Reader Response (Final)

In the article “Why Climate Fight Needs Engineers, Shah (2014) reported that professional engineers are in demand for innovation of sustainable engineering solution. The author highlighted that rapid urbanization together with climate changes is pushing Singapore to transit into a sustainable urban and economic system. Khew, Deputy President of Institution of Engineers, stated that the main areas where engineering plays a part are “Clean environment and water resources; sustainable development and infrastructure; sustainable energy; and resilience and adaptation to climate change.” Kuttan, Director and Country Manager of the Clean Technology Centre, DNV GL, also explained that in order to solve the challenges, it would require outstanding engineers with great understanding and innovation. While I agree with the author that engineers have a crucial role, I feel that the article lacks elaboration on the factors that engineers have to take into consideration and the difficulties they face while addressing challenges related to climate change.

Studies from Engineering the Future (2011) showed that extreme weather events such as typhoons, floods and earthquakes are happening more frequently around the world. Engineers have to take these effects produced by climate change into consideration when addressing the challenges. However, Warry and Mair (2010) expressed their views that the effects resulting from climate change may not be simple to predict as they are constantly happening with higher intensity. Engineers will have to depend on probability to predict the effects and propose solutions that are more adaptable. It could be risky if predictions are not accurate, which will result in implementing solutions that are not effective in addressing the challenges. Furthermore, Li (2015) reported that high carbon emission is one of the main factors that results in drastic climate change. As a result, engineers will need to innovate solutions that reduce carbon emission but adaptable and efficient.

Lapp (2005) reported that the solutions from engineers not only need to be acceptable in terms of technology, they also need to have acceptance from the public in order for the solutions to be implemented successfully. The solutions would need to take public safety, health and welfare into consideration. With the increase in recurrences of extreme weather events, the frequency of the need of maintenance for technologies and infrastructures will increase. As maintenance can be costly, many investors are not willing to pay extra unless the amount can be recovered from the profit (Warry and Mair, 2010). Lapp (2005) also added that proposed solutions would also require government support. According to Engineering the Future (2011), Lord Browne, President of The Royal Academy of Engineering, also agreed that the proposed solutions would require governments’ support such as implementing policies or schemes to encourage investments. Furthermore, government can also aid in promoting acceptance from public by educating the public on the importance of the scheme and policies

In conclusion, I agree with Shah (2015)’s article on the crucial role that engineers have in addressing challenges posed by climate change. However, their role is not easy as they have to innovate solutions that has to take many factors into consideration and have public, government and investor acceptance.

(514 words)

References 

Chua, J. (2015). Engineering plays crucial role in climate change. Eco-Business. Retrieved from http://www.eco-business.com/news/engineering-plays-crucial-role-in-climate-change/

Engineering the Future. (2011). Infrastructure, Engineering and Climate Change Adaptation – ensuring services in an uncertain future. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/183536/infrastructure-rae-report.pdf

Lapp, D. (2005) Engineers and Climate Change: What you need to know. Engineering Dimensions, 51-53. Retrieved from http://www.peo.on.ca/index.php/ci_id/20669/la_id/1.htm

Li, M. (2015). Engineers have a role to play in minimizing climate change. [weblog]. Retrieved from http://blogs.aecom.com/engineers-have-a-role-to-play-in-minimizing-climate-change/

Mair, R., & Warry, P. (2010). Opinion: Infrastructure engineering and climate change adaptation. Ingenia, (45), 11. Retrieved from http://www.ingenia.org.uk/ingenia/issues/issue45/issue45_opinion.pdf