The Role of the Mechanical Engineer in the Environmental Problems of a Developing Technological Society

Abstract

The lecture briefly reviews the current fears for the future of civilization as we know it. It considers in greater detail the problems of the population explosion, the exhaustion of energy supplies, the exhaustion of raw materials and the pollution of our environment. It refers briefly to the study of pollution problems, or the whole world problem, by the creation of models and application of system dynamics to them as a method which may ultimately be able to provide predictive guidance to the most appropriate courses of action. The most serious problem is still the population explosion. The lecture discusses the contributions of engineers in providing solutions to the problems of energy and materials utilization and in overcoming pollution problems, and emphasizes the essential need for a much stronger professional body for engineers. Finally, it points to the need to introduce engineering students to these problems and the desirability of an ethical code which includes reference to the necessity of conserving energy and materials and avoiding unnecessary pollution.