👉 Hard engineering refers to the construction of physical structures and systems designed to control, protect, or modify natural processes, often in response to environmental challenges. These interventions are typically large-scale, permanent, and involve significant technical expertise and resources. Examples include dams to manage water flow, sea walls to protect against coastal erosion, and retaining walls to stabilize slopes. Hard engineering aims to directly address issues like flooding, soil erosion, and extreme weather events by using concrete, steel, and other durable materials to create barriers or modify landscapes. While effective in the short term, hard engineering can sometimes have unintended ecological consequences and may require ongoing maintenance and adaptation.
