Time's Ticking: Strategies to Combat the Boiling Climate Crisis

Time's Ticking: Strategies to Combat the Boiling Climate Crisis

Intense heat waves, accelerated melting of polar ice caps, and an alarming rise in sea levels are some of the most obvious signs of the climate emergency that the planet is facing. Additionally, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, storms, floods, and wildfires, have increased significantly. These phenomena highlight the urgency of global action to address the climate crisis and mitigate its devastating impacts, which could have significant implications in several areas, from food security to geopolitical stability, and hence lead to conflicts and population displacements. Critical infrastructures, including energy, transport, and communication systems, are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, which can compromise the resilience of modern societies. To face this unencouraging scenario, a coordinated effort is needed to strengthen infrastructure, promote adaptation to climate change, and reduce socioeconomic disparities that can be exacerbated by these events.

To this end, the discourse that small individual changes can solve the climate crisis is largely idealistic and fails to recognize the magnitude of the challenge. In fact, it is large industries, along with government regulations, that have the power to make significant changes. In the construction sector, radically transforming practices is essential, given that it is responsible for a considerable portion of carbon emissions and the consumption of natural resources. Adopting innovative design approaches, using sustainable materials, and incorporating energy-efficient technologies are all crucial steps that architects and builders can take to minimize the environmental impact of their projects. In this context, this edition of the Building Future Newsletter highlights initiatives and projects that aim to direct the construction industry toward a more sustainable path, responding to the urgent challenge of the climate crisis. If you want to delve deeper into the topic, make sure to revisit our articles and past publications featured in the Monthly Topic.

Share your thoughts, and stay tuned for our upcoming edition.

Eduardo Souza, Senior Editor, Brands & Materials




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Design of the ventilation system at the Sarah hospital / Jo?o Filgueiras Lima (Lelé). Image via Concrete
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Behzad Imran

Power BI | Tableau | Python | Data Science | AI | Machine Learner | Marketing

6 个月

Addressing the climate crisis requires concerted efforts from industries and governments, as individual actions alone may not suffice. In the construction sector, adopting sustainable practices and innovative technologies is crucial to minimize environmental impact and build a more resilient future.

回复
Koos Visser

the Hands-on guy @ Ichtus Studio Architects

9 个月

Hi Eduardo, I don't by habit respond to this 'fear-mongering' - but you have surpassed the top levels of wokeness! What a lot of hogwash:??'Intense heat waves, ............... have increased significantly.'?Really?? It's proven to be cyclical phenomena, repeating itself throughout the centuries & with nothing to do with the so-called?climate crisis.? Rather follow the real scientists! Who says:?There are no climate crises! from scientists who are NOT influenced by mass hysteria of the media or lies. by 'fake prophets'. Like:? 'The Great Climate Con' ?Alex Epstein - dr. William Harper, rebuts the myth of carbon pollution; dr.?Judith Curry: "Relax, there is no climate emergency!" Dr Bjorn Lomborg: "Climate Alarmists Are Getting This All Wrong " Prof. Roger Pielke Jr. "The Inconvenient Truth about Climate Science" Dr Patrick Moore: Greenpeace co-founder: "We were literally running out of carbon before we started to pump it back into the atmosphere. CO2 has been declining?to where it is getting close to the end of plant life . due to lack of CO2.” They are not in the pockets of the WEF, etc. Take them seriously & not the ignoramuses in the world. Who, by repeating a lie often enough, thinks it will be accepted as the truth?

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Greg West

Construction Project Design, Management & Coordination

9 个月

On the question, “Do Passive Design Strategies Truly Reduce the Carbon Footprint Effectively?” Answer: YES they do. It is building science physics. Take a course: International: https://passivehouse.com In the US https://www.phius.org & in Canada https://www.passivehousecanada.com/about-passive-house/

回复
Alireza Modarresi

| Top Architectural Design Voice | Architect | Co-Founder of Barsav Office , since 2012 |

9 个月

Great article! It raises awareness about the pressing need for urgent global action to combat climate change and its severe consequences on the environment and human society. I appreciate the emphasis on the importance of collective efforts from governments, industries, and individuals to create a sustainable future. Regarding the construction industry specifically, it's fascinating how much impact it has on our built environment, resource depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions. I agree that adopting innovative design methods, utilizing sustainable materials, and implementing energy-efficient technologies are crucial steps that architects and builders should undertake. It's inspiring to see that numerous initiatives and projects are being implemented worldwide, as highlighted in this edition of the Building Future Newsletter. Overall, I encourage everyone reading this article to educate themselves further on the subject and consider taking part in advocacy efforts for a greener tomorrow. Let's work together to shape a more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.

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