Climate and the living world: a socio-technical challenge for engineers

The evidence is clear: the damage caused by climate change, linked to the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, is becoming more frequent and intense. The viability of the planet for future human generations and other species is now in question. A change in lifestyles in so-called "Western" societies seems inevitable. This is reflected in the numerous references to "transition" that are spreading throughout the media, public policy, and various economic sectors. It is therefore interesting to look at the new environmental action movements in French society. They are currently attempting to inform and mobilize people about global warming. This article aims to provide engineers, who will play a key role in the transformations to come, with a framework for understanding the upheavals underway, so that they can meet the socio-technical challenges of the 21st century.

The first part of the article deals with the term "transition," which has become dominant in discourse related to climate change. It provides the context in which the phrase "energy transition" first appeared, then presents the different interpretations of this phrase, and highlights the intrinsically social dimension of any energy system.

The second part provides an overview of the many environmental movements that have developed since the 1990s, particularly following the publication of the IPCC's special report in 2018. These movements have been started by young people, middle schoolers, high schoolers, and college students. They also involve think tanks and numerous associations that raise awareness and provide training on climate change issues. Some associations also originate from professional sectors and academic circles. This overview includes the most important movements, but it is necessarily partial given the proliferation of mobilizations.

The third part presents planetary boundaries and then introduces the socio-technical approach through its origins and socio-technical controversies. It highlights low-tech solutions, which can be considered a special case of this approach.

Finally, the fourth part provides the context and methods of action for this socio-technical approach to the necessary transformations ahead in lifestyles, production, and consumption. This involves changing prevailing representations of our relationship with the world, rethinking the dominant principles of economics and law, considering sobriety, working within companies, and organizing the dissemination of successful achievements.

The conclusion summarizes the main points developed in the article to highlight the key points and emphasize the fundamental role of a socio-technical approach for engineers in the 21st century.