Building a World of Opportunity Engineers Without Borders

What is engineering? Engineering: the application of science to the needs of humanity Main focus of this lecture is on global engineering, but before we can discuss this we need to develop an idea on what engineering really is. Based on this definition we can see that engineering is characterized by the application of technical principles/skills on structures, machines, processes and systems. Throughout our education the majority of the focus may be on the more technical side of engineering in order for us to develop basic skills for problem solving, but as we develop our skills, other things come into play…..<possibly insert ideas on non-technincal aspect of engineering … link to systems development>

What is sustainability? Sustainability: the ability of a system to sustain its self under social, ecological, and economical criteria NOT JUST ENVIRONMENTAL

Importance of Sustainability Applications: Day-to-day decisions Environment Design Profession Importance: Sustainable profession: Appears in the decisions we take throughout our careers Ultimately, what we do day-to-day affects others at home and abroad! We hear the buzz word sustainability very often now in our daily lives, but what does it really mean to engineers and how can we apply it, and why is it so important? Applications of sustainability (commonly used ideas it is associated with) In the professions how does sustainability take its role? - decisions we make through our careers - what we do as engineers, citizens, students affects other people around the world <philosophical interconnection between people>

Global Engineering Global engineers…. Engage a variety of stakeholders to drive innovation and create change Question and contribute to corporate practice to ensure positive social, political, environmental and economic impact Seek opportunities to learn and grow so that they can improve their contributions to society Give examples on each area where our actions affect others, as an engineer, citizen, student

EWB’s Vision

Global Engineering! Global engineers can create change and contribute to tackling the world’s greatest problems: Global inequality Climate crisis Natural disasters Let’s look at global inequality

Development Development is about creating opportunity. Many communities in the world exist in a state of uncertainty. Development deals with livelihoods and the ability of individuals to live a life full of opportunity. How does EWB see development? What does EWB do? How do these link into global engineering/sustainable profession

Why do Development? Drastic disparity in opportunity around the world Opportunity, livelihood, and wellbeing are inter connected Development is a complex issue Despite a cast amount of work and time root problems still exist

Joseph Bala Joseph Bala works almost twelve hours a day, seven days a week He has built his own well to make sure his family always has water Despite his efforts the life of his family is full of uncertainty

A development problem Consider access to water and sanitation

Is this a solution? Insert video….

Water supply has traditionally been seen as part of the discipline of engineering and consequently has suffered from the engineering mindset of 'design and build'. The reason this approach has had limited success is that water supply is about much more than the provision of physical infrastructure. Just as healthcare is seen as an ongoing service for which there will always be demand, so too is water supply. (Rural Water Supply Sustainability, Peter Harvey, pg 19)

EWB’s Role EWB works in four countries: Burkina Faso, Ghana, Malawi, and Zambia EWB takes a hands on capacity building approach to development We work with local partners to: Learn Share lessons we have learned Build the effectiveness and efficiency of their programs Our work is not technical! We do not build. Our volunteers are not all engineers.

EWB’s Role Consider the country of Malawi and the Water and Sanitation Sector The Rural Water Supply Network estimates that 34% of hand pumps previously installed in Sub- Saharan Africa are currently nonfunctional EWB works with the government of Malawi and local partners to map water points and determine when and why they break down EWB also works to establish networks to maintain water points Malawi

EWB’s Role In Canada EWB works to create a world of opportunity by: Encouraging global citizenship Fostering global engineering Advocating for more effective policy towards Africa

Global Engineering Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb1MrCHlArE

So, what can you do?

Global Engineering Actions Buy Fair trade products Join a social change movement (ie EWB, WUSC) Question your employers Social Corporate Responsibility Policy Learn about global issues Question the Government of Canada’s policies Talk to your MP!