THE ENGINEER - Engineers Nova Scotia

Currently this is a challenge; many engineering materials contain
environmentally hazardous chemicals in their composition or production
processes. Emerging environmental issues include additive biocides
which are environmentally toxic and can cause antibacterial-resistance;
fire retardants which are environmentally toxic; additive phthalates which
pose uncertain environmental risks; and greenhouse gases which cause
climate change. Although awareness of the environmental consequences
of these materials is emerging, their use has been managed in-part by
engineers for many years. Hence, the more significant challenges for
engineers are to sufficiently evaluate the lifecycle environmental hazard
posed by new materials before they enter the environment and make
ethical decisions regarding their use accordingly.
In coming years the engineering profession needs to be primarily focusing
on sustainable development rather than managing the environmental
consequences of materials with previously unknown adverse properties.
The most significant emerging environmental challenges for engineers
are the efforts outlined which are necessary to achieve this goal.
Should Engineers Nova Scotia be concerned that the profession is not
gender balanced?
answer: When the world thinks of engineering the typical thought is that
it is a man’s industry. This ideology was very typical in the 20th century
and unfortunately is still present in many workplaces across Nova Scotia
and Canada today. Yet there have been great strides taken in moving
forward and making engineering a more gender balanced career.
As a woman pursuing a career in the engineering field I understand that
I may face some adverse situations solely based on my gender. Also with
studies from Engineers Canada, showing that the female engineering
enrolment has been declining since 2000 the engineering field may not
have the needed increase of women so that the profession may become
more gender balanced.
With respect to Engineers Nova Scotia position on the concern of there
being a gender imbalance, firstly it must be recognized that it is present.
Steps can be made to protect any current women engineers from gender
based decisions through the education of its members. Also with such
a small percentage of new engineers being women, a proactive step to
20 The ENGINEER
encourage young women to choose engineering as a career should be
considered.
Even though women may be underrepresented in the engineering field
great steps have been made to create a more balanced and fair industry.
The engineering field is a profession needed all around the world in
almost all industries. With it being such an important part of our society
it is important that it be gender balanced.
answer: It is no secret that the engineering field is heavily weighted
with male professionals. With approximately 80% male enrolment, it is a
problem universities have been struggling with nationwide. It is also an
issue that I believe would correct itself more efficiently if more resources
were spent exposing children and teens to the benefits of an engineering
career, regardless of gender. Society is currently at a crossroads where
impeccably trained engineers are going to be crucial to its development;
today’s engineers will face more diverse and complex problems than any
other generation before them. The solutions chosen for these problems
will have consequences which effect an entire civilization and many
generations to come. We should be recruiting the best minds, regardless
of gender, to tackle these problems; after all, we should be judged by
what we can and have contributed, not by our sex, race, religion, etc.
This is where I believe Engineers Nova Scotia should put its energy. More
time should be spent making adolescents aware of the careers attainable
upon completion of a BEng. As a student of a small rural high school, I
was never introduced to the possibility of becoming an engineer; it was
only through my own research that I discovered the perfect career fit for
me. I often wonder how many other students with incredible potential
simply never chose engineering for lack of guidance; this is certainly the
best use of Engineers Nova Scotia’s recruiting resources – educate all high
school students on the profession in order to attract the very best and
brightest minds, regardless of gender.