As the planet continues to heat up and waste production stays at a high level, we’re gradually nearing ever closer to a point of no return. Climate change experts believe the next ten years are crucial for life on Earth. If things don’t change, we may do irreversible damage that slowly makes the planet uninhabitable.
With this in mind, it casts a spotlight on environmental engineering. This is not a new concept or industry, but it could well be the most important thing in the coming decade. If we want our planet to change and cool down, environmental engineering must be at the heart of the discussion – and here’s why.
Decrease pollution in city areas
Advancements in environmental engineering are constantly working towards solving the pollution problem. We have already seen ideas that go a long way to doing this, such as green roofs or hybrid/electric vehicles. These concepts help to either remove CO2 from the atmosphere and produce more oxygen or prevent it from being generated in the first place.
Over the next ten years, expect more work to go into this, gradually decreasing the effect of pollution on the planet. Reducing carbon emissions can lower the temperature or at least stop it from getting any warmer and impacting the climate.
Work closely with governments to enact new legislation
Again, this is something we’re seeing all over the world. As noted on the Hunt & Hunt Lawyers website, many businesses in Australia are looking into things like the ACCU scheme (formerly known as the Emissions Reduction Fund). This is a scheme that helps businesses run projects that avoid the release of greenhouse gas emissions.
Schemes like this exist in other countries – and they wouldn’t be possible without environmental engineers. Engineers develop technologies that allow these schemes to run and make the idea of zero-carbon projects a reality. If they continue to work with the government and enact legislation from the top, it could impact things like the construction industry and help make it a lot greener.
Develop new renewable energy sources
One of the main secrets to reducing carbon emissions and saving the planet is switching to renewable energy sources. We already see solar panels and wind turbines all over the place, making huge contributions to stop the burning of fossil fuels.
Nevertheless, as we look ahead to the next decade, environmental engineers will be working overtime to conjure up new and more affordable/accessible renewable energy sources. If they can create new ways to generate energy without releasing carbon emissions, it could be enough to transform our fortunes and save the planet.
So, to answer the question in the title, yes, environmental engineering is arguably the most important industry in the upcoming 10 years. It is where sustainable ideas are created to help the planet fight back against global warming and climate change. Without environmental engineers, there would already be no hope. We’ve already seen loads of developments in the past, so let’s hope there are even more to come in the future.
