ENGINEERING AND

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
 Background
Engineers play a crucial role in improving living
standards throughout the world. As a result, engineers
can have a significant impact on progress towards
sustainable development.

Rachel Carson is considered as one of the leaders of

the modern environmental movement. Her book entitled
Silent Spring, published in 1962 was the initial catalyst
that led to the creation of modern environmental
movement in the US like the establishing of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
 Definition of Terms
Sustainable Engineering
is defined as the design of human and industrial
systems to ensure that the humankinds use of natural
resources and cycles do not lead to diminished quality
of life due either to losses in future economic
opportunities or to adverse impacts on social conditions,
human health, and the environment.
Definition of Terms
Sustainable Development
development which meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of the future to
meet its needs
Developing Country
is one that has not reached the stage of economic
development characterized by the growth of
industrialization.
 Existing and Emerging
Environmental Issues
1. Globalization, trade and development
2. Growth of megacities
3. Human vulnerability to climate change
4. Freshwater depletion and degradation
5. Marine and coastal degradation
6. Population growth
7. Rising consumption in developing countries
8. Biodiversity depletion
Developments
Stockholm convention in 1972 resulted in the
creation of United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP).
Earth Summit in 1992 was the first global conference
to specifically address environmental and economic
issues.
World Summit in 2002 reaffirmed the principles of
sustainable development and adopted the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs)
Millennium Development Goals
Millennium Development Goals
Some Challenges for
Engineers
Population and Urbanization
Health WHO estimates that poor environmental
quality attributes to 25% of all preventable illnesses
in the world.
Water Scarcity, Conflict and Resolution
water scarcity is a situation where there is insufficient
water to satisfy normal human requirements. A
reasonable access to a water source availability of at
least 20 L/capita/day from a source of 1 km of the
users dwelling.
Some Challenges for
Engineers
Energy and Climate
Materials Flow and the Built Environment
Built environment is where we live, work, shop,
study, and play. It includes everything that is built.