Human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) experts, like professionals in many other scientific domains, have joined the fight against global warming and climate change. Their research and practice focus on finding ways to combat or minimize its serious effects.
A special two-part issue of Ergonomics in Design examines how HF/E professionals can continue working to mitigate this worldwide phenomenon. Part 1 of the special issue, guest edited by Ken Nemire, is now available online and may be found at http://erg.sagepub.com/.
"With recent research indicating we stay close to a maximum global warming of 1°C (now at 0.8°C) to prevent the most disastrous consequences of global warming, the articles in this special issue point the way to immediate changes to research, standards, and regulations that may involve HF/E practitioners," said Nemire.
The following is a sampling of articles from researchers in Canada, South Africa, and the United States that are included in Part 1 of the special issue:
- "Green Ergonomics and Green Buildings"
- "Feedback Design Heuristics for Energy Conservation: New Opportunities for the Human Factors Practitioner"
- "A Transdisciplinary Perspective on Hedonomic Sustainability"
- "Bicycle Promotion as a Response to Climate Change"
"Substantially more research and effort is needed to redesign our behavior, our products and our cities to prevent the most disastrous consequences of global warming," said Nemire. "It is clear that much more effort at corporate and governmental levels, such as stricter regulations and standards as well as greater funding for research and development of new technologies, is needed now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."
To obtain copies of articles for media reporting purposes, contact HFES Communications Director Lois Smith (lois@hfes.org; 310/394-1811).
The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society is the world's largest nonprofit individual-member, multidisciplinary scientific association for human factors/ergonomics professionals, with more than 4,800 members globally. HFES members include psychologists and other scientists, designers, and engineers, all of whom have a common interest in designing systems and equipment to be safe and effective for the people who operate and maintain them. "Human Factors and Ergonomics: People-Friendly Design Through Science and Engineering"
Plan to attend the HFES 2014 International Annual Meeting, October 27-31, Hyatt Regency Chicago.