The global/regional issues confronting human societies are:

• Global climate change

• Water resources supply

• Energy supply and use

• Urban sprawl

• Human and animal waste

• Toxic and hazardous waste

• Solid waste

• Salinity control

• Sediment control

• Acid rain

• The hole in the ozone layer

• Preservation of biodiversity

• Sustainable development

Civil engineers have a leading role in the solution of these global issues.