Summary _ Reader Response (Draft 1)

In the article from Science Daily, “Natural Engineering Offers Solution against Future Flooding” by Newcastle University (2014), it was stated that “back-to-nature flood schemes”, which utilise the environment’s inherent protection capabilities, could be an economical alternative to curtailing floods. Research lead, Dr Mark Wilkinson, also mentioned that winter rainfall and flooding occurrence would surge in the future.

It was reported that river management strategies were exhibited in Belford, Northumberland, which illustrated the reduction of surface run-off and soil mineral depletion.

The article described that Natural Flood Management (NFM) aspires to scale down the peak water height or delay flood arrival, adding more preparation time for response. This would be done by hampering the progress of water while working sustainably with the environment. Strategies include storing, slowing and redirecting water and increasing soil infiltration. This proved to be much cheaper (~£200,000) in the Belford Scheme, opposed to a “full conventional flood defence scheme” (~£2.5m). Mirroring Belford’s flooding situation, many other rural towns could also benefit from the NFM, according to the article.

Overall, it was established that the scheme was a triumph due to the backing and approval of the Belford community, together with the comprehensive awareness of the “land and local environment”. 

***

The article postulated that Natural Flood Management (NFM) significantly reduced expenditure compared to a more traditional flood management system. However, in my opinion, the various environmental and social benefits the implementation of NFM would bring were overlooked and neglected. Highlighting these boons would further accentuate the benefits of implementing NFM.

Notwithstanding, NFM also provides environment benefits. Exhibiting an example closer to home, The Public Utilities Board’s (PUB) Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters Programme was implemented in 2006 for an environmentally-aware alternative to stormwater management. The planting of vegetation along rivers and canals not only reduces the velocity of stormwater runoff, it also inadvertently creates habitats for many animals, including the rare, native, Crimson Dropwing (a pink dragonfly). According to the ABC Water Design Guidelines (2018), the programme “enhances the aesthetics and biodiversity of the landscape” as well. The wetlands and woodlands create by NFM would likewise be an effective carbon-store, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, alleviating the effects of global warming to an extent. Conversely, a more traditional flood management approach would not be able to perform the same function due to the nature of the aforementioned strategies, which relies “mostly on structural measures” (Traditional Flood Management and its Shortcomings 2010).

Another aspect for consideration would be the social benefits NFM would deliver. Having an increase in green spaces among residential spaces where NFM is implemented offers areas to “socialise, exercise and relax while enjoying the view of the Bishan skyline” in ABC Water’s flagship project to Bishan residents. In the research article “Urban green spaces, recreation and spiritual experiences” (2018), the study stated that “nearby nature areas can provide benefits including opportunities for exercise, psychological revitalization and better physical health”, thereby displaying the myriad health and social benefits NFM would bring. In a highly urbanised environment like Singapore, it is important that residents have ample opportunities to explore and enjoy nature and green spaces.

The amalgamation of these advantages shows the preeminent need for sustainability towards environmental management. Contrary to traditional flood management practises like utilising unsightly gabions and concrete structures to mitigate the intensity of floods, NFM demonstrates a cost-efficient and aesthetically pleasing approach to flood management. It also presents social areas for people to perform leisurely activities, as well as raising the biodiversity of native flora and fauna.

Bibliography

Multiple benefits of NFM Infographic (2018, August 30). Communications and Management for Sustainability. Retrieved from http://www.cmscoms.com/?p=14979

PUB (2018, July 11). Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters Design Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.pub.gov.sg/resources/publications/abcwaters

Rey Gozalo, G., Barrigón Morillas, J., Montes González, D., & Atanasio Moraga, P. (2018). Relationships among satisfaction, noise perception, and use of urban green spaces. Science of the Total Environment, 624, 438–450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.148

Baur, J. (2018). Urban green spaces, recreation and spiritual experiences. Leisure/Loisir, 42(2), 205–229. https://doi.org/10.1080/14927713.2018.1449131

Hamburg University of Technology. (2010). Traditional Flood Management and its Shortcomings. Retrieved from http://daad.wb.tu-harburg.de/?id=1013

*Edited 08/02/19, 2:33 PM

Written by Darryl Lai Hao Wen

Summary and Reader Response: Natural Engineering Offers Solution against Future Flooding (Skeleton)

In the article from Science Daily, “Natural Engineering Offers Solution against Future Flooding” by Newcastle University (2014), it was stated that “back-to-nature flood schemes”, which utilise the environment’s inherent protection capabilities, could be an economical alternative to curtailing floods. Research lead, Dr Mark Wilkinson, also mentioned that winter rainfall and flooding occurrence would surge in the future.

It was reported that river management strategies were exhibited in Belford, Northumberland, which illustrated the reduction of surface run-off and soil mineral depletion. 

The article described that Natural Flood Management (NFM) aspires to scale down the peak water height or delay flood arrival, adding more preparation time for response. This would be done by hampering the progress of water while working sustainably with the environment. Strategies include storing, slowing and redirecting water and increasing soil infiltration. This proved to be much cheaper (~£200,000) in the Belford Scheme, contrary to a “full conventional flood defense scheme” (~£2.5m). Mirroring Belford’s flooding situation, many other rural towns could also benefit from the NFM. 

