#367 Nature Based Solutions: The End of Grey Engineering

#367 Nature Based Solutions: The End of Grey Engineering

From Engineering Matters by Reby Media

May 21, 2026 · 37 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the shift from traditional grey engineering to nature-based solutions for climate-resilient infrastructure.

For decades, infrastructure design has relied on ‘grey’ engineering: concrete flood walls, steel structures and rigid systems designed to control the environment. But with climate pressures intensifying, engineers are increasingly looking to work with nature rather than against it. This episode looks at the growing role of nature-based solutions in building climate-resilient infrastructure that can help manage flood risk, restore ecosystems, improve biodiversity and create more resilient communities. Nature itself should be considered critical infrastructure and an entire generation educated to undertake work differently to that which has been done before. Guests Hannah Joyce, Senior Fluvial Geomorphologist, AtkinsRéalis Laura Liddaman, Associate Director of Nature Based Solutions, AtkinsRéalis Resources To access the paper discussed in this episode, a forward-looking vision for the role of nature-based solutions in future-resilient infrastructure, click here Partner AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading professional services and project management company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. Employing over 37,000 people across Canada, the US and…

People in this episode

Guests: Hannah Joyce, Laura Liddaman

Topics covered

  • nature-based solutions
  • climate-resilient infrastructure
  • flood risk management
  • ecosystem restoration
  • biodiversity
  • engineering

Keywords

  • nature-based solutions
  • infrastructure
  • climate resilience
  • flood management
  • ecosystems
  • biodiversity
  • engineering

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: AtkinsRéalis

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