As a continued way for readers / future Community Members to get to know more about our work, here’s an introduction to Mike McMeekin, Co-Chair of the Guiding Principles Committee.
Please list your name, title, and global region.
Mike McMeekin, President / Executive Director
Engineering Change Lab – USA
Omaha, Nebraska USA
How long have you been an IEEE member or volunteer?
Planet Positive 2030 is my first opportunity to volunteer with IEEE, and I have been involved since the beginning.
Why did you want to join Planet Positive 2030?
I have spent a long career in engineering, and my experience has taught me that the engineering community can have a positive impact on people, on communities, and on the earth. My organization, Engineering Change Lab – USA, is focused on the future of engineering and working to ensure that those positive impacts increase in the future. As part of our work, we drafted a Climate Change Noble Purpose Statement for the engineering community. The vision and mission of Planet Positive 2030 aligns with our work and our climate change statement.
How would you define “sustainability?” In general, in your work, and in your life?
There are many definitions. The principle in those definitions that resonates most with me is the need to respect the incalculable value that the natural world provides us – carbon capture, soil formation, crop pollination, storm and flood protection, clean air, genetic resources for pharmaceuticals, and so many more, including recreation, cultural diversity, and spiritual health.
How do you think technology can best help the planet?
There are many, many ways that technology can be put to beneficial use, IF humans intentionally shape technology in our best interests, rather than letting technology shape the future.
What is your dream regarding Planet Positive 2030 and the Earth in general?
My dream is that we finally recognize the need to transform our energy systems away from fossil fuels to renewable energy and that there is broad acceptance that this massive investment will pay off environmentally and economically over the long term.
What’s the question we haven’t asked you regarding sustainability, technology or the planet we should have asked you?
Those of us with technical and scientific backgrounds have a professional duty to help the public in understanding the science of climate change, the degree to which our climate has already been impacted, and the consequences of inaction with respect to climate change. We must be leaders in countering the disease of misinformation and disinformation.
