Sustainable Engineering in an Era of Climate Change
Our world is changing, and engineers need to:
Interconnectivity is here and the internet of things is planning, organising and anticipating our every need based on our behaviours.
Data analytics is key to understanding human motivators and as artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates in development, the resulting solutions continue to surprise us as the gap between human and robot diminishes. AI, nano-technology and advances in software engineering are assisting with medical advancements and delivering ways for all humans to participate in a rich and full life. The evolution of telecommunications and software engineering has facilitated our productivity and mobility and, we are selecting our working environments and continuing to create a world where we choose the rules of engagement.
How do new technologies shape the engineering landscape and what are the opportunities for the future? How will engineering continue to positively impact our society?
• Artificial intelligence • Defence • Digital • Drones • Cyber security • Government • 3D printing • Mechatronics • Nano technology • Software engineering • Telecommunications • Transformation • Virtual Reality • Intelligent machines • Robotics • Innovation • Digital data
Our cities are the nuclei of social development, innovation, productivity, economic growth and culture. With the number of people living within cities projected to rise to 5 billion by 2030, it is vital that resourceful urban planning and management practices are implemented to deal with the challenges brought by urban expansion. However, engineers have a role to play bridging the gap between those living in urban areas and those in rural areas; to find solutions for the shortage of resources, access to clean water and sanitations and equal opportunity for engagement regardless of geographic location, economic status or standard of living.
Society is feeling the pressure in areas of energy, water supplies, the living environment and public health services. How do engineers play a part in designing a future fit for humanity and embracing the sustainable ethos, so we can live in a world where the standard of living is equitable for all?
• Agricultural production • Air quality • Biodiversity • Climate adaptation • Closure objectives • Energy efficiency and certification • Environmental sustainability • ESD engineering • Funding rehabilitation • Future proofing new cities • Global population capacity • Green infrastructure • Ground/Surface water management (quality, supply, reform, contamination) • Human centred design • Innovation • Land rehabilitation/decontamination • Managing droughts • Managing floods • Managing temporary closure • Pollution management • Reforestation • Remote communities • Renewable energy • Resource constraints • Sanitation • Smart infrastructure • Stakeholder consultation • Sustainable agriculture • Sustainable infrastructure • Urban environment • Urban planning and communities • Urban transportation
The field of engineering has a diversity problem. In this context, the term diversity signifies difference in terms of people and the identity categories widely used to represent them. One of the most compelling reasons why the field suffers due to a lack of diversity is the deficit of talent and loss of potential innovation.
Increasing access to educational opportunities at all levels, fosters a culture of diversity and inclusion where society benefits from a diverse pool of thought. The lack of diversity signals a large absence of the potential for growth and innovation in engineering and leads to a countless number of missed opportunities.
To increase our diverse talent pool of future engineers, we need to break down the barriers determined by socially constructed identity categories that does a disservice to the individuals who have the capacity to succeed as engineers but are unable to do so. How can Engineers shape the future workforce by breaking down the barriers to diversity and through STEM initiatives pioneer progression and retention of our talent?
Engineers Australia is working with the Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools (SMiS) program to encourage more engineers in schools to inspire the next generation of engineers. Our national education programs are seeing shifts that facilitate ongoing partnerships between science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) professionals and teachers to enhance STEM education in schools to prepare for the future. How do engineers meet the gaps now and in to the future for a changing world and how can they participate in shaping an education framework that answers the needs of an ever-evolving society?
• Blended diversity • Breadth/depth • Collaboration • Design thinking • Disruption • Emerging professionals • Flexible pathways • Human-centred creativity • Interdisciplinarity • Networked world • Online • Quality • Stakeholders • Teamwork
The engineering profession is ever-changing to meet the needs of a global environmental change and societal demands. While the profession evolves, so too do the requisite skills to deliver and position ‘engineering’ as a relevant and influential career with impactful outcomes. How is the global engineering profession meeting the needs of role models, career pathways and entrepreneurial skills to ensure that the changing profession responds to market disruption and demands?
• Educating engineers on ethics • Engineers in society • Engineers volunteering • Ethical obligations • Public service • Sustainable future • Transformative models
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