Problem statement
Climate change affects us all, from changes in weather patterns to the disruption of food chains and availability of natural resources. The problem we have identified is that companies are focusing on gaining strategic advantages over their competitors instead of collaborating under one body working towards a common goal. This is time we cannot afford to waste. The problem goes even deeper. Some of the world’s biggest economies have decided to turn a blind eye. China continues to make coal its main energy source despite promising developments in sustainable technologies like wind and solar; 2020 saw the country propose 40.8GW of new coal-driven plants. Actions from such influential bodies carry a lot of weight and can manipulate decisions and opinions based around tackling climate change.
Solution
It is important that the industry articulates the issues surrounding climate change to those outside of the sphere. This could involve engaging with policy makers, financiers, farmers, development agencies, and most importantly with the public. In response to this, we propose an app that provides a platform for bodies to openly share information, sustainable solutions, experiences and engage with individuals worldwide.
Public engagement is important because climate change impacts everyone. The app will give users a platform to learn more about sustainable developments as well as get involved in tackling the issue themselves. The app will contain features that will allow individuals to set and track goals centred around reducing their own carbon footprint as well as engage with others via live events and challenges all with the focus of raising awareness and promoting action.
The traditional role of engineers globally is to design and build technologies that shape our communities. Therefore, it is essential that professional engineering bodies embed awareness of the challenges of climate change among their global membership. The app will provide a platform for bodies to update individuals on latest best practices, changes in legislative frameworks, and provide tools for sustainable strategies.
Hi team 5! I have just been allocated to your team as it seems your original mentor wasn't able to respond. I am a Mechanical Commissioning Engineer and have worked in the mining sector for the last 4 years.
I think an app is a great idea for trying to increase the awareness and engagement of the public regarding what is going on in the sustainability arena.
Have you focussed on climate change specifically for this app?
I know that it is quite late in the game now so I will just make a few comments.
Remember to clearly define your target audience and assess ways of being as inclusive as possible. The UN's commitment to 'Leave no-one behind' is a salient one.
Are there any apps available already that you have seen? If so, how can your idea improve and expand on what's been done before?
Have you considered the cost of implementing, managing and updating the app?
Lastly, it's very important that you collaborate with other teams! You are marked on your engagement and teamwork amongst yourselves as well as between other teams so do share thoughts and ideas.
Please let me know how your final submission is going and do update me on any queries.
Good luck!
Oli
Hello, thank you for contacting us and we appreciate your advice! We have now decided to go down a different route.
We are now proposing a system where UK start-ups, enterprises and smaller businesses can share their sustainable innovations and solutions and apply for funding and grants. Successful bodies will also receive training from professional engineering bodies to ensure awareness on latest best practices, changes in legislative frameworks, and provide tools for sustainable strategies. The aim of the proposal is to provide smaller businesses with the chance of upscaling their solutions and bringing them to market, where previously they lacked the finance and training to do so.
Hi Iwan, for your project - it may be worth looking at the work of Innovate UK. Emma
Hi Iwan, thanks for the info.
Are you still proposing an app? And are you targeting solely sustainability focused startups/small businesses or a wider audience?
You seemed to have defined your problem (lack of training/financing) so make sure that that is made clear in your submission to justify your ideas.
Sounds good!!
Let me know any other thoughts you and the team may have.
Cheers,
Oli