Climate change, politics and the civil engineering profession

Abstract

Civil engineers, by nature of their work, have a sound understanding of the environment, are experienced in problem solving and are expert in risk management. Arguably, they are thus more suited to forming public policy than most politicians. After reviewing reasons for the current political under-representation of the profession, this paper identifies how this situation could be changed and the barriers preventing such change. The paper concludes that, in order for the world to adapt to the challenges presented by climate change, governments worldwide must make use of engineers and scientists to provide technical expertise and help politicians produce effective policies. In the case of civil engineering, this requires greater self-promotion by individuals and governing institutions, a change in educational syllabuses, and realisation and cooperation from governments.