The impacts of global climate change are a clarion call for immediate action. If we continue on our current path of environmental destruction, it is estimated that by 2030, climate change will cause over 250,000 deaths annually. Addressing this crisis requires a multidisciplinary approach, global cooperation, and localized solutions independent of large-scale infrastructure. Environmental engineers will be crucial in developing the technology needed to ensure our planet can sustain life for future generations.
Historical Context and Modern Applications of Environmental Engineering
For millennia, humans have modified their environments to make potable water more accessible, provide sanitation systems that prevent disease, reduce air pollution, and create solutions that improve human health while protecting the environment. The practical applications of environmental engineering hold the potential to address the plastic crisis, climate crisis, global sanitation issues, the environmental impact of meat consumption, and the detrimental effects of fossil-fuel-based air travel.
Environmental Impact of Cement and Sustainable Alternatives
Cement, a widely used material, is responsible for 5-6% of annual carbon emissions, making it the third-largest source of emissions after fossil fuels and deforestation. The high carbon emissions from cement production stem from the decarbonization of limestone, a process that generates significant carbon dioxide. Additionally, the over-extraction of sand, a common aggregate in concrete, leads to ecosystem degradation and social conflicts.
Environmental engineers are developing innovative solutions to these problems. In Australia, researchers have created cement from waste glass, producing a stronger, lighter, and more environmentally friendly material. Similarly, researchers are exploring plant-based solutions, such as alginate from seaweed and cement-bonded wood products. In New Zealand, the ByFusion blocker transforms plastic waste into durable building blocks, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete.
Water Scarcity Solutions: Environmental Engineering
Water scarcity is a critical issue exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and urbanization. The United Nations reports that billions of people live in areas of severe water scarcity. Environmental engineers have developed Skywater technology to address this challenge by extracting water from the atmosphere. This innovative system can produce 2,000 liters of water per day using renewable energy and biomass gasification. The use of surplus shipping containers for the technology also addresses waste management.
Human Waste Management: Tiger Toilets
Sanitation is a significant global issue, with billions lacking access to proper facilities. The tiger toilet, a self-contained vermicomposting system, offers a solution. These toilets use tiger worms to process human waste, eliminating pathogens and producing nutrient-rich compost. They require no central sewage infrastructure, reduce odours, and prevent fly and mosquito infestations. Affordable and scalable, tiger toilets represent a major advancement in providing sanitation to underserved communities.
Reducing Meat’s Environmental Impact: Cell-Based Meat
The meat-centric Western diet contributes significantly to global emissions and deforestation. Environmental engineers are developing cell-based meat, which involves growing meat from animal cells in a lab. This method requires fewer resources and emits fewer greenhouse gases than traditional meat production. Companies are making strides in producing lab-grown meat that rivals traditional meat in taste and texture. Hybrid plant and cell-based ground meat options could soon be available, offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional meat.
Sustainable Air Travel: Electric Planes and Vertical Take-Offs
Air travel significantly impacts climate change, contributing to 4-9% of total human-induced global warming. The development of electric planes, like the Lilium Jet, offers a sustainable alternative. This 100% electric plane can travel at 300 km/h for one hour and take off vertically, reducing the need for traditional infrastructure. However, the environmental impact of battery production must be carefully managed to ensure the overall sustainability of electric aviation.
Conclusion
Environmental engineers are at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to combat climate change and ensure a sustainable future. From creating eco-friendly building materials to addressing water scarcity, improving sanitation, reducing meat consumption, and developing sustainable air travel, their work is crucial in our fight against climate change. By embracing multidisciplinary approaches and global cooperation, we can create a more resilient and sustainable world for future generations
