Promoting economic growth whilst responding to climate change and the depletion of natural resources.

Mechanical engineers work at the very core of economic growth, be it in the generation and distribution of energy, the transport and built infrastructure that supports developed and developing nations, or the design and manufacture of consumer goods.

In today's world these activities face significant challenges around environmental and sustainability issues and the profession is continuously engaged in finding solutions to society's concerns in these areas. Learn more about the Environment theme.

Latest news and initiatives

Launch of  the theme report Population: One Planet, Too Many People

The Institution has published the theme report Population: One Planet, Too Many People  By 2010 experts predict the global human population to reach about 9.5billion.  Meeting the needs of these people will provide a significant challenge to governments and society at large.  This latest Institution report looks at how engineers can address the issues of food, water and energy supply for an ever urbanised population over the next few decades. 

Read the full report

Keep up to date with the latest climate change and energy developments

Each week, we compile a round up of the very latest news from the UK media about key developments in climate change and energy policy, including topics such as climate science, alternative energy, nuclear power, and geo-engineering:

View the latest climate change news bulletin