In the run up to the globe's most important meeting on climate change, the #CIWEMtalksCOP26 series asks thought leaders from the water and environmental industry and beyond to answer a common question: what do you most want COP26 to deliver? Here we'll be serialising their answers.

Adam Sennitt is a coastal engineer at Coastal Partners (Havant Borough Council) and a member of CIWEM's Early Careers Network Steering Group.

"Climate change is here, and it is real. People around the world are already living with devastating extreme weather amplified by climate change. As the impacts continue to intensify, it is the young people of day and future generations who will face the worse effects.

"Young people are not only victims of climate change, they are also valuable contributors to climate action. We need more action to prevent, diminish and address the effects felt by climate change.

"The next generation have a voice in shaping how resilience to flooding and coastal change is achieved today, tomorrow and into the future. Young people far and wide are speaking up for climate action.

"As we are faced with the challenges and risks of increased coastal change and flooding, we need to provide a thriving route into the water and environment industry. We will need a diverse skill set and abilities to manage these risks and take leadership.

"We need a long-term investment for young people in the skills required for the future. Fundamental to this is inspiring and encouraging them to pursue and develop a career in flood and coastal erosion risk management, whether it be in engineering, engagement or the environment.

"How are we collaborating across those in the water and environment sector (risk management authorities, commercial sector, lead local flood authorities) with educational providers to invest and develop future flood and coastal change management skills?

"The risks are growing. As winters are getting warmer and wetter, we will start to experience increased sea level events and storminess more frequently, however we continue to build more housing and infrastructure along the coast. Is this sustainable?

"As we shift from protection to adaptation, resilience, relocation; how are we gearing up early career professionals to lead the way and start having these honest open conversations with communities?

"I will leave you with this…

"As we inherit decisions made today, lets better prepare our future leaders as they embrace tomorrow. This is our climate, our future. Young people can and will make a difference."

Connect with Adam

Adam Sennitt is a coastal engineer at Coastal Partners (Havant Borough Council) and a member of CIWEM's Early Careers Network Steering Group.