Memo

Date:   February 5, 2008

To:      Professor Duchak

From:  Jeremy West

Re:       Focus the Nation and engineering ethics

This memo summarizes the Focus the Nation seminar I attended, addresses how what I learned from that seminar impacts the field of aerospace engineering, and discusses my personal engineering ethics.

Seminar summary:

Focus the Nation's “Tech Solutions 1: Engineering” was presented by three of CalPoly's engineering professors: Dr. Art MacCarley (electrical engineering), Dr. Linda Vanasupa (materials engineering), and Dr. Yarrow Nelson (environmental engineering). In this seminar they briefly discussed the cause and problem of global warming. Then they proposed some solutions to this growing problem.

Fossil fuel consumption, which accounts for 86% of global energy, contributes significantly to global warming by releasing dangerous carbon dioxide gases (CO₂) into the atmosphere. The industrial revolution raised the earth's temperature by one degree Fahrenheit. Experts predict, however, that the next few decades will bring about a ten-fold increase. The Focus the Nation professors therefore outlined a few solutions to address this problem. Some have proposed to clean up the CO₂ or put it back into the earth or ocean. These “solutions”, however, just cover up the problem and do nothing to actually solve it. Some truly viable solutions involve using less fossil fuels or developing alternatives to fossil fuels. Fuel conservation and alternative energy souces can dramatically reduce the effects of global warming.

The final slide of a superhero with the word “you” printed on his chest signified the professors' urge for everyone to fulfill their role in fighting global warming.

Focus the Nation's application to aerospace engineering:

Aerospace engineering involves many operations and machines that require vast amounts of energy. Whether designing satellites that are launched into orbit or jets that fly at supersonic speeds, aerospace engineers encounter many situations where compromising sustainability for maximum performance can occur. As the once distant problem of global warming becomes more and more relevant, aerospace engineers must take further steps to make sure that they don't overlook the environment for the sake of performance.

While sustainability has become increasingly important, many steps can still be taken to maximize fossil fuel conservation. Producing aerospace systems involves manufacturing processes which, if streamlined, could minimize the consumption of non-renewable resources. Operating aerospace systems also requires large amounts of energy in the form of fuel. Converting from hazardous, non-renewable fossil fuels to cleaner, more renewable alternatives would diminish the toxic byproducts of these procedures. Properly managing and disposing any waste products generating in the production and operation of aerospace systems would also reduce the effect that the aerospace industry has on our environment.

Sustainability is not an easy goal, but using more efficient technology, reducing fossil fuel consumption, and implementing environmentally friendly systems can improve sustainability in the aerospace industry and reduce the effects of global warming.

Personal engineering ethics:

As a future aerospace engineer, I feel that I have strong engineering ethics, but I think my “ethics pyramid” is slightly stacked towards personal and social ethics more than conservation ethics.

I have always been raised to have strong personal ethics, a clear sense of right and wrong, and respect for the “golden rule.” When it comes to social ethics – issues relating to rights and law – I respect the importance of following legal regulations. Even though engineers can break the law to gain a competitive advantage, I feel that honesty outweighs that advantage. Regarding conservation ethics, I respect the environment, but I feel my commitment to personal and social ethics is more important.

In the aerospace industry, like in any other industry, ethical dilemmas occur. In practice, my commitments to personal and social ethics would hold, sometimes in the expense of conservation ethics. I may have to choose whether I will work on systems that endanger human lives, like bombs or fighter planes. Even though these weapons are by definition dangerous, I feel I could work on them because I know the importance of military superiority in preserving our freedom. Additionally, even though aerospace designs are often not very environmentally friendly, knowing their importance would make me comfortable building such designs. I would not, on the other hand, feel ethically responsible working for a company that uses illegal or unethical means to gain a competitive advantage.

Thank you for taking the time to read this memo.