Overall, it was established that the scheme was a triumph due to the backing and approval of the Belford community, together with the comprehensive awareness of the “land and local environment”. 

The article postulated that Natural Flood Management (NFM) provides an economical alternative to traditional flood management systems. However, the various environmental and social benefits the implementation of NFM would bring, were overlooked. Highlighting these boons would further accentuate the benefits of implementing NFM.

1) Environmental benefits

• Habitat creation and improving green spaces; improves connectivity between wetlands allowing more species to move between habitats.
• Improving water quality; improvements in soil structure through woodland creation or less intensive land management increases rates of infiltration.
• Reduced erosion; NFM can help to restore coastal sediment processes and morphology

2) Social benefits

• Elaboration and examples: PUB's ABC Waters programme in Singapore, etc.
• Community Spirit Making; small adjustments to your land management or allowing unproductive land to be used for flood storage can make a difference to those in your community who are at risk of flooding further downstream, particularly if several landowners work together to implement NFM measures

Bibliography

Multiple benefits of NFM Infographic (2018, August 30). Communications and Management for Sustainability. Retrieved from http://www.cmscoms.com/?p=14979

PUB (2018, July 11).  Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters Design Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.pub.gov.sg/resources/publications/abcwaters

Summary: Natural Engineering Offers Solution against Future Flooding

In the article from Science Daily, “Natural Engineering Offers Solution against Future Flooding” by Newcastle University (2014), it was stated that “back-to-nature flood schemes”, which utilise the environment’s inherent protection capabilities, could be an economical alternative to curtailing floods. Research lead, Dr Mark Wilkinson, also mentioned that winter rainfall and flooding occurrence would surge in the future.

It was reported that river management strategies were exhibited in Belford, Northumberland, which illustrated the reduction of surface run-off and soil mineral depletion. 

The article described that Natural Flood Management (NFM) aspires to scale down the peak water height or delay flood arrival, adding more preparation time for response. This would be done by hampering the progress of water while working sustainably with the environment. Strategies include storing, slowing and redirecting water and increasing soil infiltration. This proved to be much cheaper (~£200,000) in the Belford Scheme, contrary to a “full conventional flood defense scheme” (~£2.5m). Mirroring Belford’s flooding situation, many other rural towns could also benefit from the NFM. 

Overall, it was established that the scheme was a triumph due to the backing and approval of the Belford community, together with the comprehensive awareness of the “land and local environment”. 

Natural Flood Management (NFM) provides an economical alternative to traditional flood management systems. However, the article neglected to mention the various environmental and social benefits the implementation of NFM systems would bring. 

Reporting: Behavioural Reflections

Kathy alleged that she cleaned her room sufficiently. Her mother, on the contrary, insists that Kathy was negligent and did not do an adequate job. Kathy later remarked that her mother became angry with her for not meeting her mother’s “clean room” expectations. Kathy concluded that she should have been more diligent and will tidy her room more thoroughly in the future in order to reduce her mother's incessant nagging. 

Written by: Darryl Lai Hao Wen

Descriptive Reflection: Strengths and Challenges in Communicating

Dear Mr Blackstone

This is an introduction letter for you to get to know me better, since class time is insufficient for a comprehensive presentation about myself.  I am currently studying civil engineering in Singapore Institute of Technology as a Year 1 student.

Unlike many others in the University, I graduated from a junior college (National Junior College, to be precise) instead. I received my A-level certification in the science stream in 2015. This aided me greatly in the various natural science modules that I had to take in Trimester 1 since junior colleges are infamous for their rigorous curriculum.  

My hobbies are also unorthodox for my supposedly young age; I really enjoy gardening and cooking. These hobbies inadvertently cultivated my analytical skills and aesthetic sensibilities, as not killing a plant and whipping up a delicious meal require a certain level of finesse and precision. I chose to study civil engineering as it is a platform where my creativity and critical problem-solving skills can be put to good use, to the benefit of the public (it is, after all, civil engineering). Lego-building occupied much of my holidays when I was younger, so naturally civil engineering would be an apt choice for a degree.

What I wish to gain from this module is the ability to be confident presenting information in front of a large group of people. I often fear that what I say may not be accurate or interesting, and that others would criticise my enunciation or other idiosyncrasies. Also, this would be an appropriate time to refine my grammar and trim the frayed ends of grammatical faux pas. This is not to discount my capacity to present thoughts and ideas in a succinct and yet comprehensive manner, which I owe to the onerous drills I received while studying for General Paper during the A-levels.

Let’s strive for effective communication!

Yours sincerely

*Edited 13/01/19, 5:58 PM
*Edited 17/01/19, 8:57 PM

Welcome

This blog introduces Effective Communication, which showcases the various ways one can achieve competency in verbal and written communication. These are vital in the dynamic and ever-changing situations we face in everyday interactions.

This blog was written by Darryl Lai Hao Wen.