Education and Skills for Climate Adaptation in Engineering

The journey toward building a world well adapted and resilient to climate change will require engineers ready to tackle the challenge. IMechE Education & Skills Policy Lead, Lydia Amarquaye, examines the essential skills and educational reforms engineers need to address this.

Overview

As the effects of climate change become increasingly pronounced, the engineering sector must rapidly adapt to develop solutions that meet the challenges of a warming world, rising sea levels and increased flooding risks. To be effective, current and future engineers need a diverse skill set that includes technical competencies such as data analysis and project management, alongside soft skills like creativity, adaptability, collaboration, and effective communication to clearly articulate the societal and economic impacts of climate change to industry leaders, policymakers, and the public.

Addressing these complex challenges requires an evolved and adaptive education system that not only imparts foundational engineering skills but also instils the necessary knowledge to develop sustainable and adaptive solutions.

Core requirements

Current engineering training is rooted in a model designed for a stable climate and must now shift to address the demands of a changing environment. Education programs should include climate change fundamentals across all engineering disciplines, equipping students with a practical understanding of climate adaptation measures and sustainable design. To achieve this, curricula should align with global frameworks like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, emphasising resilience-building strategies and innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Embedding climate adaptation into undergraduate, vocational, and apprenticeship training will ensure engineers are “fit-for-purpose” and capable of tackling global challenges. Research institutions have already begun integrating climate-focused studies, but this knowledge must extend to the undergraduate level to prepare engineers before they enter the workforce.

To tackle climate change effectively, we need to adapt how we educate and train engineers. This means bringing everyone to the table - universities, industry leaders, professional bodies, legislators, local community organisations and policymakers. Collaborative efforts and open communication ensure that our teaching methods, research, and industry practices stay up-to-date and relevant. Creating a network where knowledge is shared allows us to identify skills gaps, incorporate new technologies, and shape industry practices to meet real-world needs. Additionally, fostering a culture of lifelong learning is crucial to support the ongoing development of professionals in the field.

Broadening the pathways into engineering

To build a workforce that can meet the climate challenge at scale, the engineering profession must become accessible and appealing to a more diverse pool of talent, including individuals from non-traditional academic backgrounds. This requires education programs that are flexible, relevant, and responsive to different learning styles and career paths, including part-time and virtual learning options that accommodate individuals with varying needs and schedules.

Additionally, continuous professional development is essential for allowing experienced engineers to gain climate-specific knowledge and skills throughout their careers. Upskilling is particularly important for fostering talent mobility, enabling engineers to move fluidly between sectors like academia, industry, and government. Training pathways should be diverse and flexible, supporting engineers across all levels to access advanced knowledge and skills related to climate adaptation.

Engineering education must evolve beyond traditional boundaries to meet the complex challenges of climate change. By fostering interdisciplinary skills, we can equip future engineers with a holistic understanding that spans data science, environmental studies, and social sciences. 

Recommendations from our recent policy work

In last year’s report on ‘Adapting industry to withstand rising temperatures and future heatwaves’, recommendations were directed to academia and skills development bodies to future-proof engineering education. Key steps included:

1. Integrating climate fundamentals across disciplines: Climate change knowledge and adaptation strategies must be integrated into all engineering disciplines at every educational level, focusing on resilience, sustainable design, and climate-proof infrastructure.
2. Increasing accessibility and inclusivity: The engineering profession must evolve to attract and retain a diverse workforce by offering flexible, inclusive education options that accommodate various backgrounds and learning needs.
3. Promoting international collaboration: Engineers should be equipped to work across borders, fostering international collaborations that leverage global perspectives and technological advancements to meet shared climate challenges.

Update on recent activities

The Engineering Professors Council, with the support of the Royal Academy of Engineering and Siemens, have created a ‘Sustainability Toolkit’, which includes knowledge, guidance and teaching tools like case studies on climate issues around the world, that can be used within existing engineering programs to bring awareness and teach on these crucial issues.

Engineers Without Borders – UK have also created the ‘Reimagined Degree Map’, which supports engineering departments to navigate the decisions required to help prepare students for 21^st Century challenges.

These collaborative and integrated approaches will be crucial in preparing the next generation of engineers to drive sustainable solutions, enhance resilience, and meet the multifaceted challenges posed by a warming world.