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How has chemical engineering changed over the past few decades?

Isabelle Redsell

Hey there!

When it comes to chemical engineering, the past few decades have been marked by some pretty significant changes. One of the main ones has been the shift towards sustainability and green engineering. Many chemical engineers today are focused on finding ways to design and develop processes and products that are more environmentally friendly and have a smaller carbon footprint. This wasn't really a priority in the past, but now it's something that's top of mind for a lot of people in the field.

Another important change has been the increased use of technology. Thanks to advances in computing and data analysis, chemical engineers today have more tools at their disposal than ever before. They can use software to design and optimize processes, simulate how different materials will behave, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. This has made it easier for engineers to improve the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of their work.

At the same time, there have been some challenges as well. For one thing, the field has become much more globalized. With the rise of new economies in Asia and other parts of the world, there's been a lot more competition and pressure to innovate and stay ahead of the curve. Additionally, there's been a growing awareness of the need to prioritize safety and minimize risk. This has led to stricter regulations and more scrutiny from governments, which can make it more difficult for companies to operate and grow.

Overall, though, I think the changes in chemical engineering over the past few decades have been very positive. We're seeing more emphasis on sustainability and responsible innovation, as well as better technology and tools to help engineers do their jobs. With these developments, I'm optimistic about the future of the field.