As we strive to recover from the effects of Covid-19 on our economy, it gives us an important opportunity to do things differently.
2 min read
The IET have responded to Wera Hobhouse's article on The House Live.
James Robottom, Sustainability and Climate Change Lead at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), said:
“As we strive to recover from the effects of Covid-19 on our economy, it gives us an important opportunity to do things differently. Returning to ‘the way things were’ before the pandemic should not be the preferred option. This should be an opportunity to build a better global economy, putting decarbonisation, climate change and our natural environment at the heart of it.
“The responsibility to drastically reduce our impact on the climate falls on all areas, industries and sections of society. Decarbonising quickly and effectively requires urgent, clear and decisive leadership and relies on establishing the infrastructure, systems and governance for long term sustainability. Most of these issues will require unprecedented collaborative action and we believe that engineering is central to delivering them.
“Engineers have the skills, insights and ingenuity to help tackle climate change in ways that optimise efficiency, economy, safety and the natural world. Engineers are problem solvers and innovators, with a unique perspective on the world. It is essential that the impacts of any new technology and innovation are considered, that resilience and adaptation are built in and that any view of the long term must consider the ethical implications on future generations and the impact on their environment by decisions made today.”
