Integrating Climate Change Considerations into Geotechnical Curricula

Despite increasing awareness of climate change, most geotechnical engineering curricula still focus primarily on designing durable structures based on limit state principles, overlooking sustainability and long-term climate resilience. This paper explores how to integrate sustainability and climate change considerations into geotechnical engineering education, highlighting the differences between limit state-oriented teaching and the necessity for sustainable design. A two-phase strategy is proposed: (1) creation of a database of real-world case studies illustrating climate impacts on geotechnical works; (2) development of graduate-level courses that deepen knowledge of sustainable geotechnics as well as climate geotechnics. By systematically embedding climate-related case studies in existing courses, students gain an expanded view of design variables. The new courses foster a comprehensive skill set centered on sustainability, climate resilience, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The proposed reforms aim to produce geotechnical engineers capable of designing infrastructure that is both climate-resilient and sustainable in a changing climate.