Our man with a passion for innovation

Humans are the most amazing animal and have over their short existence on Earth achieved the most incredible feats of engineering and technology. Unfortunately this has come at a price, and we are now seeing the effects of our endeavours on the planet.

I am optimistic about our ability to apply ourselves to solve these problems, even as far as reversing climate change. But, can we do it in time? That is the big question.

Engineering change

Civil engineers, alongside other engineering professions, will be at the forefront of innovating and delivering these solutions. Finding lower carbon footprint methods of construction alongside designing and constructing green energy power plants is essential. We are starting, but way behind where we need to be in producing non-fossil fuels.

Think on this… 84% of the Earth’s volume is still molten after 4.6 billion years! Why is Iceland and Greenland not the new Middle East? They should be using the abundant geothermal energy to produce 100% carbon free hydrogen as a fuel for world consumption.

Tidal power does not have to use environmentally damaging barrages. The UK has on the mainland alone, nearly 18,000km of coastline with huge tides and flow of water. Submerged turbines have got to be part of the solution.