced my belief in anthropogenic global warming, however, subsequent research indicated that many of Gore’s claims may have been exaggerations and possibly gross misinterpretations. Consequently, I commenced monitoring global warming predictions and comparing them with actual measurements; the results of which are occasionally posted on this website.

I strongly believe that we should not “fritter away” Earth’s finite resources. Furthermore, the climate change debate has brought the need for renewable energy and other resources to the forefront of the political agenda. However, I am very concerned that if the current predictions on global warming do prove to be exaggerated then irreparable damage could be done to the public’s perception of science in general and sustainability in particular. Hence, my concentration on comparing actual measurements with currently accepted predictions.

Qualifications

1974, BSc in Civil Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK

2002, Fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers

2003, Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers

2005, MSc in Structural Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK

2015, Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia