What is hard engineering?

Hard engineering refers to the use of solid structures and physical barriers to manage natural processes and mitigate environmental hazards, such as flooding and coastal erosion. Examples include dams, levees, sea walls, and flood channels, which are designed to control water flow and protect infrastructure. While effective in the short term, hard engineering often involves significant environmental impact and can lead to issues such as habitat destruction and altered ecosystems. It contrasts with soft engineering approaches, which focus on natural solutions and ecosystem-based management.