Engineering innovations like tidal power generation and hemp concrete offer sustainable alternatives to traditional concrete and energy sources. The construction industry is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, making the adoption of hempcrete particularly beneficial as it is carbon neutral. Similarly, tidal power is a renewable energy source that generates power without emitting greenhouse gases. In both cases, engineers are developing solutions to reduce emissions and address future environmental challenges.
Modernization and globalization have significantly impacted the natural environments of coastal communities. As transportation has become faster and more accessible, resources and people can travel more easily. Consequently, small coastal communities are now more accessible to the average person, leading to increased tourism. Unfortunately, this influx of visitors can harm ecosystems, as tourism often leads to littering and environmental degradation when tourists fail to respect the surroundings. Additionally, globalization, driven by large-scale transportation, contributes to carbon dioxide emissions and air pollution. As fossil fuel consumption increases globally, so do the emissions of greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming. The intensification of global warming can adversely affect the natural environments of coastal communities, with rising sea levels, increasing ocean temperatures, and ocean acidification as some of the resulting issues.
During my visit to a research center, the manager shared that commercial fishing is also a significant contributor to pollution, particularly due to its reliance on plastic, much of which is improperly disposed of. This plastic often ends up as litter on beaches, further exacerbating the environmental challenges faced by coastal areas.
Swanson School of Engineering 