Business, finance, government and engineering leaders will come together next week to discuss the world’s most pressing issues at Engineers Australia’s inaugural Climate Smart Engineering (CSE) conference.
Held virtually on 16-17 November, CSE will address the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience through plenary sessions with influential speakers and a packed technical program.
Engineers Australia CEO Dr Bronwyn Evans AM HonFIEAust CPEng said the event comes at a critical juncture, just a week after COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, and following the Australian government’s commitment to reach net zero by 2050.
“We will use deliberations and decisions in both Glasgow and Canberra as a springboard for many conversations throughout the conference,” Dr Evans said.
“The stakes could hardly be higher, but through collaboration with government, industry and the community, we can meet the challenge and help make a difference to combating the devastating effects of climate change on our planet.”
Here are three reasons not to miss Climate Smart Engineering 2021.
1. Sought after speakers
Former US Vice President and environmentalist Al Gore will headline the conference, which aims to demonstrate the pivotal role of engineering in providing sustainable solutions, systems and efficiencies.
In an hour-long session, he will discuss the solutions available to ensure a sustainable future and will make the case for optimism on the climate crisis.
The Nobel Peace Prize recipient is joined by a lineup of experts, including Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever and member of the United Nations Secretary General’s High-Level Panel, which developed sustainable development goals, and Emilio Granadas Franco, Head of Global Risks and Geopolitical Agenda at the World Economic Forum.
Also among the plenary speakers is mechanical engineer Dr Susan Krumdieck, Chair in Sustainable Energy Transition Engineering at Scotland’s Heriot-Watt University, who believes transitioning to a sustainable future should be as routine as safety engineering. She will discuss the new discipline she developed — transition engineering — during a panel discussion that will consider how engineers can practically take the next steps to uphold and deliver on the climate agenda.
2. Get technical
Along with plenary sessions, CSE includes a packed technical program covering everything from transport to buildings and infrastructure, energy and corporate sustainability.
With more technical presentations across five themes that align with the Sustainable Development goals, there is something for every interest.
Learn how Scottish engineers are building a ‘smart canal’ to stop flooding in Glasgow, or hear from the ACT’s Chief Engineer Adrian Piani about how to support an engineering workforce to respond and adapt to a changing climate.
There’s a lot to take in, so check out the program to plan your personal conference itinerary.
3. Flexible registration
As with most events in the past 18 months, CSE is virtual. This means you can attend from anywhere that suits you, whether that’s the office, your dining table, or even the couch.
The choice and flexibility are yours, with different registration options available. Register for the full conference or a single plenary session, access live or on demand. Choose your own learning experience by only viewing the presentations that interest you.
Plus, you can catch up on sessions you missed via Engineers Australia’s OnDemand platform or re-watch a session that inspired you.
To learn more and to register for the Climate Smart Engineering conference, click here.