Environmental Engineering for the 21st Century: Addressing Grand Challenges (2019)
Chapter: front matter.
CONSENSUS STUDY REPORT
Environmental Engineering for the 21st Century
Addressing Grand Challenges
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COMMITTEE ON THE GRAND CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING FOR THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY
Division on Earth and Life Studies
Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences
National Academy of Engineering
Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources
Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate
Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology
Board on Earth Sciences and Resources
Board on Energy and Environmental Systems (DEPS)
Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology
Board on Life Sciences
NAE Office of Programs
Ocean Studies Board
Water Science and Technology Board
A Consensus Study Report of
THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES PRESS Washington, DC www.nap.edu
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This activity and material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 10002678, the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Biological and Environmental Research, under Award No. DE-SC0016218, and the California Delta Stewardship Council under California State Award No. 1725. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or agency that provided support for the project.
International Standard Book Number-13: 978-0-309-47652-2 International Standard Book Number-10: 0-309-47652-6 https://doi.org/10.17226/25121 Cover photo credit: Prashanth Vishwanathan/IMWI
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Copyright 2019 by the National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America
Suggested citation: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Environmental Engineering for the 21st Century: Addressing Grand Challenges . Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: https://doi.org/10.17226/25121 .
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) was established in 1863 by an Act of Congress, signed by President Lincoln, as a private, nongovernmental institution to advise the nation on issues related to science and technology. Members are elected by their peers for outstanding contributions to research. Dr. Marcia McNutt is president.
The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) was established in 1964 under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences to bring the practices of engineering to advising the nation. Members are elected by their peers for extraordinary contributions to engineering. Dr. C. D. Mote, Jr., is president.
The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) formerly the Institute of Medicine) was established in 1970 under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences to advise the nation on medical and health issues. Members are elected by their peers for distinguished contributions to medicine and health. Dr. Victor J. Dzau is president.
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Learn more about the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine at www.nationalacademies.org .
Consensus Study Reports published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine document the evidence-based consensus on the study’s statement of task by an authoring committee of experts. Reports typically include findings, conclusions, and recommendations based on information gathered by the committee and committee deliberations. Each report has been subjected to a rigorous and independent peer review process and it represents the position of the National Academies on the statement of task.
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COMMITTEE ON GRAND CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING FOR THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY
Domenico Grasso, Chair, University of Michigan, Dearborn
Craig H. Benson (NAE), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Amanda Carrico, University of Colorado, Boulder
Kartik Chandran, Columbia University, New York City
G. Wayne Clough (NAE), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
John C. Crittenden (NAE), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
Daniel S. Greenbaum, Health Effects Institute, Boston, MA
Steven P. Hamburg, Environmental Defense Fund, Belmont, MA
Thomas C. Harmon, University of California, Merced
James M. Hughes (NAM), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Kimberly L. Jones, Howard University, Washington DC
Linsey C. Marr, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg
Robert Perciasepe, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, Arlington, VA
Stephen Polasky (NAS), University of Minnesota, St. Paul
Maxine L. Savitz (NAE), Honeywell, Inc. ( retired ), Los Angeles, CA
Norman R. Scott (NAE), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
R. Rhodes Trussell (NAE), Trussell Technologies, Inc., Pasadena, CA
Julie B. Zimmerman, Yale University, New Haven, CT
NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF SCIENCES, ENGINEERING, AND MEDICINE STAFF
Stephanie E. Johnson, Study Director, Water Science and Technology Board
Nancy Huddleston, Communications Director, Division on Earth and Life Studies
Kara Laney, Senior Program Officer, Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources
Anne Johnson, Consultant Science Writer
Brendan R. McGovern, Research Assistant, Water Science and Technology Board
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened a committee of prominent environmental engineers, scientists, and policy experts to identify grand challenges and opportunities in environmental engineering for the next several decades. The committee was also asked to describe how the field of environmental engineering and its aligned sciences might evolve to better address these needs. The study was sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and the Delta Stewardship Council (see Appendix A for the full statement of task).
