The building sector contributes up to 30% of global annual greenhouse gas emissions and consumes up to 40% of all energy [1]. Accordingly, the building sector has the greatest potential for climate change mitigation [2]. The development of mitigation and adaptation strategies has become a major challenge for the building industry. These strategies are, of course, local climate and environment dependent.
Prime mitigation strategies are: 1) improving energy efficiency of new and existing buildings, 2) integrating renewable energy technologies, and 3) using earth-friendly materials. Adaptation involves making buildings more resilient and responsive to extreme events and weather fluctuations. Any thoughts on adaptation strategies and the role of building science?
[1] UNEP-SBCI. Buildings and Climate Change – Summary for Decision-Makers. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiative (SBCI) 2009.
[2] IPCC. Climate Change 2007 – Mitigation of Climate Change. Working Group III Contribution to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2007.
Governments are already taking adaptation measures to help buildings cope with climate change. For example the government of Ontario has issued a “Climate Ready Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan 2011-2014” that includes measures for the built environment, which includes changes to the code and vulnerability assessments.
http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/stdprodconsume/groups/lr/@ene/@resources/documents/resource/stdprod_085423.pdf
It would be interesting to develop a discussion on the major threats depending on the province, region, …
Is BC taking any concrete measures on the adaptation of buildings to climate change? According to Figure 1 in the Ontario report the left half of the country is the one most affected by climate change.
cheers,
Al
Hi,
Are tragedies like that in the Phillipines caused by climate change? Apparently this year has been one of the warmest years on record according to WMO. Read the news below on what Ban Ki-moon has to say:
UN leader Ban Ki-moon said Saturday a super typhoon that killed thousands in the Philippines was an example of climate change and should serve as a warning to mankind.
Ban was speaking at the Tallin University in Estonia on a tour of several Baltic states before joining a second week of climate talks in Poland.
The UN chief said the world was facing a tipping point, as countries thrash out a deal to be signed in 2015 to cut Earth-warming greenhouse gas emissions.
“There are a lot of people on Earth who seem to believe we have two Earths,” Ban said.
“We have seen now what has happened in the Philippines. It is an urgent warning,” he said, “an example of changed weather and how climate change is affecting all of us on Earth.”
The UN reported 4,460 people had been confirmed dead so far and said 2.5 million people still “urgently” required food assistance after the country was hit by Super Typhoon Haiyan on November 8.
The devastating typhoon — the strongest ever to make landfall — has been seized upon by climate change activists who have linked it to global warming.
While experts are hesitant to link extreme weather phenomena to climate change, the UN has said rising sea levels make coastal populations more vulnerable to storm surges.
The World Meteorological Organisation has estimated 2013 was on course to be one of the hottest years since records began and global sea levels reached a record high.
The latest round of UN talks to set new climate goals comes amid warnings a 2009 aim to limit warming to an increase of 2 degrees Celsius in the average global temperature is growing ever more elusive.
In September, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicted global surface temperatures could climb on average by as much as 4.8 C (8.6 F) this century — a recipe for catastrophic heatwaves, floods, droughts and sea-level rise.
“We need action before it is too late,” said the UN chief, adding a rise in temperatures would “affect us all. The threat is very real and we all have to take responsibility to stop it.”
Ban said the United Nations had put in place a scientific advisory board of at least 30 scientists who will begin work in February to help the UN make decisions on protecting global resources and addressing the climate change threat. AFP
Read more: Ban says Philippines typhoon a ‘warning’ on climate change – Latest – New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/latest/ban-says-philippines-typhoon-a-warning-on-climate-change-1.403264#ixzz2kplF0QOD
Check this out:
We are having one of the warmest years on record:
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/nov/13/un-2013-seventh-warmest-year-records
Hi E.T.,
Thanks for sharing… This is very relevant to the subject and reinforces the idea that the key challenges in Building Science are: mitigation of climate change and adaptation to it. We need to use our ingenuity to come up with clever solutions. Otherwise, is there room in your planet for the earth’s population E.T.? Any thoughts?
-Rodrigo
Difficult questions – simple answers:
Do people have an influence on the climate change?
Read the answers in the link below:
http://www.cop19.gov.pl/about-climate-change
Big Idea 2014: The Year for Climate Action
More inspiration:
http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20131210000430-204317422-big-idea-2014-the-year-for-climate-action?trk=eml-mktg-inf-m-bigidea-1210-p1
“Rising to the challenge of climate change is a big idea for next year. But it is also a big idea for the future – of humankind and of our planet. It is a momentous responsibility to shoulder, but I firmly believe that every one of us can step up and become leaders in combating climate change, promoting sustainable development and building lives of dignity for all.
Future generations will judge our action on this issue. In 2014, we have the chance to step over to the right side of history. Let’s take it.”