Public Toilets in a world of Global Warming

Recently, Brian at our office carried out some structural design for a public toilet block to be built at one of the beaches in Queensland. Believe it or not, the design for a decent toilet block in these times requires a multi-disciplinary approach, with input from the local Council, an architect, a structural engineer and a hydraulics engineer. Anyway, Brian thought he'd finished, when a forwarded email came through from the Council: "John: Am concerned about potential [ocean] wave action against the structure. Perhaps the structural engineer should consider a lightweight design with piled foundations. Please get them to have another look."

"What on earth are they talking about? Are these toilets right next to the beach?" I asked.

"No - the building will be well back from the beach. I think they're worried about climate change," replied Brian.

"You mean they're worried about the ocean rising and knocking over the toilet block?"

"Ah - yes."

"Er - I think they're coming at this from the wrong angle. If climate change really becomes a problem, we'll all be rushing to build giant sea-walls and dykes to keep the ocean out. No-one is going to be worried if a dunny block is still standing! " I was stunned that a Council was able to accept that climate change was likely, but unable to think of better ways to cope with the problem. Surely they could look at ways to save on their energy usage, and reduce the pollution from their fleet of vehicles. What hope do we have if all that can be done is to build a dunny block that can withstand a tsunami?

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