Rather than focusing on specific environmental engineering challenges, the committee chose to identify the most pressing challenges of the 21st century for which the expertise of environmental engineering will be needed to help resolve or manage. The committee sought input from the scientific community, nongovernmental organizations, and the broader public and benefited from ideas produced from four prior Association of Environmental Engineering & Science Professors workshops on Grand Challenges. 1 In total, over 450 ideas for grand challenges were submitted. This report identifies five broad and interconnected challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that people and ecosystems thrive. For each challenge, the committee discussed areas where knowledge and technological advances are needed and provided examples of potential roles for environmental engineers.
The study is modeled on the NAE Grand Challenges for Engineering , a 2008 study from the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) that identified 14 engineering challenges that, if achieved, have the potential to radically improve life on the planet. The NAE Grand Challenges cover health, sustainability, security, and joy of living, and several overlap with the challenges discussed here, including to provide access to clean water, develop carbon sequestration methods, make solar energy affordable, manage the nitrogen cycle, and restore and improve urban infrastructure. The NAE study and subsequent outreach efforts have inspired numerous educational initiatives, including the undergraduate NAE Grand Challenges Scholars Program aimed at creating engineers specially equipped to address 21st century challenges. The committee hopes that this study will help
produce substantive progress toward meeting the critical challenges of the 21st century through advances in environmental engineering education, research, and practice.
This Consensus Study Report was reviewed in draft form by individuals chosen for their diverse perspectives and technical expertise. The purpose of this independent review is to provide candid and critical comments that will assist the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in making each published report as sound as possible and to ensure that it meets the institutional standards for quality, objectivity, evidence, and responsiveness to the study charge. The review comments and draft manuscript remain confidential to protect the integrity of the deliberative process. We thank the following individuals for their review of this report: Robert F. Breiman, NAM, Emory University; Paul R. Brown, Paul Redvers Brown Inc; Virginia Burkett, U.S. Geological Survey; Greg Characklis, University of North Carolina; Paul Ferrão, Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal; Peter Gleick, NAS, Pacific Institute for Studies in Development, Environment, and Security; Patricia Holden, University of California, Santa Barbara; James H. Johnson Jr., Howard University; Michael C. Kavanaugh, NAE, Geosyntec Consultants; Daniele Lantagne, Tufts University; David Lobell, Stanford University, Al McGartland, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; James R. Mihelcic, University of South Florida; Patrick M. Reed, Cornell University; Jerry L. Schnoor, NAE, University of Iowa; Peter Schultz, ICF International; John Volckens, Colorado State University; Robyn S. Wilson, Ohio State University; and Yannis C. Yortsos, NAE, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
Although the reviewers listed above provided many constructive comments and suggestions, they were not asked to endorse the conclusions or recommendations of this report nor did they see the final draft before its release. The review of this report was overseen by Chris Hendrickson, Carnegie Mellon University, and Jared Cohon, Carnegie Mellon University. They were responsible for making certain that an independent examination of this report was carried out in accordance with the standards of the National Academies and that all review comments were carefully considered. Responsibility for the final content rests entirely with the authoring committee and the National Academies.
___________________
1 See https://aeesp.org/nsf-aeesp-grand-challenges-workshops .
Introduction
Grand Challenge 1: Sustainably Supply Food, Water, and Energy
Grand Challenge 2: Curb Climate Change and Adapt to Its Impacts
Grand Challenge 3: Design a Future Without Pollution or Waste
Grand Challenge 4: Create Efficient, Healthy, Resilient Cities
Grand Challenge 5: Foster Informed Decisions and Actions
The Ultimate Challenge for Environmental Engineering: Preparing the Field to Address a New Future
Endnotes and Figure Sources
A Statement of Task
B Biographical Sketches of Committee Members
Environmental engineers support the well-being of people and the planet in areas where the two intersect. Over the decades the field has improved countless lives through innovative systems for delivering water, treating waste, and preventing and remediating pollution in air, water, and soil. These achievements are a testament to the multidisciplinary, pragmatic, systems-oriented approach that characterizes environmental engineering.
