So we are aware of the challenge. The next step for humanity is to develop long-term solutions to ease, stop and even reverse these catastrophic effects. This is where engineering and engineers can play an important role. Why? Because many of the solutions for combating climate change will only be found in engineering innovations and use of new technology. It is true that some changes are societal and require behaviour changes (eating less meat, unplugging electronic equipment in the home etc) and some changes must be led by governmental policy.

However, despite pillaging the planet and endangering our existence, we still find time for solidarity and charity, betraying a nature seemingly as generous as it is destructive. Recent events draw attention to this paradox, Coronavirus triggering swells of heart-warming community spirit as well as the hoarding of toilet paper.