Some Implications of Environmental Issues for Engineering Education

While it is recognized that man's technological demands are degrading the earth's biosphere, there is little agreement on what to do about it. What part has engineering played in all this? How can engineers contribute to the solution of ecological problems? Is the answer an “ecological ethic” and if so, how can it be developed? A discussion of these dilemmas and the role the university can play in developing educational programs involving both the natural and life sciences to establish an ecological ethic and help resolve some of the major environmental problems, is presented. The paper also explores how these programs can be made part of an engineer's education.