Engineers!
As we look to the future, we have become more and more aware that the sources of energy we have come to rely on are becoming scarce, environmentally hazardous and expensive. As energy use continues to grow, engineers are faced with the challenge of reducing damage to the environment and finding alternative energy solutions. Today, fossil fuels are an important source of energy. Unfortunately, if energy production continues to come from the burning of fossil fuels, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will continue to increase at alarming levels causing further global warming and greenhouse gases. Engineers are faced with the responsibility of finding ways of producing clean energy and developing new more environmentally friendly ways of using energy.
Engineers play a key role in the way energy is produced and used. Chemical engineers develop new material and design processes for manufacturing which impact our environment. Civil engineers use their knowledge to oversee the development and construction of buildings, highways, and environmental projects. Electrical engineers design and develop electrical processes for power generation. A growing area of specialization is environmental engineering which looks to preserve the environment by reducing pollution, waste and toxins in the air and water. Even though each area of specialization is different, they all look to improve the quality of life.
As engineers work help make a “greener” energy future, they have to address two key problems. First, engineers will have to consider alternative ways to produce energy. We must reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Among the energy options available are coal, natural gas, and oil which are fossil fuels and, alternatives such as nuclear, wind, solar and, in the future bioenergy. Selecting the best solution will require a balancing act between choosing the right combination of alternatives. For example, although nuclear energy is a major source of energy production in Europe, in the United States, public outcry against building new power plants has stopped new construction. Recently, there has been increased discussion about the safety of nuclear power and the opportunity it gives us for energy independence. Added to public safety concerns are political and financial considerations. One thing is definitely clear. No single solution will be the answer.
Second, how energy is used is important in how we deal with our current crisis. As a profession, engineers can lobby government to create incentives for innovation of energy efficient manufacturing and consumer products. For example, the sales of hybrid cars to consumers have been a significant movement towards cleaner energy consumption. Yet, much has to be done as SUVs continue to rule our roads. Educating consumers on the use of more energy efficient light bulbs is also a small step towards clean energy. In addition, recent political debates have brought attention to the use of “credits” to encourage industry to pursue environmentally friendly practices. In short, engineers’ focus should be an increase drive towards innovation to produce advances in clean technology. This would require cooperation among different scientific disciplines to achieve a common objective—clean energy.
In conclusion, a renewed drive for innovation will shape the future of how engineers will provide energy. It calls for engineers to adopt an environmental consciousness as to the effects of their technology with regards to production and conservation. In this regard, engineers are, as a profession, one of the groups at the forefront of protecting our planet for future generations.