When seeking to understand the differences between geoengineering and civil engineering, the best way to explain would be to use the analogy of apples to fruit. Fruit is the main category with apples being a kind of fruit. The same goes for geoengineering and civil engineering. Civil engineering is the main field of study with geoengineering a narrow focus within the field. In today’s market, geoengineers are in great demand simply because of what it is they seek to accomplish.
Civil Engineering at a Glance
Say, for example, you are a student at New Jersey Institute of Technology and have an undergrad degree in civil engineering. This degree would prepare you to design and develop large-scale construction projects, often referred to as infrastructures, such as roads, airports, and subway systems. These are examples of transportation engineers, but the idea is that civil engineers are responsible for designing construction projects such as building complexes, tunnels, dams, bridges, and so forth.
What Is Geoengineering?
Most often, geoengineers go beyond a bachelor’s degree with geoengineering as the focus of their graduate degree. This degree can be taken on campus at schools like the abovementioned university or they can be achieved through the NJIT online master’s program. Geoengineering typically deals with largescale environmental projects. This is an up-and-coming career because there is much yet to be done to create an infrastructure ensuring a sustainable future. Climate is a huge area of concentration.
Specific Aspects of a Geoengineering Specialization
With climate control and global warming as a key focus, geoengineers seek to develop ‘green projects’ that reduce waste, eliminate much of the CO2 that is released into the atmosphere and seek sustainable solutions in response to the energy crisis. What geoengineers hope to accomplish is finding ways to offset the damage already done to planet Earth. While they are absolutely designing largescale construction projects within the realm of civil engineering, their main focus is on reducing future damage and compensating past damage done to our already fragile environment.
Geoengineers Are Our Hope for the Future
If you are interested in a job with a great future in engineering, geoengineering could be what you are looking for. Much damage has already been done and as consumers and industries (private, governmental and non-profit) become better informed, an increasing number of engineering contracts will be awarded to geoengineers within the civil engineering industry. With a sound understanding of technological advances and a growing understanding of the impact current technology is having on the environment, what geoengineers have to offer will be in greater demand.
We have yet to colonize other planets as so often seen in your favorite sci-fi flicks, so for now, all we have is the planet upon which we all live. We are draining our natural resources while continuing to destroy the ozone layer that protects us all. Given a choice, wouldn’t you say geoengineering is the branch of civil engineering that could make a difference in our future?
Article Submitted By Community Writer