5 Urgent Underrated Problems for Engineers to Solve in 2024

While everyone is busy working on AI, you could be working on these 5 Underrated Problems that Urgently require your capabilities as an Engineer and might just Save The World.

Happy New Year, fellow problem-solvers!

As we step into 2024, fresh with the optimism that only a new calendar can bring, it's that time again to ponder our New Year's resolutions.

Now, if you're anything like me, you're probably thinking of resolutions like hitting the gym more often (I mean, those holiday treats aren't going to burn themselves off) or maybe reading more books (and no, Twitter threads don't count). But as engineers, we have the unique privilege of being able to dream bigger and, let's face it, geekier.

So, this year, I propose we do something a little different. Instead of the usual 'learn a new programming language' or 'finally finish that side project that's been gathering digital dust on our GitHub', let's set our sights on something bigger. I'm talking about tackling some of the less conventional yet critically important problems our world is facing.

Yes, I know, the world has no shortage of problems. But I've handpicked a list of five underrated challenges that are just screaming for the touch of a skilled engineer. These aren't your run-of-the-mill issues that make headlines every day. No, these are the underdogs of global dilemmas, the ones you don't hear about at every tech conference or in every LinkedIn influencer's posts.

So, as you sip on your coffee (or green tea if you're already on that New Year health kick), let's dive into this list of five intriguing, perhaps even slightly peculiar, challenges that could use your engineering prowess in 2024. Trust me, by the end of this, you might just find yourself rethinking that resolution to learn Esperanto or perfecting your sourdough bread recipe.

Artwork - Problems to Solve in 2024

1. Volcanoes & Earthquakes

Alright, let's delve into the seismic and volcanic activity that's been shaking things up a bit more than usual lately. It's a topic that's hot enough to melt your marshmallows from a safe distance, but let's get technical and see what's really going on beneath the surface.

Understanding the Problem

First off, the relationship between tectonic earthquakes and volcanic eruptions is like a mystery novel that Earth sciences are still trying to decipher. Recent studies, like the one that followed the 2012 earthquakes in Central America, have shown a clear uptick in volcanic activity post-major seismic events. These earthquakes don't just throw a party and invite nearby volcanoes; instead, they tend to trigger eruptions only in those volcanoes already teetering on the edge of blowing their tops​​​​.

But why do some volcanoes react to earthquakes while others stay cool? It turns out that an earthquake alone isn't enough to get the volcanic party started. The magmatic system needs to be in the right mood​​.

A statistical analysis of volcanic eruptions in Central America between 2000 and 2019 showed a significant increase in eruptions after those 2012 earthquakes, indicating that this isn't just a coincidence.

Potential Solutions

1. Disaster Operations Management (DOM) Tools: We're talking about dynamic, predictive models that can estimate the cumulative damage of various elements at risk. These tools help decision-makers in volcanic risk-prone areas to plan and respond more effectively to eruptions.

2. Impact Scenario Models: Developed over the last 15 years, these models provide potential scenarios for eruptions, helping to predict and manage the crisis more effectively.

3. Mitigation Strategies for Buildings and Infrastructure: This involves implementing technologies to reduce the vulnerability of structures in areas prone to volcanic activity.

4. Territorial Planning and Delocalisation Strategies: Sometimes, the best solution is to move the party elsewhere. This involves moving people and industries out of high-risk areas and reimagining what these "red zones" could be used for, like parks or seasonal attractions. It's a bit like realising that hosting a party in a glass house isn’t the best idea, and moving it to a more suitable location​​.

2. Water

Water, the essence of life, is becoming an increasingly scarce resource. With climate change altering the rainfall playbook and our ever-growing thirst for water, the world is facing a looming water crisis. It's like a game of musical chairs, but with water, and the music is getting faster.

Why the Focus on Water?

1. Water Scarcity: Many regions are facing severe droughts, while others are dealing with flooding – an ironic twist of too little or too much water.

2. Agricultural Demands: Farming gulps down a huge chunk of our water supply. As populations grow, so does the demand for food and, consequently, water.

3. Pollution: Our water bodies are not just shrinking; they're also getting dirtier. Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and urban sewage are turning precious water into toxic soup.

Potential Engineering Solutions

1. Advanced Desalination Technologies: The sea is like a giant water bottle, but it's salty. Developing energy-efficient desalination can turn this vast resource into drinkable water.

2. Smart Irrigation Systems: Think precision farming. Using sensors and IoT tech to water crops exactly when and where needed can significantly reduce water waste.

3. Wastewater Treatment and Reuse: Cleaning up our act, literally. Developing technologies for effective wastewater treatment and finding ways to reuse this water can turn waste into a valuable resource.

4. Water Harvesting and Storage: Catching and storing rainwater, both in urban and rural areas, can help buffer against droughts. It's like saving for a dry day.

As we plunge into 2024, let's make water management a priority. It's about engineering solutions that not only quench our immediate thirst but also ensure that future generations don't have to get by on just a drop in the bucket.

3. The Silicon Conundrum

Silicon, the poster child of the semiconductor industry, has been the backbone of electronic devices for decades. But as technology scales new heights, silicon is hitting its physical and performance limits.

