Solutions for Climate Change

Great choice of topics for the March magazine. Climate change is something we all need to be focusing on. It takes a lot more vision than simply solving the problems of the day.

Scott Connor, P.E.
Walker, MI

What engineers can do is limited to what is caused by humans not what is naturally occurring. There is a need to clearly differentiate this and avoid fear mongering. I have spent time in the artic and know that polar bear population is increasing, as an example. Engineers need to work to inform of the effect that deforestation causes and create alternative building supplies that do not deplete other resources, as another example. Electric vehicles are not a solution, as the products used in the vehicle create very hazardous problems and utilize immense energy to create in the first place. Yet the engineering profession seems to push this technology without regard to the consequences, which are worse than petro-fueled vehicles. Engineers need to stick to engineering solutions but also need to highlight those issues we have no control over.

Norm Arendt, Ph.D.
Stoughton, WI

It seems to me, we as engineers are arriving late to the climate issues. I have thought for years we could be more proactive and engaged for educational programs, awareness, and solutions.

I do believe the climate is changing. I base that on past information I have seen for years that climate is cyclical. We need to focus our efforts on the cycles of the past and what if any impact we can have on the new change that is happening.

I don’t want the political discourse but take past excursions and, using proper substantiated data, chart a course for how best to cope with the future.

William Gregory, P.E.
Davidsville, PA

‘Nefarious Undertones’

I wonder who is pushing for this? (“New Jersey Contractor ‘Tracking’ Bill Resurfaces,” PE Scope, April) TransparentBusiness must have paid a lot of money to someone to get that ball rolling. It may have some good points, but I think there are nefarious undertones. Everyone gets hacked sooner or later. Colluding takes place. What is the desire to take screen shots and keystrokes records? The states would have to pay someone to process the data. Up go the taxes. Just because you can do something with the digital data does not mean it is a good idea.

Robert Bellamy, P.E., L.S.
Myrtle Beach, SC

Unlocking Potential

Some great information on diversity, equity, and inclusion and what NSPE is doing has come out recently in PE magazine: “Ending Missed Opportunities” and “Why Women Choose, and Stay In, Engineering” (January/February)

In the article “Ending Missed Opportunities,” the following questions were asked:

1. What are the factors that needlessly inhibit or prevent some of the individuals who are vital to the future of the profession and our professional society from achieving full participation in that future?
2. Where are the social and professional assets that are being left behind, assets that could be productively invested in our shared mission?
3. And what can we do to unlock that potential?
4. What are your thoughts?

Personally, I would like to see more on confidence building and engagement by engineers under 50. Not only building the case for why getting a PE is important, valuable, but also building the confidence of young engineers that they can succeed in the exams and as a professional engineer.

Jennifer Cooper, P.E.
Madison, AL

BuffaloSewer @BuffaloSewer Feb 24
Our very own Catherine Knab, P.E. is @NSPE New York, Erie Niagara Chapter’s Engineer of the Year! Congratulations from everyone here at Buffalo Sewer and what an awesome way to close out Engineers week!