Climate change is one of the most critical issues currently facing the planet and humanity. No country is immune to the effects of climate change. Its toll is now playing out across the globe in worsening weather conditions, increased natural disasters and loss of species.
Climate change is also a defining issue for the engineering profession. As those who design the world around us, engineers have an opportunity and an obligation to come together to create solutions.
The findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change show that a 45 per cent reduction on 2010 emissions levels by 2030 and net zero by 2050 is needed to halt global warming to 1.5°C by 2100.
We believe meeting emissions targets requires the use of proven technologies, coupled with crucial changes to established practices and systems. This means continuous improvement in energy efficiency such as retrofitting, repowering and repurposing engineering assets as well as developing sustainable future technologies.
Our position
At Engineers Australia, working on climate change solutions through our policy and advocacy work is core to our business. Our work on climate change is guided by our Climate Change Position Statement.
Our position statement supports rapid and wide ranging action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero and adapt to the changing climate. It also recognises that practical, innovative engineering will be essential to achieving these goals.
We work closely with members and the wider profession to develop Engineers Australia’s climate policy platform and drive the public conversation forward. We also engage regularly with government and parliamentary inquiries on climate-related issues.
Climate smart engineering initiative
Our Climate Smart Engineering Initiative (CSEI) supports engineering innovators and changemakers to discuss, partner and collaborate on climate solutions in their professional lives.
The CSEI is laid out in the Climate Action Plan which:
- Serves as a central framework to centralise climate action within Engineers Australia and our membership.
- Encourages practical commitment to engineering-climate leadership.
- Identifies high-value engineering opportunities that align the systems and innovations necessary to de-carbonise Australia’s economy.
- Informs decision making on future engineering works and investments.
- Advocates for high value, real solutions that lead to measurable emissions reductions.
Visit the CSEI information hub to learn more about this initiative. You can also email us if you’re interested in getting involved.