Children suffering from undernutrition are prone to common infections. Needless to say, the stability engineers work environment can be very different. Partially because it's the right thing to do, and partially because I like living and breathing. Air pollution is one of the risk factors for early death, 28. THE World's largest biome The Taiga, also known as the boreal forest, is the world's largest biome. The Taiga houses 30% of the world's forest cover, 11% of the Earth's landmass and stretches from Scotland to Newfoundland, via Russia and Canada! According to recent findings, Germany has the best recycling rate. Create an organic garden in your backyard, community garden or school so you can grow your own fruit and vegetables. The process also contributes to carbon emissions. We need to join the dots between climatic change, water & energy scarcity, global health, and food security. One plastic bottle can significantly harm the environment. Sustainability fun facts can be very useful to know, as well as very interesting. Luckily, this rate can be lowered through simple steps. If you cant live without a private car, at least try to use it in a more efficient way. Environmental geology is essentially a way of applying geologic knowledge to identify, remediate, and hopefully prevent, environmental problems from occurring as a result of people.. "The bioswales of New York: A city plan to make more tree-stands and less sewage runoff." Earth Day is a day to show how we care for our planet and all the animals and plants on it. (June 8, 2013) http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/0/20627618, Berg, Phil. Assign a point value to each litter item. If it does, they work together to create solutions to the problem. CO2 emissions need to drop by 45% by 2030, OR NOT? Both roles require relying on a team of people to help tackle environmental change. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) rids water, air and surfaces of harmful microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria. Engineering means solving problems or innovating by applying math and science in a practical way. How to Become an Agricultural Engineer Agricultural engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in an engineering field, such as agricultural or biological engineering. Many more have since come out. Lighting uses about 15% of the worlds electricity use. Bioswales can even end up sheltering small forms of wildlife like butterflies and birds. The conversion of organic matter into soil carbon, 29. As a result, you will be ready to address global problems likerecycling, safedrinking waterand pollution control. August 9, 2011. TEDEducation. Engineering requires the application of science and math to solve a problem. (June 14, 2013) http://books.google.com/books?id=NGluHrlVV_IC&pg=PA2&lpg=PA2&dq=biofiltration+history&source=bl&ots=XE9XJ-dXu7&sig=MraC34nnCLyAsK91c7nTq4wY_LE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Jg68Ud31NYSk9ATu3IDoDw&ved=0CDsQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=biofiltration%20history&f=false, Ecologist. Read on to find out what sorts of things these stewards of the earth have provided for us in the past, and are working on for the future. The Olmsted dam, scheduled to be completed in 2016, will be the largest in-the-wet dam ever built. (June 14, 2013) http://www.hvnplus.co.uk/breeam-leed-and-green-star-agree-on-approach/3101246.article, Hindu. (June 16, 2013) http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidferris/2012/11/28/a-wind-power-innovator-dies-too-young/, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. And to achieve this, we need to first understand what sustainability entails. Single-use items are harmful to the environment, 33. The field will only increase in importance as that number grows. For example, where is the water supply coming from and is it safe? The last decade recorded the five warmest years since recordings started. (June 16, 2013) http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc2.html, Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable. Conservation Magazine. (June 11, 2013) http://archive.archaeology.org/1203/features/rome_aqua_traiana_aqueduct_carestia.html, Unicef, India. Now lets look at some sustainable facts, or I could also say: sustainability did you know? interesting facts about the environment. To prevent massive environmental damage, you should prefer reusable items. While an environmental engineering student at Central Michigan University, you will have a unique opportunity to apply science and math skills to courses focusing on sustainability and improving the environment. According to various reports, weve added nearly 2.4 trillion tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. As an environmental engineer, you may be responsible for controlling hazardous or toxic materials. Moreover, this recycling process saves about 17 trees. The first commercially available hybrid was the Toyota Prius, introduced in Japan in 1997 and in the U.S. in 2001. Because recent years saw a steep rise in the temperature of our planet and a large percentage of those emissions are just caused by inefficiencies that can be avoided in our processes. They can use their advanced knowledge and improved technology to make things better for the planet and those that call it home. According to recent findings, bottled water is a major contributor to tons of plastic waste. Or we can think of other ways we can help the environment by using less, or taking care of the trees, plants and animals nearby. They develop strategies to keepenvironmental problemsat bay while letting people live robust lives. "Working Trees." fun facts about environmental engineering. environmental science, interdisciplinary academic field that draws on