Environmental Engineering for the 21st Century: Addressing Grand Challenges outlines the crucial role for environmental engineers in this period of dramatic growth and change. The report identifies five pressing challenges of the 21st century that environmental engineers are uniquely poised to help advance: sustainably supply food, water, and energy; curb climate change and adapt to its impacts; design a future without pollution and waste; create efficient, healthy, resilient cities; and foster informed decisions and actions.
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What does an environmental engineer do?
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What is an Environmental Engineer?
An environmental engineer applies principles of engineering, chemistry, biology, and geology to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable solutions. These engineers work on projects that aim to protect and enhance the environment, managing issues such as air and water pollution, waste management, and the impact of human activities on ecosystems.
Environmental engineers design and implement technologies to mitigate environmental impacts, conduct environmental assessments, and develop strategies for sustainable resource management, contributing to the overall well-being of both human populations and the natural world.
What does an Environmental Engineer do?
Environmental engineers are essential for addressing and mitigating the environmental challenges we face today. They play an important role in preserving and protecting our natural resources, such as air, water, and land. By designing and implementing sustainable solutions, they help minimize pollution and reduce the negative impact of human activities on the environment.
Duties and Responsibilities Environmental engineers have diverse duties and responsibilities aimed at addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices. Here is a detailed overview of their typical roles and responsibilities:
- Environmental Assessments: Environmental engineers conduct assessments to evaluate the impact of human activities on the environment. They analyze data, conduct field investigations, and prepare reports assessing the quality of air, water, and soil. These assessments help in identifying potential risks and developing strategies for pollution prevention and environmental conservation.
- Environmental Planning and Management: Environmental engineers develop and implement plans to manage natural resources and mitigate the environmental impact of various projects. They collaborate with stakeholders to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability goals. They also work on environmental management systems, waste management plans, and environmental impact assessments for construction, industrial, or infrastructure projects.
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Types of Environmental Engineers There are various specializations within the field of environmental engineering, each focusing on specific aspects of environmental protection and sustainability. Here are a few types of environmental engineers and their respective roles:
- Water Resources Engineers : Water resources engineers specialize in managing and conserving water resources. They design and develop water supply systems, irrigation systems, and flood control measures. They assess water quality, study hydrological patterns, and develop strategies for water resource sustainability and conservation. Water resources engineers may also work on projects related to wastewater treatment and stormwater management.
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- Sustainable Energy Engineers: Sustainable energy engineers work on renewable energy projects and energy efficiency initiatives. They design and optimize systems for solar power, wind energy, biomass, and other renewable energy sources. They analyze energy consumption patterns, conduct energy audits, and develop strategies for energy conservation and sustainability. Sustainable energy engineers may also work on grid integration, energy storage, and the development of sustainable energy policies.
- Environmental Impact Assessment Engineers: Environmental impact assessment (EIA) engineers specialize in conducting assessments to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of projects, policies, or activities. They assess the risks, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. EIA engineers study the ecological, social, and economic impacts of proposed projects and provide recommendations to minimize negative effects and promote sustainability.
Are you suited to be an environmental engineer?
Environmental engineers have distinct personalities . They tend to be investigative individuals, which means they’re intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive. They are curious, methodical, rational, analytical, and logical. Some of them are also conventional, meaning they’re conscientious and conservative.
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Environmental engineers can work in a variety of settings, including offices, laboratories, and field sites. They may also spend time visiting client sites, conducting environmental assessments, or overseeing project implementation.
In office settings, environmental engineers engage in tasks such as data analysis, report writing, and design work. They use specialized software for modeling and simulation, conduct research, and collaborate with colleagues on project planning and development. Office environments provide a space for engineers to analyze data, develop environmental management plans, and communicate with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.
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Fieldwork is also a crucial aspect of an environmental engineer's workplace. They may visit construction sites, industrial facilities, or natural environments to assess and monitor environmental conditions, collect samples, and oversee the implementation of environmental control measures. Fieldwork may involve tasks such as site inspections, environmental sampling, conducting environmental impact assessments, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Environmental engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including other engineers, scientists, technicians, and regulatory agencies. They may work closely with professionals from different backgrounds to address complex environmental issues and develop effective solutions. Effective communication and collaboration are vital in the workplace of an environmental engineer, as they interact with clients, stakeholders, and the public to ensure environmental protection and compliance.
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