University of the East - Manila

College of Engineering
Civil Engineering Department

Activity No: 4 Activity Title: Topics about sustainability

Student Name: Franz De Guzman Student Number: 20190200238

Instructor: Engr. Razon Domingo Grade:

Define Green Engineering

Green engineering, also known as sustainable engineering, is an approach to design, development,

and implementation of engineering solutions that minimize environmental impacts, conserve
resources, and ensure the health and well-being of humans and the planet. It is a multidisciplinary
field that encompasses various aspects of science, engineering, and social sciences to address the
complex environmental challenges faced by society.

Green engineering involves a lifecycle assessment approach to minimize waste, reduce energy
consumption, and minimize the use of toxic substances in products and processes. This involves
developing more efficient technologies, creating new materials that are more environmentally
friendly, and designing products that can be recycled or repurposed. It also involves designing
infrastructure that can support renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, and
developing technologies that can capture and store carbon emissions from industrial processes.

Green engineering is important because it is a critical tool for achieving sustainable development
and mitigating the impacts of climate change. By reducing the environmental footprint of
engineering activities, green engineering helps to conserve natural resources, protect the
environment, and enhance the well-being of society. It also provides economic benefits, as
companies that invest in green engineering technologies and practices can reduce costs, increase
efficiency, and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Additionally, green engineering has the potential to address some of the most pressing challenges
facing society, including access to clean water, food security, and sustainable energy. By
developing technologies that can address these challenges, green engineering can help to create a
more sustainable and equitable world for all.

Ultimately, green engineering is an essential approach to engineering that emphasizes

sustainability, environmental protection, and social responsibility. Its importance cannot be
overstated, as it is necessary for achieving sustainable development, mitigating climate change,
 University of the East - Manila
College of Engineering
Civil Engineering Department

and addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing society. By integrating the principles
of green engineering into all aspects of engineering design and development, we can build a better
world for ourselves and future generations.

Define vulnerability in terms of sustainability under conditions of climate change.

Vulnerability in the context of sustainability under conditions of climate change refers to the
degree to which communities, regions, and ecosystems are susceptible to negative impacts from
changing climatic conditions, as well as their ability to cope with and adapt to those impacts.
Vulnerability is affected by a variety of factors, including social, economic, and environmental
conditions, as well as access to resources and infrastructure.

For example, a community living in a low-lying coastal area may be vulnerable to the impacts of
sea-level rise, storm surges, and increased flooding due to climate change. The vulnerability of
this community is influenced by factors such as the availability of emergency response services,
the strength of existing infrastructure such as seawalls or levees, and the socio-economic status of
the population.

As climate change progresses, vulnerable populations are at an increased risk of experiencing

negative impacts such as loss of livelihoods, displacement, and health impacts due to extreme
weather events, sea-level rise, and other climate-related hazards. Vulnerability to climate change
impacts is affected by pre-existing social and economic inequalities, which can limit the capacity
of vulnerable communities to adapt to changing conditions.

A real-life example of vulnerability in the context of sustainability under conditions of climate

change can be seen in the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu. Tuvalu is a small island nation located
in the South Pacific, with a population of approximately 11,000 people. Due to its low-lying nature,
Tuvalu is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of sea-level rise and extreme weather events, such
as tropical cyclones.

In recent years, Tuvalu has experienced an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme
weather events, leading to significant damage to infrastructure, loss of livelihoods, and
displacement of communities. The government of Tuvalu has implemented various measures to
adapt to these changing conditions, including the construction of seawalls, rainwater harvesting
systems, and the promotion of sustainable agriculture practices.
 University of the East - Manila
College of Engineering
Civil Engineering Department

Despite these efforts, the vulnerability of Tuvalu to the impacts of climate change remains high,
and the country is at risk of becoming uninhabitable in the coming decades due to the combined
effects of sea-level rise and extreme weather events. The situation in Tuvalu highlights the urgent
need for global action to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and to support vulnerable
communities in adapting to changing conditions in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Sources:

About Green Engineering | US EPA

What Is Green Engineering? (With Benefits and Examples) | Indeed.com

The Sustainable Development Agenda - United Nations Sustainable Development

Tuvalu | UNDP Climate Change Adaptation (adaptation-undp.org)