Amid pressing environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution and resource depletion, practising engineers have been charged to rethink processes in projects by prioritising designs that protect the natural world rather than damage it.

The President of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Dr Adebisi Osim, led the charge at a public lecture, entitled “Sustainability in the climate change backdrop: life cycle assessment of manufacturing and domestic processes”, organised by APWEN.

The forum attracted Consultant, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Benin, Dr John Labiran, Senior lecturer, Department of Computer Engineering, University of Benin, Dr OdunwareOkusun, Technical Secretary, APWEN, Tolulope Erinosha, Assistant Technical Secretary, APWEN, Odigie Christabel, and other professionals.

Osim argued that as problem solvers, engineers must recognise that they are also custodians of the future, as their designs directly influence how sustainable society becomes.

She tasked practitioners to innovate and reduce climate change impact in products and project designs for a sustainable future.

She challenged the professionals to think beyond just building bridges, designing machines, or coding systems, but must consider the environmental cost of design and how it will affect the people and the planet.

“We want to stimulate fresh thinking, push boundaries, and encourage practical solutions. Through our advocacy, mentorship, and technical engagements, we are ensuring that women engineers and the engineering profession at large take centre stage in climate-conscious innovations. We are also encouraging research collaborations, promoting the use of renewable energy in industries and homes, and supporting policies that place Nigeria on a sustainable development path,” Osim said.

According to Osim, sustainability is not an abstract idea, but about the choices professional engineers and the people make every day towards preserving the planet for future generations.