I believe that designers and engineers have a special responsibility for addressing the energy crisis facing the world today. Why? As a group designers are uniquely trained to innovate inside complex systems with fuzzy boundaries. We are well equipped to tackle the social, scientific, and engineering problems that the energy crisis presents.  I think that addressing these issues will be to our advantage.  It will result in opportunities for new product solutions in energy, transportation, and consumer products.  Redesign for sustainability will be the source of wealth creation for years to come. 

However, it will also be hard work. It will be necessary to rethink our design methodology around a ‘cradle-to-cradle” approach like that advocated by William McDonough and Michael Braungart.  Designers will have to get involved in public policy. We need to convince everyone that the real energy crisis has nothing to do with Exxon, Enron, or the Saudi monarchy.  We need to take the lead in framing the issues for non-designers in a way that prompts positive action. Our generation has little choice; it may be too late if we leave this crisis to our children. It is a responsibility everyone currently working in design must start taking seriously.