Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The chapter focuses fi rst of all on the scientifi c evidence for the reality of climate
change. It then describes the ways in which vested interests have been able to harness
the fears and feelings of those too scared to admit the possibility of it being true. This
is followed by a discussion of the techniques and methods employed by individuals
and organised groups intent on refuting and rejecting scientifi c arguments. Often,
this process involves maligning the scientists and their integrity in order to create
doubt regarding the science itself. Financial rewards from the fossil fuel industries
which stand to sustain heavy losses from disinvestment certainly play an important
role, although it is nearly impossible to discover which particular companies and/or
individuals are involved. This is illustrated by specifi c examples, including a case
study of an incident widely regarded as having transformed public consciousness to
the extent that at least for a period the issue of climate change largely dropped out of
sight. This is followed by the textual analysis of two topics by authors not generally
regarded as climate sceptics. However, much of their reputation has by and large
been gained by making light of the issue and/or suggesting that climate change activ-
ists may well employ questionable techniques to reinforce their message.
Chapter
7
on 'Environmental and Social Aspects of Domestic Bathing', by Alan
Cottey, sets domestic bathing in the broad context of the large and increasing over-
load of the planet's ecology by human activity. The domestic bathing practices of
prosperous, westernised people are extravagant and involve the use of large amounts
of water and energy. The section 'Technical Aspects of Bathing' contains a quantita-
tive discussion of water and energy use and of greenhouse gas emissions, under
various conditions, including different means of heating the water. These general
conditions are followed by a comparison of different methods of bathing, princi-
pally shower, bath and basin.
Ways in which bathing can remain pleasurable and hygienic, yet use an order
of magnitude less water and energy, are discussed. Such a reduction cannot be
achieved through technical effi ciency alone, because capitalism
requires
net
economic growth of the historic kind. Hitherto, growth (roughly a few percent
per annum) has exceeded effi ciency gains (roughly one percent per annum).
Thus, the fundamental questions are political. In particular, humanity must
change from an ethos of domination and exploitation to an ethos of sharing our
earthly home. The chapter shows that, with a radical change of economic ideas
(household management that is simultaneously grand and modest) and with some
simple (appropriate technology) developments of equipment, effective and plea-
surable bathing is possible using resources at a level far below the current norm
for prosperous people.
The discussion of bathing provides an example and draws out ideas which can be
applied to other cases of human profl igacy. The role of engineers, both as ordinary
members of society and individuals with special talents and trained skills which can
be applied to the invention and development of useful arts, is apparent throughout the
chapter. In this Anthropocene epoch (This overload is indeed so marked that the term
Anthropocene is widely used for a new geological epoch in which human infl uence
is a major factor), the
creativity
of engineers, amongst others, is called for to work
with
the rest of nature towards a sustainable and beautiful twenty-fi rst century.
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