José Carlos Ferreira Defends Engineering as a Pillar of Sustainable Progress

In his opinion article in Ambiente Magazine, José Carlos Ferreira highlights the importance of engineering as a key driver of progress and innovation, with a direct impact on human development and the transformation of society.  

The MARE researcher warns of the urgent challenges facing engineering today, such as the climate crisis, the scarcity of resources and the need to adapt to new global realities. According to José Carlos Ferreira, it is imperative that engineering adopts a sustainable approach to address these issues, promoting resilient and integrated solutions for the environment and communities.

The author also explores how key areas, such as land management, biophysical engineering, water management, waste and the circular economy, energy and decarbonization, food security and mobility, become pillars for more ecological and socially responsible engineering. The researcher emphasizes that a balance is needed between the development of urban infrastructures, environmental preservation and people's quality of life, with a focus on climate change and sustainability.

José Carlos Ferreira also points to the need for more sustainable and resilient forms of land occupation, advocating the use of ecological models of urbanization that integrate practices for the recovery and conservation of ecosystems. He also stresses the crucial role of education in training engineers in line with the principles of sustainability, highlighting the responsibility of universities in creating professionals trained to face environmental challenges.

Mentioning the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the MARE researcher sees engineering as an essential vector for achieving a series of targets, such as access to drinking water (SDG 6), the transition to clean energy (SDG 7), encouraging the circular economy (SDG 12) and climate action (SDG 13), among others. For José Carlos Ferreira, engineering is fundamental not only for economic progress, but also for a balanced future, where innovation and environmental preservation go hand in hand.

In conclusion, the researcher questions whether we are investing enough to face global challenges and advocates a more inclusive, participatory and action-oriented engineering, capable of driving real and sustainable change, with a positive impact on communities and the planet. He concludes by saying that training aware and prepared engineers is crucial to building a more resilient and sustainable future.

To access the article click HERE