ecology, geology, meteorology, biology, chemistry, engineering, and physics to study environmental problems and human impacts on the environment. "6 trends that will drive electric vehicle adoption in 2013." Environmental engineering is about protecting the planet but there are many subsets of that calling. While this is true to some extent, in recent years many of them have actually been working on solutions for the environmental problems we all care so much about. This translates to about 9.8 million trees annually. Biofiltration is the process of passing air or water through a porous, moist material containing microorganisms in order to remove odors and contaminants. Here are 50 of the best facts about Environmental Science And Pollution Research and Environmental Science Degree I managed to collect. "What are Environmental Engineers?" (June 16, 2013) http://www.centerforagroforestry.org/, Clancy, Heather. The environmental engineer might also evaluate how a new structure or design will impact the environment once built. June 14, 2011. 1) Green Buildings Utilize Less Energy According to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), green buildings use 25% less energy and 11% less water in comparison with the ordinary commercial building. Create recycled art from things you would normally throw away. Every time people build something new, an environmental engineer analyzes the impact of that project. Paperwork leads to tons of paper trash. They do all those things and more. Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years. Forbes. This is pretty easy nowadays, considering the available digital technologies. 9. (June 8, 2013) http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/environmental-engineers.htm, California Department of Transportation. (June 11, 2013) http://www.oursoil.org/what-we-do/toilets/, Our Soil. There have already been some major innovations that helped get most of us to this point alive and well. One is alley cropping -- growing crops alongside rows of trees like oak, ash, walnut, pecan or other nut trees. Plastic production contributes to climatic change, 24. January/February 2010, Volume 125, Issue 1, Pages 15-27. All of these systems require a tremendous amount of engineering, which is the responsibility of automotive engineers. CRC Press. Monitor its growth throughout the year and note how much it has grown since you first planted it. Fun Facts About Bethany. "Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Handbook: UVGI for Air and Surface Disinfection." "Google's X factor: 'Captain of Moonshots' describes secret lab." (June 16, 2013) http://www.frtr.gov/matrix2/section4/4-55.html, Fehrenbacher, Katie. (June 14, 2013) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC_y1u9jQ2w, H&V News. (June 16, 2013) http://www.hybridcars.com/history-of-hybrid-vehicles/, Berman, Bradley. henry county public schools staff directory; esker body plane dupe; fun facts about environmental engineering; By : Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering are two critical disciplines for maintaining society and developing land. It could be a concert with a big name artist, it could be an outdoor festival, or it could be speakers talking about ways you can help the planet. "Biofiltration for Air Pollution Control." Let's stay cholera-free, people! (June 14, 2013) https://www.mtholyoke.edu/courses/rschwart/hist255-s01/mapping-paris/Paris_Sewers_Page.html, Shapley, Dan. The kites -- still a few years away from commercial availability -- are likely to be used along shorelines, or in the ocean attached to buoys. $5.2 million in new research awards, fiscal 2021. Sustainability engineers use chemistry, mathematics, and biology to prevent hazards from impacting the environment. Your local library may have nature books for you! (June 16, 2013) http://gigaom.com/2013/03/13/googles-x-factor-captain-of-moonshots-describes-secret-lab/, Rocher, Vincent, Catherine Paffoni, Alexandre Gonalves, Sabrina Gurin, Sam Azimi, Johnny Gasperi, Rgis Moilleron and Andr Pauss. According to recent findings, air pollution is currently one of the factors that contribute to premature death. It is a versatile and nutritious crop, and they grow quickly compared to land crops. "What to Do When Your Hybrid Car's Battery Dies." Environmental engineers are inventors. UVGI has been incorporated into ventilation ducts, heating and air conditioning systems and air disinfection units. Thankfully, some great green technology companies have a solution for this issue. "Watering Ancient Rome." Plastic, which is dangerous to the planet, is the largest percentage of all the waste worldwide. Learn what an environmental engineer does and what the future of the career may hold. They cant do their work safely and efficiently without knowing local and federal laws. "What We Do - Toilets." December 7, 2012. (June 14, 2013), Parker, James. A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Check out thebachelorsenvironmental engineering programat Central Michigan University today to learn more. The more people living in a given area, the more waste management is needed. Theyre at a higher risk of poor cognitive development. Trees breathe in carbon dioxide. Planting trees results in a carbon sink. March 2009, Volume 28, Issue 1-3, Pages 29-43. You will work with clients to achieve their goals while reducing or eliminating environmental impact. "Ancient Rome sewer tunnels 'in danger of collapsing.'" The technicians prepare, update and maintain environmental inspection reports and plans. The warmest years are not happening now, 2. 8. We may earn a small commission, at no cost, when you purchase through links on this site. We try to beautify the world by cleaning up discarded or abandoned items in parks, planting new trees and being kind to animals and each other. We often hear people arguing about global leaders not doing enough to conserve the planet. (June 14, 2013) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2789813/, Richard, Tom. Bioswales remove contaminants like heavy metals, oil, grease and sediment from runoff. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Together, they plan communities, develop waste management systems and work with major industries, such as pharmaceuticals, to prevent dumping. You can donate unused items such as clothes and toys rather than disposing of them in landfills. Giving your car a break sustains the environment, 34. They also invent new ways to recycle materials or develop new materials that are safer for the environment. "Google X is acquiring high altitude wind startup Makani Power." However, filtered or purified tap water is of similar quality compared to bottled water, costs a fraction of it, and doesnt pollute 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. #9. In the long run, growing forests are drawing in carbon and distributing it to the soil. 18 May 2014. Biofiltration is mainly used to destroy toxic emissions like fuel-generated hydrocarbons and certain types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 22 Fun Facts About The Environment Facts about trees 1. We would love to read them, and so would your parents and teachers. Earth Day helps raise awareness about environmental issues such as global warming and plastic pollution. (June 8, 2013) http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/9677683/Ancient-Rome-sewer-tunnels-in-danger-of-collapsing.html, Surfer Today. You can support local farmers by purchasing your food at local markets. October 24, 2007. Modern sewer systems are more complex, leading to sewage treatment plants where the water is treated via filtration and addition of various chemicals to disinfect and remove contaminants before it's returned to nature. "Roman Aqueduct Manual." Very few think kites. Environmental and Sustainability fun facts, 1. November 14, 2012. (June 14, 2013), BREEAM. However, talking about sustainability, did you know that those recordings are covering only a tiny fraction of the planets history. Therefore, the first step towards reducing human impact is engaging all social sectors in more sustainable lifestyle practices. As cities began to spring up, environmental engineering became even more critical. I am thankful for all of our modern sanitary conveniences and the scientists and engineers past and present who have made them possible. Springer. They would often originate at springs in hilly areas, but damns and reservoirs were also built to feed them from rivers or streams. ZDNet. The ancient Egyptians were some of the first civil engineers, constructing pyramids and other monumental structures. Seaweed farming is becoming more and more popular. There needs to be a change in how we do things; environmental engineers will play a key role in making that happen. The world population comprises only 5% indigenous population. Once you know that environmental engineering is the career path you want, the next step is to find a program that offers you the academic challenge you need to be a success. They also look like little landscaped parks in some cases, which are more aesthetically pleasing than concrete drainage structures. Sustaining our environment, promoting economic growth, and eradicating poverty are the fights we often indulge in. BREEAM and LEED are the most commonly used methods worldwide at the moment, but others are springing up, like Green Star -- created by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) in 2003 -- as well as CASBEE in Japan and Estidama in Abu Dhabi. Energy is the main factor leading to climate change, 12. Rome's first aqueduct was constructed in 312 B.C.E. May 22, 2013. Humans have added 2.3 trillion tons of emissions in the last 160 years. Sunlight does this naturally to some extent. "How a Roman Aqueduct Works." Environmental engineers are perhaps unsung heroes who have helped make the modern world what it is today, replete with relatively safe food and water, breathable air, largely plague-free living environments and energy-efficient fuel consumption to help power pretty much everything we do. Archaeology. (June 8, 2013) http://www.engr.utk.edu/civil/about/envirengineer.php, Upper Des Plaines River Ecosystem Partnership. Hope you enjoy the design tips as well as some money saving advice i have learnt (usually the hardway). Today we learned all about Earth Day, an annual environmental holiday that celebrates the Earth and its natural beauty. (June 14, 2013) http://books.google.com/books?id=ReqUM_XNGjoC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false, Leafe, David. Environmental engineering is the branch of engineering that protects others from serious environmental impacts, such as pollution. Interesting Facts About Environmental Engineering Reader is supported. 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]. "When Old Things Turn Into New Again." Harvard . "Biofiltration of Air." Buildings are going certifiably green. But the aqueducts were also made up of shorter walls, covered ground-level trenches, underground tunnels and pipes to facilitate the water's travel across a wide variety of landscapes. Todays engineer has access to tools that were unavailable to pioneers like Bazalgette. #8. Because when the trees grow and produce oxygen, they also store carbon in their trunk. