Bioswales are patches of vegetation made up of grass, flowers, trees or other plants that absorb storm water runoff, helping to degrade or remove pollutants before it flows untreated into any nearby bodies of water, or into sewer systems. Here are some fun facts to explain environmental engineering. We often hear people arguing about global leaders not doing enough to conserve the planet. Energy accounts for at least 60% of the total emission of global greenhouse gases. What Is Environmental Geology? - Definition & Importance However, Americans are responsible for approximately 30% of global trash. Todays engineer has access to tools that were unavailable to pioneers like Bazalgette. The CO2 emissions by humans need to reduce by 45% by 2030 to limit issues related to climate change. National Geographic News. 18 May 2014. At the end of the program, you will have the laboratory skills and knowledge to compete with others in the industry. And to achieve this, we need to first understand what sustainability entails. The field will only increase in importance as that number grows. (June 16, 2013) http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/lostempires/roman/manual.html, Our Soil. "The bioswales of New York: A city plan to make more tree-stands and less sewage runoff." Buildings are going certifiably green. The discoveries during the international coastal clean-ups, 18. "About." Because it involves several processes, including transportation. We may earn a small commission, at no cost, when you purchase through links on this Home That is why an environmental engineer should have an aptitude for science, physics and math. (June 14, 2013) http://gigaom.com/2013/05/22/google-x-is-acquiring-high-altitude-wind-startup-makani-power/, Ferris, David. Your guide to a green and eco-friendly lifestyle. (June 11, 2013) http://archive.archaeology.org/1203/features/how_a_roman_aqueduct_works.html, Taylor, Rabun. The floor-level toilets have separate holes for liquids (which are diverted to pots outside) and solids, plus a cleansing water basin and a hole for users to drop a handful of lime, sawdust, ash or something similar after depositing solid waste to help with decomposition, moisture reduction and odor control. When we think of harnessing the power of wind to provide electricity, most of us probably think of windmills. UVGI systems use concentrated UV light to do so in a controlled manner, emitting shortwave ultraviolet-B and ultraviolet-C radiation at certain wavelengths, namely in the germicidal range between 200 and 320 nanometers -- often via a low-pressure mercury lamp. (June 17, 2013) http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/ozone-air-pollution-smog-0706, Squires, Nick. The amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, 14. By the Earths climate standards we are actually living in a quite cool era. For example, use the cruise control to save gas and consider the pros and cons of Drive Safe and Save to further reduce fuel consumption while also getting car insurance discounts. Modern environmental engineers work on solutions to issues like pollution reduction and cleanup, energy consumption and emissions, land erosion, water treatment and waste management in an effort to properly manage and maintain the quality of our soil, water and air. Some even involve toxic cleansing. Giving your car a break sustains the environment, 34. (June 11, 2013) http://archive.archaeology.org/1203/features/rome_aqua_traiana_aqueduct_carestia.html, Unicef, India. In 2003, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) sanctioned its use in hospitals in conjunction with air cleaning systems to help control the spread of TB. TEDEducation. But it also means learning new ways to approach problems. 7 Considerations for Pursuing an Environmental Law Career Trees breathe in carbon dioxide. Very few think kites. EngineerGirl - Interesting Facts about Environmental Engineering BSRIA. Although it can be challenging to live without paperwork, you can reduce and learn to live with less of it. Denmarks sustainability is promoted by its culture, and sustainability has been one of their cultures for centuries. One is alley cropping -- growing crops alongside rows of trees like oak, ash, walnut, pecan or other nut trees. As soon as people began living in groups, they needed to find ways to dispose of things that interfered with their way of life, things like waste and the need for clean water. You'll find them in manufacturing plants as they build systems to control waste. Disclaimer: This website may contain affiliate links. Environmental engineers are a little like doctors for the planet. That means environmental engineers work in almost every industry. The last decade recorded the five warmest years since recordings started. This is without a doubt one of the interesting facts about sustainability, however, Im personally not a big supporter of seaweed being used as human food. (June 16, 2013) http://www.zdnet.com/6-trends-that-will-drive-electric-vehicle-adoption-in-2013-7000009207/, CNN Money. Without all that, todays society would be no better off than London in the 1800s when cholera killed thousands or in the 1950s when coal pollution choked the city. Environmental Engineering - Texas A&M University Engineering Engineering means solving problems or innovating by applying math and science in a practical way. That means environmental engineers work in almost every industry. Climate campaigners worldwide gathered to organize the first climate strike in March 2019. Environmental Engineer | Science & Engineering Career "Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation." We reach our clients goals while maintaining high standards of environmental stewardship and future sustainability. "Bio Filtration Swales and Strips." "What are Environmental Engineers?" Biofiltration is the process of passing air or water through a porous, moist material containing microorganisms in order to remove odors and contaminants. November 14, 2012. Employment of health and safety engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Hopefully, some of those interesting facts and innovations about sustainability were unexpected and you learned something new! "Futuristic kite turbines generate high-altitude wind power." Health and Safety Engineers - Bureau of Labor Statistics February 22, 2000. The aqueducts were mainly made of materials like concrete, cement, brick and stone. Phys.org. Environmental engineering applies various scientific principles and ideas to help provide clean water, minimize pollution and improve the environment. