Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Portfolio task 1: Earth needs engineers

Environmental problem is one of the greatest challenge our world is facing. This is one of the outcome of development. The burning of fossil fuels caused rising in planet’s temperature and threatened disruptive effects on climate. It could cause a disastrous effect, making our planet no longer suitable for living things. This is just one of the problem. With combination of other environmental problem, the possibility of the worst case - extinction of human beings is not really equal to zero. In my opinion, engineers play an essential role in the effort of saving our world. Despite building the world’s highest building, the fastest car, the cleverest robot, engineers should really do something to save our only earth. And in fact, they are doing so, for example engineers have explored technological methods of capturing the carbon dioxide produced from fuel burning and sequestering it underground(National Academy of Engineering, 2008). With the creativity and innovation that lie in engineers mind, there will sure be more and more environmental friendly technology. Moreover, the resource on our earth is finite. How will the world be if fossil fuels run out one day? It is still our main energy-source. That may happened after decades. In fact, the potential of environmentally friendly power such as sunshine is big, although with some technical challenges. However, this is why we need engineers. Engineers is called to be “engineers” as they solve problems, tackle challenges. Engineers used to build up this world. There is no way for them to leave it being destroyed in such manner. There will be a big success if engineers really put efforts in environment problem. Let’s count on engineers, who promised to make world a better place.



National Academy of Engineering. (2008, February). Introduction to the grand challenges of engineering. Retrieved June 3, 2008, from http://engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9221/.aspx

4 comments:

Haoz said...

I know that engineers are also known as problem solvers as they known for their analytical skills. Environment problems and resources depleting are certainly challenges engineers have to face. However its not only the problem of engineers themselves but also the problem of some other professions like scientists and researches. I just feel that all these professions including engineers have to work together to solve these challenges.

Jiang Tian said...

I agree that environment problem will be the biggest problem in this century. As the gasolene's price keeps at a high stage, the market as will as those car owner wants to discover a new engergy to repalce the fossil fuel.
All the engineers togerther with all the scientists should work it out as soon as possible.

Jacky said...

Hi,Yung Siang. you share your viewpoint of global warming about the environmental issue. you also give one specific example of the solutions. however, the way you talk about energy in the later part may seem not suitable in the context. you can change it into" engineers are also trying to find clear energy like solar energy to replace fossil fuels to reduce carbon dioxide emission. "then reorganise and it will look better. just my own opinion

yung siang said...

Hi Jacky, thanks for your suggestion! I wrote in that way as I wanted to make some emphasize on the consequences. Though now I read again it seems to be a bit clumsy, hahah! And thanks also for the comments from Lihao and Jiangtian!