ENGG2000 - Module 1

Introduction to Humanitarian Settings

Learning habits of mind framework

Haiti Earthquake 2010 Issue

1.5 million homeless, 200,000 killed, 13 billion raised but only 48% actually reached Haiti and after a long time.

Engineer role in disaster

Optimize limited resources, construction of buildings/roads, help improve system.

Humanitarian Engineering Defintion

Application of engineering to develop affordable, culturally appropriate, sustainable solutions that improve social well-being.

Reason for humanitarian engineering

1. High poverty rates

2. Growing inequality

3. Rapid urbanisation

4. Climate change

5. Wars/natural disasters

HADE SPECTRUME

• Humanitarian Action - response to external shock, short/medium term.

• Development Engineering - response to ongoing vulnerability, long term.

Sustainable development goals

A global blueprint, created for every country to reach, giving a framework

Humanitarian crisis

When human/physics/environmental damage from events overwhelms communities capacity to cope. Can be man made, natural or complex (both).

4 Overarching humanitarian principles

1. Humanity: Protect life and dignity

2. Neutrality: Don’t take sides

3. Impartiality: Protect the most vulnerable

4. Operation independence: Preserve integrity of all decisions.

Core humanitarian standard

Nine commitments:

1. relevant

2. timely

3. strengthen locally

4. allow complaints

5. well coordinated

6. encourage feedback

7. treat staff fairly

8. ensure responsible service

9. encourage local communication

Most important sustainable development goals for engineers

water, sustainable energy and sustainable infrastructure and innovation are the three areas engineers can help the most

CEET

Global council of engineers, with purpose of reaching net zero by 2050.

Humanitarian vs Traditional engineering

Humanitarian engineering is more circular/human centered, looking for constant improvements and feedback. Done “with” communities instead of for, to empower and reach long term solutions.

MDGs

Millennium Development Goals - old goals with focus on improving impoverished, developing nations, now the SDGs, which apply to all nations.

EWBA

Engineers without borders Australia - Creates change across borders through engineering, have implemented solar power in Australia, Biogas and alternative fuels in Cambodia.

Tragedy of the commons and examples

Situation in which when individuals/public have access to a recourse, act in own interest and deplete recourse and damage society.

1. Coffee - Farms now take up too much land

2. Over fishing - Species face extinction

3. Fast Fashion - Produces waste and sweatshops

4. Traffic Congestion - Fossil fuels, dangerous and congestion

5. Groundwater - Decreasing faster then can be replenished

Unfairness statistic in current engineering

90% of engineering seeks to benefit top 10% of civilization.

SDG 6 and engineers role

Clean water and sanitation - manage wastewater and provide clean drinking water, expanding washing/cleaning services, removing cholera (SDG 3 - health)

SDG 7 and engineers role

Affordable and clean energy - innovate with low cost, renewable solutions, especially storage is important in places such as Africa.

SDG 9 and engineers role

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure - Engineers are responsible for roads and infrastructure and maintenance. Furthermore, are often leading in industry as well. 

UNESCO statement on engineering

Engineering knowledge underpins sustainable social and economic development, and can be considered the engine for global development. (UNESCO - United Nations Education Science Cultural Organization)