MAKASSAR – The Graduate School of Hasanuddin University (Unhas) hosted a Japanese expert, Prof. Dr.Eng. Akira Tai of the Fukuoka Institute of Technology, to discuss climate change and rising flood risk. The guest lecture highlighted the importance of adaptation approaches based on data, technology, spatial planning, and community preparedness.
Dean of the Unhas Graduate School, Prof. Sukri Palutturi, SKM., M.Kes., M.Sc.PH., Ph.D., said climate change is a multidimensional challenge affecting the environment, health, safety, infrastructure, the economy, and community welfare.
“Universities have a strategic role in producing knowledge, innovation, and policy recommendations that can strengthen community resilience to the impacts of climate change. Through this activity, we hope new ideas and collaboration will emerge to develop adaptation approaches that are contextual, inclusive, and sustainable,” said Prof. Sukri.
In the presentation, Prof. Dr.Eng. Akira Tai explained how climate change is linked to more intense extreme weather and higher flood risk. Changing rainfall patterns, rising global temperatures, urban growth, and changes in land use are factors that can increase a region’s vulnerability to hydrometeorological disasters.
Prof. Akira Tai also shared Japan’s experience in dealing with flood risk. According to Prof. Akira Tai, flood management cannot rely on physical infrastructure alone, but must be supported by scientific data, risk modelling, early warning systems, spatial planning, community preparedness, and integrated governance.
Adaptation approaches, Prof. Akira Tai continued, need to be tailored to the characteristics of each region, including its geographic, social, and environmental conditions and institutional capacity. Research findings must also be translated into policies and concrete actions to reduce risk and protect vulnerable groups.
The event, moderated by Ir. Evi Aprianti S., S.T., Ph.D., was interactive, involving students, lecturers, researchers, and participants from various fields. The discussion covered water resource management, resilient infrastructure, technology, and strategies for adapting to climate change at the local level.
The guest lecture, themed “Climate Change and Increasing Flood Risks: Challenges and Adaptation,” was held in hybrid format on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, at the Prof. Dr. Ir. Fachruddin Hall, Unhas Graduate School, and via Zoom. (*/sps)
Editor : Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.