How can chemical engineers help solve the world's most pressing issues?

1 Energy and Climate Change

One of the most urgent issues facing humanity is the need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable and low-carbon sources of energy, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency. Chemical engineers play a vital role in developing and improving technologies for solar, wind, hydro, biofuels, hydrogen, and nuclear power, as well as carbon capture, storage, and utilization. They also design and optimize processes and systems for energy conversion, storage, distribution, and utilization, such as batteries, fuel cells, smart grids, and electrification of transport and industry.

2 Water and Sanitation

Another critical issue is the need to ensure access to clean and safe water and sanitation for all people, especially in regions where water resources are scarce, polluted, or threatened by climate change. Chemical engineers can help address this issue by developing and implementing technologies and methods for water treatment, purification, desalination, reuse, and recycling, as well as wastewater management, bioremediation, and resource recovery. They can also apply their knowledge of fluid mechanics, mass transfer, and separation processes to design and optimize water distribution and delivery systems, such as pipelines, pumps, valves, and sensors.

3 Health Care and Biotechnology

A third important issue is the need to improve the quality and affordability of health care and biotechnology, especially in the face of emerging and infectious diseases, aging populations, and genetic disorders. Chemical engineers can help solve this issue by applying their skills and expertise in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, and bioprocess engineering to design and produce drugs, vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics, and bioproducts. They can also use their knowledge of transport phenomena, reaction engineering, and materials science to design and fabricate devices and systems for drug delivery, tissue engineering, biosensors, and artificial organs.

4 Sustainability and Circular Economy

A fourth key issue is the need to achieve sustainability and circular economy, which means minimizing the environmental impact and maximizing the value of the materials and resources used in production and consumption. Chemical engineers can help achieve this goal by developing and implementing technologies and strategies for green chemistry, green engineering, life cycle analysis, waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, as well as biodegradable and bio-based materials. They can also use their knowledge of thermodynamics, kinetics, and process systems engineering to design and optimize processes and products that are energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?