Last year, my hometown of San Luis Obispo experienced a 60 year storm. This storm eroded roads, fell trees, and even washed away a child. As these tragic stories become more common, I see it as my duty as a civil engineer to solve these engineering challenges by applying relevant research in the fields of erosion, flooding, and landslide control to whatever public work I am working on. When addressing these problems, I would first look to Japan as a model. The deep valleys and extreme rain combine to make flash floods a way of life in Japan. To address these problems, engineers have put considerable research into developing ways to mitigate the harmful effects of these flash floods. For example, Japanese engineers built vast caverns beneath Tokyo so that in the event of a flash flood, the water would collect in these caverns instead of destroying the city above. Japan also has the largest rain simulator in the world. With this simulator, they have found what soil conditions relate to a high landslide risk. I would use this knowledge to prevent disaster's by studying soil samples and assessing the best course of action. I have not studied this topic in depth yet but through personal observation I have noticed some techniques. For example, on Cuesta grade (a notable road where I live), I have noticed that engineers have built large retaining walls and have installed corrugated steel pipes to prevent water from washing dirt down onto the road below. I see myself implementing these designs preemptively so that communities dont have to learn from experience. Furthermore, I have also noticed how important is is to have well maintained creeks and waterways. For example, during the last storm in my hometown, roads had to be closed due to creeks exceeding their capacity and, in turn, eroding the surrounding soil. As an engineer, I see myself solving these problems by designing retaining walls and other water management infrastructure. Finally, I see myself solving these challenges by being a proponent for bike related infrastructure. Since these water related disasters are caused by climate change which is in turn caused by CO2 emissions, I see myself being a proponent for bike related infrastructure. In densely populated urban areas, bike paths could greatly limit the amount of CO2 emitted and thus reduce global warming. In conclusion, these are just some of the ways that I would approach these challenges. Thanks you for reading this. -Sean