Development of biomimicry should continue

The success of future generations is dependent upon the steps taken today to reduce the negative effects humans continue to have on the environment. The Biomimicry Challenge on March 22-23 features a method for doing just that here in Syracuse.

The goal of the challenge is to bring together creative and scientific individuals to develop new concepts for enhancing environmental sustainability using the biomimicry method of innovation.

This emerging method encourages finding inspiration directly from the natural world to revolutionize the creation of buildings, products and processes, such as inventing a solar cell by studying a leaf or designing a water filtration system by referencing fish gills.

The Syracuse Center of Excellence will be hosting the event for a second year in a row. Syracuse University will also help present the event. Together, the two institutions should continue to develop this challenge and become dedicated to making the field of biomimicry a more influential area of study in Syracuse.

Developing this emerging field of biomimicry also fits the goals of SU, as it is imperative to continue inspiring students and the community to generate information and technologies the world can use.

SU could further motivate students to become involved with biomimicry sciences by offering a course regularly on the subject and integrating more of its methods into established classes. Though the field is too young to begin an entire major on the subject, it is important to make more minds aware of the future of environmental innovation.

This emerging field could improve the local economy, which is vital to this city. It is a way to attract ambitious and talented individuals to the area, and could encourage university graduates to stay and start long-lasting careers.

By putting greater efforts into making this city a larger leader in biomimcry innovation, Syracuse could earn international recognition.

Following through with these efforts coincides with the center’s mission of creating jobs and wealth in New York through advances in environmental energies and technologies that promote sustainable well-being in urban environments.