The Future: Are C.E.'S Going to be Involved?

Abstract

Ever since the first Roman engineer used water power to free his horses from grinding corn, engineers have been involved in developing environmentally‐clean energy sources. John Smeaton, the first civil engineer, brought the water wheel to its most refined form. J. B. Francis developed his turbines, and many others have contributed to the energy resources in this country. The question is: Are civil engineers going to be involved in the future development of energy in the environment? At present, we are the field that other, more dynamic fields of engineering break away from. In the technological world, it is apparent that the “liberally educated” humanists will not get the technological education that is necessary to make rational decisions in this area. Will we develop the skills necessary to help? The type of engineer that will be required for futuristic designs will require an extremely broad education and understanding of the principals in many fields. Perhaps only the civil engineer has this background.