Civil Engineering faces challenges due to natural phenomena and climate change in Mexico.

In the current context, characterized by a notable increase in the frequency and intensity of natural phenomena, Civil Engineering faces unprecedented challenges in the construction and maintenance of infrastructure. Eduardo Ismael Hernández, a research professor at the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (Upaep), has emphasized the pressing need to train specialists in this area who are capable of mitigating risks associated with natural disasters. The new graduate program in Risk Engineering for Constructions that Upaep has launched is presented as a direct response to these demands. This course is designed to prepare engineers in the development of infrastructure that is not only safe but also resilient to extreme weather events. According to Ismael Hernández, "civil engineers have a fundamental role in constructing infrastructure that is safe and resilient," highlighting the importance of this educational approach today. The geography of Mexico makes it a country vulnerable to various natural threats, from earthquakes to hurricanes. According to the National Seismological Service, the country experiences an average of 20,000 earthquakes annually; this equates to a tremor every 17 minutes. Although many of these earthquakes are of low magnitude and go unnoticed, the possibility of a significant movement occurring at any moment is a reality that engineers must consider when designing their projects. The recent collapse of two billboards in Puebla, due to strong winds, serves as a vivid and alarming reminder of the importance of safe construction. Ismael Hernández does not hold back in stating that "we cannot blame natural phenomena; we must prevent these incidents with proper engineering." Such incidents underscore the urgency of implementing stricter construction standards to avoid damage and loss of life. In addition to earthquakes, Mexico has witnessed devastating hurricanes, such as Hurricane Otis in 2023, which caused significant destruction in Acapulco. These meteorological phenomena, increasingly intense and frequent due to climate change, impose a series of new challenges on engineers, who must be prepared to adapt to extreme conditions that were once considered exceptional. Continuous training of engineers is crucial, asserts Ismael Hernández. "The training of future engineers is key to preventing collapses and minimizing damage in the face of disasters," he said, emphasizing that education in this field must evolve to encompass not only traditional engineering principles but also the understanding and application of strategies to address climate change and its adverse effects. From an economic perspective, the costs of natural disasters can be astronomical. For example, the earthquake in Chile in 2010 represented a cost equivalent to 15 percent of the nation's GDP. This not only highlights the importance of resilient infrastructure but also raises serious questions about the economic sustainability of cities and regions that are unprepared to face such eventualities. The professor also pointed out that urban infrastructure, including drainage systems, urgently requires improvements. In cities like Puebla, recent events of intense rainfall have exceeded the capacity of these systems, leading to flooding and other associated problems. "Climate change is already a reality, and we must adapt to these events that will no longer be atypical," he concluded, emphasizing that engineering plays a vital role in creating a safer and more efficient urban environment. In conclusion, the need for a new generation of trained engineers adapted to the reality of natural phenomena has never been more urgent. Upaep and other educational institutions are taking concrete steps to prepare tomorrow's professionals, who, through a comprehensive approach, will contribute to the creation of infrastructure that withstands the test of time and the climate challenges of the future.