Role of Chemical Engineering to address Global Grand Challenges

Many grand challenges face our global society, ranging from health, nutrition, energy, climate change, environmental and water issues. One of the key issues involves the coordination of sustainable solutions regarding one grand challenge, such as water, while optimizing the impacts on others challenges (e.g. climate change and energy).  During the last several years, scientists, engineers, and the public have begun to address the water-energy nexus.  The next horizon issue that is receiving public attention is the interplay between water, energy and food. 

Chemical engineers can help address and find solutions for the various grand challenges. Our profession, with its strong systems and analytical perspectives, is particularly well suited to address the complex tradeoffs between each of these challenges. This session will explore how professional societies, represented by the World Chemical Engineering Council (WCEC), can best address these global challenges.