On 22nd February 2020, the Council of Engineers Ireland – which includes representatives of our engineering divisions and regional branches – passed a motion to declare a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency, publicly recognising that climate breakdown and biodiversity collapse are the most serious issues of our time. The Council of Engineers Ireland acknowledges the considered opinion of the scientific community that transformational action is required to achieve meaningful outcomes.
The planet has ecological limits and a finite biocapacity, a paradigm shift is required to realign humanity’s ecological footprint within this capacity. Indeed, with our existing technologies and fossil fuel dependence, we will fail to achieve our existing commitments. Engineers Ireland is adding our voice to those of professional bodies and other organisations around the world by declaring a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency.
Engineers Ireland members will take action to address the impact of the Climate and Biodiversity Emergency. In this most important of missions, we will collaborate with scientists, environmentalists, government, their advisors, public service, other professions and civil society.
As a professional body with 25,000 members, we will act as a leading voice for sustainability. Under the environmental and social obligations of our Code of Ethics, our members shall for example:
- promote the principles and practices of sustainable development and the needs of present and future generations.
- strive to accomplish the objectives of their work with the most efficient consumption of natural resources which is practicable economically, including the maximum reduction in energy usage, waste and pollution.
- promote the importance of social and environmental factors to professional Colleagues, employers and clients with whom they share responsibility and collaborate with other professions to mitigate the adverse impacts of their common endeavours.
- foster environmental awareness within the profession and among the public
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