The climate is changing. This is not only what science tells us – it is also an observable fact in Switzerland today, confronting us with major challenges. Glaciers are melting, species are becoming extinct, and extreme weather events are on the rise. Heavy rainfall leads to flooding, prolonged heat waves to droughts – already pushing tourism and food production in Switzerland to their limits.
The reasons are well known. Since the start of the Industrial Revolution – which, without doubt, brought us many benefits – the ecosystem has increasingly fallen out of balance and is straining under the burden humanity has placed on it for decades. Our patterns of consumption play a major role in this tension, especially when it comes to our demand for energy.
The problem: we all need energy. A lot of it. To heat our homes, to travel quickly from one place to another, to avoid sitting in darkness after sunset, to keep our smartphones, tablets, and computers running. And this demand continues to rise as the global population grows and digitalization advances.
For a long time, humankind has relied primarily on fossil fuels such as lignite, hard coal, peat, natural gas, and oil to meet this demand. Burning them releases greenhouse gases – most notably carbon dioxide (CO₂), a key driver of global warming and climate change. The consequence: life as we know it will soon no longer be possible, even here in Switzerland, if we continue down this path.
Can the world still be saved? Yes, it can. With the right knowledge and a solutions-oriented collaboration between science, business, politics, and society. The experts at the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture are convinced of this. But it requires changes to our consumption behavior and a decisive shift away from fossil fuels – not someday, but now. Because time is running out.
The Paris Agreement – signed by Switzerland along with 194 other countries – and the federal government’s Energy Strategy 2050 are committed to exactly this. Net zero means ensuring that the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere no longer increases: as much CO₂ must be removed from the atmosphere as is emitted. The global average temperature rise should be limited to well below two degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, thereby reducing the risks and life-threatening impacts of climate change to an acceptable level.
What is needed to achieve this? Above all, the willingness of all stakeholders – science, business, industry, politics, and society – to take bold action. And beyond that, a wide range of innovative technical solutions that are both ecologically and economically viable and that work effectively in concert.
This is precisely the challenge that the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture has taken on. Its experts in engineering and construction engage in interdisciplinary collaboration to serve business, politics, and society. On a solid scientific foundation, they not only provide future engineers with the tools they need through education and training but also bring their expertise into applied research and development. Their Net Zero focus areas are testament to the breadth and depth of their knowledge in this field.
Energy efficiency, sufficiency, decarbonization, renewable energies, and CO₂ reduction technologies are central areas of action. Together with students and project partners, they pursue these challenges with great innovative strength and dedication. The result: not only lasting added value but also meaningful work that brings real satisfaction – today and in the long term.
Being an engineer – doesn’t that sound like the right choice?
