Climate breakdown and biodiversity collapse are amongst the most serious issues of our time and people believe engineers are vital to combating this, according to a new Engineers Ireland survey.
To coincide with World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development and the launch of the professional membership body’s Sustainability Plan for 2022-23, a new Behaviour & Attitudes survey conducted by Engineers Ireland has revealed that 72% of the general public believe engineers will play a critical role in the transition to a more sustainable society.
The finding comes at a time when the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued what has been described by its Chairman Hoesung Lee as a dire warning about the consequences of human inaction. In its latest report, the IPCC said that despite efforts to reduce the risk, human-induced climate change is causing dangerous and widespread disruption in nature and affecting the lives of billions of people around the world.
Commenting on the launch of Engineers Ireland’s new Sustainability Plan, Professor Orla Feely, President of Engineers Ireland said: “I am pleased to launch our new Sustainability Plan 2022-23 which includes a set of 20 actions developed in consultation with members and staff, and reaffirms Engineers Ireland’s strategic commitment to sustainability through our vision, mission and core organisational purpose.
“Engineers Ireland champions the principles and practices of sustainable development and enables our engineering community to make a sustainable impact on society. Our approach to sustainability includes the resilience of our built and natural environment in the face of extreme weather, the need to reduce emissions related to our buildings, vehicles and infrastructure, biodiversity protection and enhancement, and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” Professor Feely added.
Caroline Spillane, Director General of Engineers Ireland, added: “Engineers Ireland’s members and the wider engineering profession will play a central role in delivering a sustainable, green and digital future for Ireland. Engineers Ireland will continue to promote and support appropriate climate action measures by supporting the skills development of our members to ensure they are future-proofed for the climate challenge ahead.”
World Engineering Day for Sustainable development coincides with the commencement of STEPS Engineers Week. Taking place from 5 – 11 March, the annual campaign aims to inspire the next generation of engineers and excite students about the possibilities a career in engineering can offer. STEPS Engineers Week is coordinated by Engineers Ireland's STEPS programme - funded by the Department of Education and industry leaders Arup, the EPA, ESB, Intel and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
Laura Burke, Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency and strategic partner of the STEPS programme said: “We are delighted to partner with Engineers Ireland’s STEPS programme and support STEPS Engineers Week. This weeklong campaign aims to inspire students across Ireland to find out more about how they too can play a critical role in achieving Ireland’s climate ambitions and protect our wider environment. By engaging in campaigns like STEPS Engineers Week, the EPA is proud to play an active role in inspiring Ireland’s future STEM professionals.”
Concluding, Ms Spillane added: “World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development highlights how the engineering profession can change the world for the better and as we look towards STEPS Engineers Week 2022, which commences nationwide tomorrow, 5 March, we look forward to inspiring the next generation of engineers who will push the limits of ingenuity and innovation to deliver creative and sustainable solutions for society. I would like to thank our strategic partners and each activity organiser who will play a vital role in bringing the world of engineering to life in classrooms and homes throughout this week-long campaign.”
Highlights of this year’s campaign include the publication of Engineers Ireland’s annual Engineering Barometer report which tracks developments in engineering employment and perspectives, Engineering Family Fairs, a Guidance Counsellor webinar and accessible engineering resources and activities, including sustainable engineering challenges, heritage trails, quizzes and a new engineering resource for children with autism.