With carbon emissions rising each year, the Amazon burning, and an increase in natural disasters, it is clear the planet is in trouble. On this year’s Earth Day, it is a relevant question to ask: How can engineering help solve this problem? That’s why we have decided to dedicate a special issue to commemorate this day and investigate ways engineering can contribute to the fight against global warming.

The answer to our question doesn’t stop at “environmental engineering,” because the reality is all engineering disciplines can use their skills to help the Earth. With 71% of emissions coming from 100 companies, most engineering disciplines contribute to the increasing detriment of our planet—from fuel emissions in mechanical engineering to wasteful construction practices in civil engineering. Luckily, engineers are also fighting against climate change by using our engineering skills and changing our engineering practices. For example, in Engineering Reef Resilience with CRISPR Gene Editing, engineers are attempting to modify the genetic structure of coral to help it withstand increased temperatures due to climate change.

Biophilic Cities: Good for Both Environmental Health and Human Health explores the concept of engineering a city to incorporate nature in its architecture instead of replacing it. A related article in this issue, Employing Biomimetic Architecture to Link Buildings with the Natural World, examines how buildings in particular can incorporate nature in their designs. Both of these articles provide current examples of the method being put to use in locations such as Singapore and Madrid. Building on the intersection of civil engineering/architecture and sustainability, Unorthodox and Recycled Materials – The Architecture of the Future explores how we can use everyday recycled materials to build structures that are both beautiful and decrease emissions. If using recycled materials seems in the construction of structures is too out there, you can explore the basics of how engineering is used in the basic recycling process with Recycling: Breaking It Down and Reduce, Reuse, Recycle with the Reverse Vending Machine. In addition to recycling, engineers are looking for ways to decrease the amount of waste produced. In Augmented Reality: The Sustainable Future of Cosmetic Samplings looks to minimize cosmetic samples waste by utilizing augmented reality to test makeup instead.

We hope that this collection of articles focused on the topic of sustainability instills urgency, motivation, and hope within our readers. Engineering solutions are integral to the fight against climate change. Take some time this Earth Day to enjoy how engineering already has the potential to help fight climate change with this special edition!

Enjoy reading,
Associate Editors Sofija Radulovic and Maddie Lazas