Engineering education in the new millennium: towards sustainable infrastructure and environment

The past 25 years has not seen noticeable progress towards integrated and sustainable urban and rural environment. This is of major concern due to increasing pollution. Business communities, universities, governments and other leaders must make concerted efforts to view urban and rural environments through holistic, integrated approaches. Educators at schools, colleges, universities and other institutions must also rethink current approaches to education research and practice. An incremental approach to solutions is preferable. Government policies must be shaped through education to benefit the long-term health of people, and facilitate progress towards sustainable development, rather than hinder civilisation and quality of life for present and future generations, and sustainable agriculture in organic farming is recommended. While existing technology is sufficient, lacking now are holistic education, financial resources for urban infrastructure (physical, environmental and institutional) and political resolve to improve the plight of urban and rural poor in many developing countries. Urban environmental issues must consider the development of rural communities.