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or other types of filtration can be used alongside UVGI to remove other contaminants that UV won't kill. "The Sewers of Paris: A Brief History." Around 27,000 trees are cut down each day just to produce toilet paper The world has over 3.04 trillion trees in the world. EngineerGirl - Fun Facts Taking a long shower can use up to 25 gallons of water. (June 16, 2013) http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/roman-aqueducts.htmlnova, Nova Online. Quick Facts | About | Civil & Environmental Engineering | Northwestern "Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Handbook: UVGI for Air and Surface Disinfection." On the other hand, this should not be an excuse to not act in reducing human-caused emissions. (June 11, 2013) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV-1To9DkJQ, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Environmental engineering is something that you can get a degree in these days, but the field is one that existed long before it had a name, begun at the dawn of civilization when we started modifying our environment to meet our needs. You may also develop ways to remediate areas damaged by hazardous spills or research ways to neutralize toxic materials before disposal. (June 8, 2013) http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/environmental-engineers.htm, California Department of Transportation. A senior environmental engineer leads many different projects for his organization. Giving your car a break also improves its longevity. You can create awareness and convince your friends and society. Thankfully, some great green technology companies have a solution for this issue. "Agroforestry Forest Farming." Because nothing can be more persuasive than irrefutable eco facts about sustainability and how human activities are affecting our planet. "Working Trees." (June 11, 2013) https://www.engineeringforchange.org/solution/library/view/detail/Sanitation/S00100, Environmental Protection Agency. There are many ways you can celebrate our beautiful planet this Earth Day. Proper clean water and waste treatment plans are extremely important to the health and success of a community. February 2009. In the long run, growing forests are drawing in carbon and distributing it to the soil. Water Science and Technology. A third is the creation of riparian forest buffers -- groups of trees, shrubs and grasses are planted as a buffer to prevent pollution and erosion of banks and waterways. Here are some simple, fun activities that anyone can try. Biofiltration is mainly used to destroy toxic emissions like fuel-generated hydrocarbons and certain types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). "Occupational Outlook Handbook - Environmental Engineers." This translates to about 9.8 million trees annually. According to various reports, weve added nearly 2.4 trillion tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. The existence of such assessment entities helps to bring environmentally friendly construction and operational practices into the mainstream, which is especially important since buildings apparently contribute more than 20 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in some areas [source: HVN Plus]. All rights reserved. Interesting Facts About Environmental Engineering Reader is supported. "Sacks of Human Waste Reveal Secrets of Ancient Rome." Environmental engineers work in a number of areas that can relate to air pollution, waste disposal, recycling, global warming, water pollution and other environmental issues. Environmental engineers are inventors. And this will have a greater positive impact. You still have to fill them up with gasoline, but the electric motor leads to gains in fuel efficiency by allowing the combustion engine to shut down while idling via automatic start/shutoff. The first recognized environmental engineer was Joseph Bazalgette, who managed London's initial large-scale municipal sanitary sewer system. See if there are any local community events in your area on Earth Day, or see what kind of events are happening at your school! Forbes. At the end of Earth Day, see how much you have collected and compare it to what other families have collected. However, this small percentage protects 80% of the biodiversity. November 28, 2012. (June 14, 2013) https://www.mtholyoke.edu/courses/rschwart/hist255-s01/mapping-paris/Paris_Sewers_Page.html, Shapley, Dan. 22 Fun Facts About The Environment Facts about trees 1. The percentage of children below the age of five declined from 32% (2000) to 21% (2019). As an environmental engineer you will be able to guide people towards reducing these dangers that past generations, including mine, have created. UVGI has been incorporated into ventilation ducts, heating and air conditioning systems and air disinfection units. Sustaining our environment, promoting economic growth, and eradicating poverty are the fights we often indulge in. March/April 2012, Volume 65, Number 2. Now lets dive into the most interesting environmental sustainability facts! "Biofiltration Strips." Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is due to the coming grand solar minimum that started in 2020 and will last until 2053. United States, India, Russia, and Japan respectively follow closely.