Why Look Beyond Silicon?

1. Physical Limitations: As we push silicon-based tech to be smaller and faster, we're basically asking it to run a marathon while doing a limbo dance. There's a limit to how small and efficient silicon transistors can be made, known as the 'quantum tunneling' limit. Beyond this point, silicon starts leaking current like a sieve, which is as useful as a chocolate teapot.

2. Energy Efficiency: Silicon isn’t the most energy-efficient material when pushed to its limits. As we move towards more powerful and compact devices, we need a material that doesn't turn into a mini toaster every time it's used.

What Are the Alternatives?

1. Graphene: Graphene is stronger, more flexible, and conducts electricity better than silicon. It's like silicon on steroids, but it's tricky to work with. I covered the problems and opportunities with Graphene in a detailed article previously. Check it out to learn more.

2. Carbon Nanotubes: Picture tiny, microscopic straws made of carbon. They’re excellent at conducting electricity and heat, making them potential rockstars in the semiconductor world. But, like getting a perfect harmony, aligning these nanotubes for uniform performance is a challenge.

3. Gallium Nitride (GaN): GaN is like the reliable bassist – it doesn't hog the limelight but provides a solid base. It's more efficient than silicon, especially for power devices. The catch? It's more expensive and complex to produce.

4. Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs): This material has better electron mobility. It's particularly promising for high-speed, low-power logic applications, but it's still a diva in terms of cost and manufacturing complexity.

The Engineering Challenge

Finding a replacement for silicon isn't just about discovering a new material; it's about reinventing the entire stage – from how we design electronic devices to how we manufacture them. It's a challenge that calls for creativity, innovation.

4. Pandemics

Just when we thought we were getting a handle on COVID-19, the universe is like, "Hold my beer." The possibility of another pandemic is looming over us, and it's not just a matter of 'if' but 'when'. It’s like playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole with infectious diseases.

Why Is This a Pressing Concern?

1. Zoonotic Spillover: It's not just about bats and pangolins anymore. As humans encroach more into wildlife habitats (thanks to our never-ending sprawl), the chance of viruses jumping from animals to humans increases. It's like having a wildlife party and the viruses are crashing it.

2. Global Connectivity: In today's world, a virus can travel first class around the globe faster than a viral meme. This high level of connectivity makes containment a Herculean task.

3. Antimicrobial Resistance: This is the silent bomb. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics are leading to superbugs that could turn a simple scratch into a life-threatening infection.

Potential Solutions for Engineers

1. Early Detection Systems: Developing technologies that can detect outbreaks before they become pandemics is key. This could involve AI-powered surveillance systems that monitor disease trends or portable diagnostic tools for quick field testing.

2. Improving Healthcare Infrastructure: This is about beefing up the health fortress. From designing better ventilators to creating more efficient patient management systems, engineers can play a crucial role in making healthcare systems more resilient.

3. Vaccine Development Technologies: The COVID-19 pandemic showed us the power of mRNA vaccines. Now, it's about taking this technology to the next level – like making it faster to adapt to new pathogens or ensuring longer shelf life.

4. Biosecurity Measures: Think of it as antivirus for the real world. This involves designing facilities and protocols to prevent the accidental or intentional release of dangerous biological agents.

As we scribble down our New Year's resolutions for 2024, let's add 'preventing the next pandemic' to the list. It's a challenge that's as daunting as it is vital, requiring a blend of technical prowess, creativity, and maybe a dash of madness.

5. Space Garbage

Outer space is starting to look a bit like a cosmic junkyard. With thousands of defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions, space debris is becoming a serious problem. It's like having too much trash in your backyard, but instead of raccoons, we're worried about multimillion-dollar satellites and the International Space Station.

Why Should We Care?

1. Collision Risks: Even a tiny piece of debris can pack a punch like a grenade when whizzing around Earth at high speeds. The risk of collisions is real and can cause serious damage to operational satellites and space missions.

2. Kessler Syndrome: This is the doomsday scenario where space debris collisions create more debris, leading to a chain reaction. If this happens, it could render certain orbits unusable and even trap us on Earth.

Potential Engineering Solutions

1. Active Debris Removal (ADR): This is about sending missions to clean up space. Think of it as cosmic waste management. Concepts include robotic arms, nets, and harpoons to capture debris and drag it out of orbit.

2. Laser Brooming: Sounds like sci-fi, but it's a real idea. Using ground-based lasers to nudge debris into lower orbits where it will burn up in the Earth's atmosphere. Like using a space-age broom to sweep up the orbital paths.

3. Collision Avoidance Technologies: Developing better tracking and prediction models to manoeuvre satellites out of harm's way. It’s like an advanced driver-assistance system, but for satellites.

4. Space Policy and Regulation: This is about playing the long game. Implementing and enforcing international policies to ensure future space missions are sustainable and don't add to the debris problem.

As we orbit into 2024, let's not forget that space, the final frontier, is getting cluttered. Tackling space debris is not just a matter of environmental responsibility; it's about safeguarding our future in space exploration.