As the world faces increasingly complex challenges, sustainable engineering becomes more necessary. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics and 3D impression, are transforming the way we address global problems.
Technology and knowledge can be a perfect binomial in the fight against climate change. In this context, the so -called green engineering becomes essential to address many of the most urgent problems, such as climatic crisis, water scarcity, poverty and social inequalities. The contribution of these engineering when developing innovative solutions to promote the efficient use of natural and energy resources is indispensable.
A more sustainable world needs innovative technologies and qualified professionals in areas related to environmental engineering. The market demands new labor profiles and training options must find a way to meet those economic and social needs.
The so -called green transition is already underway and requires knowledge, technology and investments. But also, professionals specialized in sustainability and circular economy, prepared to manage in these labor fields and generate innovation.
According to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in its 2025 report on the future of employment, the main engines of job growth in the coming years are the digital scope, the green transition and efforts to decarbonize the productive activity against the climate crisis.
Environmental Engineering
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges to overcome. The transition to renewable energy sources is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming.
According to the most recent report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) prepared by experts from around the world, reverting the effects of global warming is still possible and to achieve it they propose a series of measures, among which the reduction of methane emissions, stop deforestation, stop burn coal carbon dioxide to absorb them.
For experts it is important, to change agricultural production, reduce the use of fertilizers and reduce food waste. Also, the change in the use of fossil fuels for renewable energies and greater efficiency in the use of energy, would contribute in a determined way to reach zero net emissions of greenhouse gases. Without forgetting waste recycling or intelligent management of water resources.
In this green transition, innovation and technological development, associated with sustainability criteria, they are called to play an increasingly leading role in providing advanced technological solutions for a greenest future.
Alternative energies
Energy companies are developing, implementing and implementing innovative solutions that contribute to the energy transition and the fight against climate change.
In the case of Spain, the Naturgy energy company is designing collaborative networks, working hand in hand with universities, technological centers, associations and entrepreneurs. “This collaboration approach is key to face the complex challenges of the energy sector in an agile and efficient way,” in the words of Jesús Chasca, director of innovation of the exegetics.
An example of this public-private collaboration is a pilot project in which Naturgy and the Technological Institute of the Canary Islands (ITC) are working, to develop an innovative technology in the production of green hydrogen, in order to improve efficiency, reduce costs and facilitate the arrival of large-scale green hydrogen.
The project based on the use of electrolysis technology is characterized by significantly reducing the use of scarce and exhaustible materials, such as noble metals and offers flexibility and a rapid response, which makes it a solution for integration with renewable energy sources.
Plate highlights that the new technology not only promises a more efficient and profitable production, but also greater flexibility and self -efficiency. Similarly, Gonzalo Piernavieja, director of Scientific Research, Development and Technological Innovation of the ITC, emphasizes that the validation of leading technologies such as this is crucial to effectively integrate renewable energies into the energy system.
Job adaptation
This transition not only implies a change in technology and infrastructure, but also in the workforce that promotes these industries. The latest report of the World Economic Forum underlines that the training and recycling of workers are also fundamental to guarantee an effective energy transition. As traditional fossil fuel industries decrease and renewables grow, it is essential that workers acquire new skills and competences.
In fact, recycling the workforce is vital for the transition to green jobs, according to the report “Fostering Effective Energy Transition” of the World Economic Forum. Although there are challenges, the opportunities and benefits of training workers to adapt to the green economy are significant.
5 ways in which green engineering contributes to sustainable development
World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development is celebrated every year on March 4. This day, proclaimed by UNESCO in 2019, seeks to recognize and promote the importance of engineering in the creation of a more sustainable and equitable world for all.
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Renewable energy. Design and construction of solar, wind and hydraulic energy systems, which reduce the dependence of fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
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Water resources. Resolution of problems related to access to drinking water and sanitation, based on sustainability criteria.
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Resilient infrastructure. The civil engineer, with the construction of natural disaster infrastructure, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, protects communities and saves lives.
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Sustainable urbanization. Engineering solutions play a key role in the creation of smart cities, green infrastructure and efficient public transport, which reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and decrease air pollution.
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Circular economy. An important area is the creation of technologies that support recycling and reuse of materials to reduce waste.