Blog

Mobilizing Change: Engineering for the Environment

This Earth Day was a unique one. 

Not only were we marking 50 years of advocating for the environment, but we were also tasked with analyzing how we need to take action for the climate in our evolving world. At The GREEN Program, we gathered a group of global change-makers to discuss how we can all mobilize for the environment. In our 4-day Earth Week panel series, we uncovered how these change-makers were making strides for sustainability in organizations, such as NASA, NREL, Arup, Nike, ExxonMobil and more.

Throughout the week, the GREEN community asked ourselves… 

How can we take action for the climate today?


Engineering for the Environment

To kick-off Earth Week, we gathered the technical brains of the environmental movement to discover the possibilities of engineering positive change for the world with global industry change-makers from
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, NREL,  NASA and Pfizer.

A Panel of Global Change-Makers 

ck9n6tqo1018hb6i52rwummnp aysha 1

Aysha Mohammad AlRemeithi

Sustainability Engineer at Dubai Electricity & Water Authority

ck9n6v4zx00e2khi5aiqq6e04 jim r head shot

Jim Reilly

Microgrids Engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

ck9n6wcum00eckhi5oiv5bm5e paige 1

Paige Persky

 Process Engineer at Pfizer

ck9n6x1nj00eikhi5ftajlbja sanjana

Sanjana Paul

Atmospheric Science Software Developer at NASA and
Executive Director of Earth Hacks

The GREEN Team’s Key Takeaways 

1) Sustainability can be embedded in every level of an organization 

As a Sustainability Engineer at Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, Aysha works to convince various engineering departments to abide by more energy-efficient solutions and/or change the materials they are using within their department. She finds that the largest barrier to change for sustainable solutions from her colleagues is high upfront costs. Aysha drives her colleagues to envision the bigger picture of having an energy resilient city and country. 

If you are looking to embed sustainability solutions into your organization, Aysha advises involving more people in what you’re doing and tackle an adverse mindset with tangible actions!

 

2) Communication is key

As Microgrids Engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Jim has collaborated and communicated with stakeholders with various perspectives. If you have a technical background, you will want to develop your communication skills to not only explain technical information to a non-technical audience but also learn from a perspective that differs from your own! 
 

3) Engineering for the environment should become the new normal 

Sanjana would like for higher education institutions to foster environmentally concerned engineers, rather than just support fringe interest and experiences in environmental education. She believes there needs to be a cultural shift in the engineering space to make the environment a priority when educating engineers to help young engineers be ready for the future of the industry in our evolving world. 


4) There are various avenues to institute change for sustainability within an organization

At a large company, such as Pfizer, Paige has to identify multiple departments and colleagues to see sustainability initiatives trickle into the company culture and practices. To institute change for sustainability within your organization, explore the various channels you can go through to integrate those practices. It changes when you work for a small versus a big company. Do your research to know who to reach out to!

ck9n7py5m01kpb6i52rccp4ei li an lim ycw4yxhrwhm unsplash

How can you take action for the climate?


After learning from these global change-makers, you may be thinking, “So, what now? How do I get started?”. Here are a few ways you can get started (or continue) to mobilize for the environment:

“Look for ways to multiply your impact! One person can make a difference, but it’s also important to hold large organizations accountable, so vote with your wallet and support organizations making strides for sustainability.”
Sanjana Paul

“Become close with your perceived opposition. Use your great ideals
to change opposing viewpoints
by understanding your perceived opposition perspective.”

Jim Reilly

“Build habits and practice what you preach or you’re not going
to affect change in other people!” 

Paige Persky

“Induce sustained behavioral changes. Embed sustainability in your habits,
into your culture, and into your mindset.”

Aysha Mohammad AlRemeithi


More Mobilizing Change Panels

Reinforcing Responsible Sourcing

Panelists from Nike, Fitbit, and Ground Upcycling

The Future of Energy

Panelists from Independent Power Systems (IPS),
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
Momentum: Move Innovation Forward, and ExxonMobil

Rooting for Global Food Security

Panelists from Florida Impact,
the United States Patent & Trade Office,
Grounded Upcycling, and Louisville Food Pantry

Consulting for Climate Change

Panelists from Independent Power Systems (IPS),
Arup, and a Graduate Student of Energy Systems
from UC – Davis

Boots on the Ground: Turning Passion into Action

with featured speaker, influencer, activist, and backpacking queen, Pattie Gonia 

Explore how The GREEN Program is fostering a community of global change-makers, including the GREEN Alumni from the above panel, through our short-term education abroad programs! If you would like to get in touch with our team, please reach out here: [email protected]

Read Another Article

Honoring Kate Slattery & Highlighting the Shine On Scholarship for Women’s History Month

Honoring Kate Slattery & Highlighting the Shine On Scholarship for Women’s History Month

In honor of Women’s History Month, The GREEN Program is happy to highlight Kate Slattery – a mechanical engineer and photovoltaic designer for SolarCity who challenged herself and others to work toward a global mission of renewable energy and sustainability. We are honored to work with Kate’s family and GivePower to share Kate’s story and provide the Shine On Scholarship to TGP students in memory of Kate. 

read more
How an Online Sustainability Program Helped Jaedyn Medrano Become an Intersectional Sustainability Advocate

How an Online Sustainability Program Helped Jaedyn Medrano Become an Intersectional Sustainability Advocate

