Engineering, Technology & the SDGs
Why are engineering and technology relevant to the SDGs?
Engineering and technology are essential contributors to achieving the SDGs. As we progress through the fourth industrial revolution which includes physiological, biological and digital advancements, engineering and technology will be responsible for progression in innovation and adaptation strategies to help achieve the SDGs and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Resources
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UNESCO Engineering Report
Case studies of engineering innovations being applied to the SDGs and reveals why engineering is crucial for sustainable development and why the role of engineers is vital in addressing basic human needs such as alleviating poverty, supplying clean water and energy, responding to natural hazards, constructing resilient infrastructure, and bridging the development divide, among many other actions, leaving no one behind.
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National Academy of Engineering
14 Grand Challenges for Engineering in the 21st Century. Snapshots of game-changing goals for improving life on the planet by engineers and technological scientists.
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12 Canadian Cleantech Comapnies Among World's Top 100
Why Canada is a high-positioned nation in its cleantech industry. The Global Cleantech 100 recognizes the most innovative ventures tackling the planet's most pressing environmental issues, Canada had 12.
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Engineering for Sustainable Development
Engineers and engineering make significant contributions to promoting sustainable global development. The crucial role played by engineering technologies in the betterment of human livelihood and advancing sustainable global development. Engineering technologies are crucial to the realization of the 17 SDGs formulated by the UN by 2030, especially those concerning clean water and energy, building resilient infrastructure and tackling climate change.
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Why tech will be the key to hit the SDGs
Harnessing the digital age for the necessary transformative change and disruptive innovation across all sectors of our economy. Tech holds the incredible potential to transform sectors rapidly and globally. A list of how technology can advance specific SDGs.
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Digital tech is critical to UN SDGs
Developed and deployed correctly, digital technologies are powerful tools that can have a transformational effect on the SDGs. A recap of report "Digital with a Purpose - Delivering a Smarter2030". Examines critical roles for the information and communication technology (ICT) in developing technologies to maximize positive impact and minimize harmful consequences.
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WORLD SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY
Summit to connect and engage mobility stakeholders in collective action on concrete solutions for more mobility with less impact.
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Role of Technology in Sustainable Development
The sorts of technological changes that would be necessary to keep up with and counteract the growing environmental damage caused by increases in production and consumption would have to be fairly dramatic. An analysis of technology's ability to solve societal & environmental problems.
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The role of AI in the SDGs
AI can enable the accomplishment of 134 targets across all the goals, but it may also inhibit 59 targets. The fast development of AI needs to be supported by the necessary regulatory insight and oversight for AI-based technologies to enable sustainable development.
Organizations
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DataKind
A nonprofit organization that connects skilled data scientists with NGOs that address humanitarian issues.
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Sustainable Development Technology Canada
Helps Canadian companies develop and deploy competitive, clean technology solutions to solve global issues.
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Microsoft
Big firm turns "green". AI for Earth initiative, clean buildings, clean energy, clean technology.
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Tech for Social Good
Aim to increase Canadian nonprofit, charity, & social enterprise efficiency through their own technology.
Learn More
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AI4SDGs - Think Tank
Research Program and Cooperation Network. A global collection of AI projects and proposals that impacts SDGs both positively and negatively. Promote the positive use of AI for Sustainable Development, and to investigate the negative impact of AI on Sustainable Development.
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Engineering for Change
A knowledge organization dedicated to preparing the international engineering workforce to deliver solutions that improve the quality of life of under-served communities. Provide resources and platforms that accelerate the development of impactful solutions.
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Engineers Canada
Upholds the honour, integrity, and interests of the engineering profession. National guideline on sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
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Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Canada
Funds visionaries, explorers and innovators who are searching for the scientific and technical breakthroughs that will benefit the country. Work with universities, colleges, businesses and not-for-profits.
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Mitacs
Connect highly trained researchers with the businesses that need them and help guide you through the process.
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Cleantech Rising
Nonprofit advocacy organization focused on supporting the advancement of clean technologies to address our greatest environmental problems. List of Clean Tech Companies.
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Engineers Without Borders
Support local innovators to accelerate their impact and apply their innovations on a global scale, to the benefit of millions. Fostering a community of leaders. Collaborating with innovators across boundaries. Challenge the national and global policies, systems and institutions that contribute to the flawed status quo.
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Clean Energy Canada
Climate and clean energy program within SFU. Work to accelerate Canada’s clean energy transition by sharing the story of the global shift to renewable energy sources and clean technology. We conduct original research, convene influential dialogues, inform policy leadership, and build citizen engagement.
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Canadian Wind Energy Association
Non-profit expanding role for wind energy in an electricity grid being transformed to power a low-carbon future. Represents organizations and individuals who are directly involved in the development and application of these energy technologies, products and services.
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Canadian Solar Industries Association
Non-profit expanding role for solar energy in an electricity grid being transformed to power a low-carbon future. Represents organizations and individuals who are directly involved in the development and application of these energy technologies, products and services.
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American Clean Power Association
Voice of companies from across the clean power sector. Powering America’s future and providing cost-effective solutions to the climate crisis while creating jobs, spurring massive investment in the U.S. economy, and driving high-tech innovation across the nation.
Have more resources for us?
This is a library that we are sharing with our entire youth network, and we'd love it if this could be a collaborative library! You might know even more cool resources related to this academic department and it's intersection with sustainability, and if so we'd love if you were willing to share with everyone! If you have any resources you’d like us to add to our library, please shoot us an email using the form below and we will add them ASAP!