NSBE - January/February 2008 - (Page 59)

THInKInG GREEN Engineering a Cooler Planet B y P a m e l a R . B i n g h a m , N S BE- A E Envir onmental Engine ering Spe cial Inter e s t Gr oup “As climate changes, lowincome communities will be disproportionately affected It is also true that poor countries will be disproportionately affected.” — Sen. Barack Obama T Photo by Roy Lewis here is an urgent need for engineers to engage in the responses to climate change, or “global warming.” Global warming is the gradual worldwide rise in surface temperature observed across the entire planet in recent decades. This phenomenon, scientists now know, is being caused by the unprecedented buildup of the “greenhouse gas” carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere, as a result of mankind’s burning of fossil fuels. Why does it matter? If left unchecked and uncorrected, global warming could lead to rising sea levels; flooding of lowlying areas such as New Orleans, Miami and Manhattan; significantly increased storms; more frequent and severe droughts; an increase in the number and effects of diseases and harmful insects; and the loss of many species of animals and plants. Warren M. Washington, Ph.D., head of climate change research at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colo., was one of several panelists at a Washington, D.C., workshop on climate change sponsored by Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.). The workshop, which had more than 700 participants — most of them African American — took place at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. 37th Annual Legislative Conference in September. “There are people who believe that climate change doesn’t exist,” Dr. Washington acknowledged. “I think that education of everyone about this issue is important…. Connect with environmental justice training around climate change and global warming. Fighting for climate change is a fight for environmental justice.” DriviNG SoluTioNS During the workshop, Sen. Obama was asked, “Should climate change matter as a top priority to low-income people who are concerned about other issues?” His response: “As climate changes, low-income communities will be disproportionately affected…. It is also true that poor countries will be disproportionately affected. “Huge global capital funds are being developed (to combat the problem),” he continued. “The challenge is for us to take the lead and be in the driver’s seat on these issues.” The opportunities the problem is creating for engineers and scientists are extensive and include research and analysis in meteorology, computer modeling, new industrial methods and new technologies such as “clean coal” and carbon sequestration. There is also a role for engineers in the construction arena. The American Institute of Architects recognizes that buildings account for half of all greenhouse gas emissions. “Green building” technologies and green building techniques to curb CO2 emissions will be critical. Climate change career options include these job titles, among others: atmospheric scientist or meteorologist; computer modeler; engineer (in many specialties); scientist (in many fields); and business, financial or policy analyst in carbon trading and the other financial mechanisms devised to reduce global warming. See www.sustainablebusiness.com/jobs for a list of “green” jobs. Environmental workshops are being planned for the 2008 NSBE Annual National Convention and NSBE regional conferences and chapter meetings. Engineering students and professionals must take action, now. There is only one Earth to call home. ■ For more information about fighting climate change, see the online version of this article at www.nsbe.org/publications. • january/february 2008 • 59 www.nsbe.org http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/jobs http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/jobs http://www.nsbe.org/publications http://www.nsbe.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NSBE - January/February 2008

NSBE - January/February 2008
Contents
The Pursuit of Excellence
Using Our Power
The Power of Belief
Saying It Well
Premier Profile: Owen Weston of U.S. Steel
NSBE Protégés Receive White House Honor
Regional News
International News
Fostering Competitiveness Through Innovation and Diversity
'Netting a Job
Why Graduate School?
NSBE Love
NSBE Calendar
"Igniting the Torch: Engineering in Action"
NSBE Golden Torch Awards
The AE Niche
Thinking Green
AE Members On the Move
CE Cover: Rough Road, Fun Ride
Join NSBE's Journey to Mars!
Advertisers Index

NSBE - January/February 2008