This blog features the virtual Nepal Ethics of Sustainable Development Alum, Jaedyn Medrano who says, “this program taught me how to think about a project holistically, and it has guided me along the path to being a better cultured and inclusive young professional.” She is set to graduate with a double major in Renewable Natural Resources & Ecological Restorations in December of 2022.

read more
Defending Reproductive Rights in the Battle for Climate Justice

Defending Reproductive Rights in the Battle for Climate Justice

Reproductive Justice is Climate Justice. The GREEN Program stands to defend the reproductive rights of all women and people who give birth to access safe reproductive health care. We must do more to educate others and understand the interconnection between Reproductive Justice and the Climate Crisis. It’s important to draw the connections between climate change, pollution, and reproductive rights.

read more
An International Graduate Student Embraces Nepali Culture by Studying Abroad through Shine On Scholarship

An International Graduate Student Embraces Nepali Culture by Studying Abroad through Shine On Scholarship

On one hand, I believe that every student should be given a chance to study abroad at least once in their life, because it teaches us things that textbooks cannot: adaptability, resilience, curiosity, empathy, just to name a few. Whether good or bad, bursting our bubble and learning about our world will inspire us and open our minds. On the other hand, the people we interact with benefit from the diversity, because all of us bring unique perspectives to the table. Perhaps we share an idea that no one has thought of but could be key to solving a problem; we fuel the aspirations of someone who is facing similar difficulties; or help take down stereotypes.  

read more
Remembering Juneteenth and the Fight for Environmental Justice

Remembering Juneteenth and the Fight for Environmental Justice

n June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX, and announced the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery. It is on this day every year since that we celebrate “Juneteenth” as the end of slavery in the United States. It is a day that we celebrate ancestors and leaders who fought to be liberated. We celebrate their power, resiliency, and tenacity. 

read more
LGBTQ+ Leaders and Organizations in Sustainability to Know About this Pride Month

LGBTQ+ Leaders and Organizations in Sustainability to Know About this Pride Month

The GREEN Program loves to celebrate love, and there is no better way to do that this month than by recognizing a few LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations that are making a difference not just in their own communities but for our planet altogether. Read below to learn more about some people and spaces that are working together to promote a better world that focuses on inclusion and equality.

read more
Meet 8 AAPI Leaders in Sustainability: Across the Globe and At Home

Meet 8 AAPI Leaders in Sustainability: Across the Globe and At Home

The month of May is known to many as the end of classes and the start of Summer, but May is also known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Our team at TGP wanted to take a moment to recognize the contributions and influence of AAPI Americans throughout history, culture, and achievements both on a global scale, and from those who are a bit close to home. We also encourage you to learn more about AAPI Heritage Month and get involved through additional resources.

read more
From a Start Up to a Sustainability Study Abroad Program: How Patrick Applied his Passion for Renewable Energy in Iceland

From a Start Up to a Sustainability Study Abroad Program: How Patrick Applied his Passion for Renewable Energy in Iceland

When Fall 2021 rolled around and I saw the TGP scholarship opportunity, I thought I’d apply not expecting much. When I found out that I actually got it, I was like “I guess I’m actually doing this!”. I was a little nervous and anxious but also so excited for the opportunity! I was also grateful that the enrollment process was very smooth for me with no significant challenges along the way.

read more
Boston University Student Gains a Unique Perspective for Renewable Energy & Sustainability by Studying Abroad in Iceland

Boston University Student Gains a Unique Perspective for Renewable Energy & Sustainability by Studying Abroad in Iceland

Global experiences have definitely shaped me into the person I am today through increased cultural awareness and sensitivity. Getting to really know a great group of diverse individuals from all over the world has not only shaped my perspective on current world issues, but has also allowed me to take a glance at certain topics from another angle and point of view.

read more
A Construction Science Major Turns Lessons into Opportunity after a Sustainability Study Abroad Program 

A Construction Science Major Turns Lessons into Opportunity after a Sustainability Study Abroad Program 

AJ Ewing spent his past Winter Break a little bit differently than most students, by studying abroad on our GREEN Nepal program. As a Construction Science major, AJ notes that he was nervous coming into the study abroad program having no prior experience in sustainability or electrical/solar grids, but he was excited and eager to learn. As soon as he arrived, all his nerves were gone as he was welcomed by our team and ready to dive in. Now, he can honestly say that when he thinks of The GREEN Program, he thinks of “family away from home.”

read more
How a Geologist Made His Sustainability Dream in Iceland a Reality through a Study Abroad Scholarship

How a Geologist Made His Sustainability Dream in Iceland a Reality through a Study Abroad Scholarship

As someone who is in a field with a limited representation of ethnic minorities, TGP created a neutral ground where there was a range of diversity on different levels. My GREEN Program experience in Iceland wasn’t just about the adventures and cultural immersion, but about the education too. I thoroughly enjoyed the lectures because I saw how passionate the different lecturers were about their work and research which is truly inspiring. As a geologist, learning more about the wonder that is Iceland in Iceland was definitely a dream come true.

read more
Get to Know GREENie: Maryam Aida Tidjani

Get to Know GREENie: Maryam Aida Tidjani

Maryam Aida Tidjani got to experience a brand new kind of GREEN Program during the hard times the world was facing, a 100% Virtual and Online experience. Initially planning on traveling to Peru in 2021, the global pandemic continued to shift things around and we had to pivot all travel programs to Online experiences.

read more

Subscribe to The GREEN Program newsletter & updates

Loading...
Skip to content