ABSTRACT
As we face global trends of climate change, urbanization of world populations, loss of habitats and ecological connectivity, and rising impacts to people and property due to natural disasters, those responsible for design of the built environment can potentially shape the well-being of future generations in terms of public health (or risk) and economic opportunity (or burden). Indeed, one of the most important tools for human adaptation is the planning and engineering of environmentally sound solutions, incorporating information gained incrementally to anticipate and holistically address future and ongoing needs. Sustainable development has been recognized for decades as the aspirational goal to guide universal action.
