Memorandum 161
Submission from the Institution of Mechanical
Engineers
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
is a professional body representing 80,000 professional engineers,
working in all sectors of industry. The following evidence is
in submission to the Innovation, Universities and Skills Select
Committee geo-engineering engineering case study. The evidence
is structured in response to some, but not all, of the case study's
terms of reference.
1. The current and potential roles of engineering
and engineers in geo-engineering solutions to climate change
1.1. As greenhouse gas emissions continue
to rise and deforestation shows no sign of halting, geo-engineering
is emerging as a potential third branch of humankinds' response
to climate change. Alongside the more common mitigation and adaptation
approaches, geo-engineering has the potential to avert the effects
of climate change.
1.2. However, geo-engineering is an area
of activity that has to-date received little serious attention
from the engineering profession. Typically, the majority of the
concepts, ideas and schemes thus far suggested have been proposed
by the scientific community; professional engineers have rarely
engaged in assessment of their engineering feasibility. In the
Institution's view this has largely been due to the international
political community's focus on finding ways to reduce the amount
of carbon dioxide emitted.
1.3. As a discipline, geo-engineering is
still very much in its infancy. Much of the theory behind geo-engineering
is based on the principles of mechanical engineering; professional
engineers are critical to the conversion of geo-engineering concepts
and ideas into practical working devices and machines. Reflecting
this possibility, the Institution has recently begun to address
the subject area. Initially this will be aimed at raising awareness
within the profession of the potential future engagement of mechanical
engineers in geo-engineering. It is anticipated that the Institution
will increase its activities in this area in the coming years
and that the emphasis will shift with time to the dissemination
of technical knowledge and best practice.
2. The provision of university courses and
other forms of training relevant to geo-engineering in the UK
2.1. We are unaware of any specific geo-engineering
courses in the UK.
3. Geo-engineering and engaging young people
in the engineering profession
3.1. One of IMechE's key objectives is to inspire
and nurture the next generation of professionally qualified engineers.
To this end, in common with other engineering institutions, we
organise a number of outreach activities across the country that
use practical and technical based approaches to stimulate a continued
interest in engineering. Indeed, we find many young engineers
are motivated to address contemporary environmental challenges,
particularly in the areas of global warming and sustainability.
Geo-engineering solutions are one such challenge that therefore
offers an opportunity to engage young people in the profession.
3.2. In recognition of the potential of
geo-engineering to inspire young engineers, the Institution has
been working with its Young Members Executive Board to develop
an international competition based on teams of young engineers
making initial technical assessments of the feasibility and sustainability
of potential geo-engineering solutions. The competition will be
open to a wide range of young engineers and take place from November
'08 to March '09. It will culminate in a public final to be held
at IMechE headquarters in London. Outcomes from the competition
are intended to catalyse debate around geo-engineering solutions
to global warming.
4. The role of engineers in informing policy-makers
and the public regarding the potential costs, benefits and research
status of different geo-engineering schemes
4. Professional engineers are critical to
the conversion of geo-engineering concepts and ideas into practical
working devices and machines. Proposed schemes will require initial
assessment of their technical feasibility from the engineering
perspective. Some may require the development of new innovative
techniques both for their manufacture and operation. In the process
of making these initial assessments it will be necessary for engineers
to report on the availability of the required techniques, materials,
manufacturing and construction processes as well as identify the
risks associated with manufacture, installation, operation, maintenance
and decommissioning, together with the costs and benefits. Whereas
some information may be commercially sensitive, the engineering
profession will need to inform policy-makers and the public of
the potential costs, benefits and research status of geoengineering
schemes.
October 2008
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