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they competed alongside gas, electric and even steam-powered cars for dominance. Water Science & Technology. Our society would not be the same without manufacturing and mining; However, these things cause a lot of pollution. The premise of their business requires them to work in a variety of settings. If youre feeling creative, why not write your own story? Environmental engineers play an important role in project design. So one could argue that the US population is actually still the top polluter in the world! They have been used since the 1950s for removing noxious odors, but are now seeing widespread use for removal of industrial contaminants as well. "10 Advancements in Environmental Engineering" We need water to live, so it's no coincidence that many ancient civilizations sprang up around natural water sources. As you can see, for most of the last 500 million years our planet was without the polar ice caps! Another agroforestry method is silvopasture, using trees to shelter livestock and the grasses and other plants they eat. Energy accounts for at least 60% of the total emission of global greenhouse gases. "Biofiltration Swales." The global population comprises 5% of Americans. Environmental engineers seek solutions to environmental challenges that impact the health and well-being of society and the environment. June 23, 2011. Windbreaks can increase bee pollination and manage the spread of snow over crops or roads. Tasting better than tap water is the only positivity regarding bottled water. Create a new recycling idea for your community! Book reveals the story of cross-dressing boy emperor Elagabalus, whose savagery and sexual hedonism were unparalleled." They are similar, and they do tackle some of the same issues. Some environmental engineers even go to law school to study environmental engineering laws. With her Master of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering (MSREE) from Oregon Tech, Steph is highly qualified to write on all aspects of renewable energy. March 13, 2012. Environmental engineering is the front line of defense against things that affect all animals, including humans water contamination and pollution. (June 14, 2013) http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/env/stormwater/ongoing/pilot_studies/bmps/details/bs_strips/, Center for Agroforestry. "Why LEED?" Some hybrids use regenerative braking. These solutions also include working through an intricate process of regulations to meet government environmental requirements. In many cases, the resulting waste can even be composted and used as fertilizer or fuel. You may have noticed that many companies choose this day to launch new products or go green with initiatives such as tree planting campaigns. Heavy research on UVGI was done from the 1930s through the 1970s in hospitals and schools, but despite its demonstrated efficacy, UVGI was mostly abandoned, in part due to breakthroughs in immunization, antibiotics advancements and safety concerns about UV radiation. (June 16, 2013) http://www.engr.psu.edu/iec/abe/control/ultraviolet.asp, Reed, Nicholas G. "The History of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation for Air Disinfection." Agricultural engineers who offer their services directly to the public must be licensed as professional engineers (PEs). February 22, 2013. February 22, 2000. Our experience in water resource management demonstrates our continued commitment to ensure safe solutions for all our clients needs. (June 16, 2013) http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/repair/what-to-do-when-your-hybrid-cars-battery-dies, Berman, Brad. They assess the impact of a design on factors such as plants, animals, people, air, soil, and water. "Compare Hybrids Side-by-Side." Plant a seed or small tree on Earth Day. "Closed Waterless Toilet Systems." All rights reserved. (June 16, 2013) http://www.zdnet.com/6-trends-that-will-drive-electric-vehicle-adoption-in-2013-7000009207/, CNN Money. "How Hybrids Work." Make a chart of what they need to do each week, and make sure they stick to it! Many people recycle because they want to reduce their impact on the environment. Nearly 60% of carbon dioxide is due to transportation and housing activities. June 17, 2011. A lot of those emissions could be avoided if we had better ways to use this energy. City officials saw the need after a series of cholera epidemics killed thousands. I only gave it scant thought before researching this article. Here are 15 amazing environmental facts 1. 18 tenured and tenure-track faculty. Read more facts below. 5: LEED, BREEAM, Green Star and Other Certification Programs, Anit, Selvi B. and Robert J. Artuz. Discover the Secret to a Winning Digital Transformation Strategy! Applied properly, it increases product diversity, agricultural production and soil and water quality and decreases erosion, pollution and susceptibility to harsh weather conditions. As an environmental engineer you will be able to guide people towards reducing these dangers that past generations, including mine, have created. Energy is the major contributor to climate change. (June 14, 2013) http://www.conservationmagazine.org/2012/12/high-altitude-wind-power/, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security, LEED, BREEAM, Green Star and Other Certification Programs. And they are light enough to maintain altitude in winds slower than 15 miles per hour (MPH). Agricultural engineers typically work full time. The country with the best recycling rate, 26. (June 16, 2013) http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/2012/0306/Hybrid-cars-101-How-long-should-batteries-last, Green Star. Makani means wind in Hawaiian, incidentally. Civil Engineering is one of the oldest engineering disciplines. On the other hand, China is also the worlds largest manufacturer, producing goods for most of the world. Capital New York. (June 8, 2013) http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/06/110623-ancient-rome-human-waste-herculaneum-science-diet-excrement-italy/, Papadopoulos, A.M. and E. Giama. I love having clean running water that comes straight into my house and working bathroom facilities free of noxious odors.