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This paper discusses sustainable building design principles and their applications in tropical climates, specifically in Eastern Africa. It emphasizes the challenges posed by climate change and resource depletion, detailing the need for significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions to mitigate impacts on ecosystems and resources. The authors highlight the pressing need for strategies that allow economic development without increasing emissions, while also addressing the ecological footprints of countries in this region.
Leadership and Management in Engineering, 2008
Our planet is warming because of human activities affecting the environment. Climate change is caused by a number of things, and it will take an enormous amount of concerted effort to fix it. It involves thinkers, politicians, professionals, and the public. Architects and engineers will have a major role to play in resolving the associated problems. This paper explores various architectural and building technologies that are employed to achieve a low-energy built environment. The paper concludes that designers of the next generation of buildings, whether residential, commercial, or institutional, should aim for "zero energy" buildings in which there will be no need to draw energy from a region's power grid. In this approach, climate and environment are used to advantage rather than being treated as adversaries and buildings become sources of energy, like batteries. A few illustrative buildings are discussed that represent the new generation of sustainable or green buildings. A lthough it has been known for some time, in his documentary film An Inconvenient Truth, former Vice President Al Gore has brought home the point to the masses that the global weather system is warming up. It signals that more energy will be squandered throughout our planet, and hence more wind storms and precipitations are on the horizon. There is another ominous danger, which is the uncertainty about the security of the fossil fuels that will be required to drive the world economy in the foreseeable future. As demand increasingly exceeds supply, oil prices will rise. At least half the oil reserves will be located in the volatile Middle East and there is a growing demand in developing countries like China and India that are industrializing and are large consumersofenergy. According to a February 2007 report by the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, "warming of the climate system is unequivocal" and human activities have played a significant role by "overloading the atmosphere with carbon dioxide hence retaining solar heat that would otherwise radiate away" ͑Kluger 2007͒. Human interference in the form of
2017
The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Climate change is a long time change in the average weather patterns that have come to define Earth's local, regional and global climates. These changes have a broad range of observed effects that are synonymous with the term. Changes observed in Earth's climate since the early 20th century are primarily driven by human activities, particularly fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth's atmosphere, raising Earth's average surface temperature. These human-produced temperature increases are commonly referred to as global warming. This research paper deals with the causes, effects and preventive measures to minimise global warming.
2018
This chapter examines mitigation pathways consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels. In doing so, it explores the following key questions: What is the remaining budget of CO2 emissions to stay below 1.5°C? To what extent do 1.5°C scenarios involve overshooting and returning to below 1.5°C by 2100? {2.2, 2.6} How is the carbon budget affected by non-CO2 emissions? {2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.6} What do 1.5°C pathways imply about transitions in energy, land use and sustainable development? {2.3, 2.4} How do policies in the near term affect the ability to limit warming to 1.5°C? {2.3, 2.5} What are the strengths and limitations of current modelling tools? {2.6} There is very high risk that under current emission trajectories or current national pledges the Earth will warm more than 1.5°C above preindustrial levels. Limiting warming to 1.5°C would require a rapid phase out of net global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and deep reductions in non-CO2 drivers of climate change such as methane. Such ambitious mitigation pathways are put at risk by high population growth, low economic development, and limited efforts to reduce energy demand. In comparison to a 2°C limit, required transformations are qualitatively similar but more pronounced and rapid over the next decades (high confidence) {2.3.1, 2.3.5, 2.5.1}. It is possible to define consistency with limiting warming to 1.5°C in different ways, including pathways that keep global average temperature below 1.5°C and those that overshoot 1.5°C and return later in the century. These different types of pathways come with very different implications and risks, including for sustainable development. For the purposes of this chapter, any scenario (non-overshoot and overshoot) with a greater than 50% probability of limiting warming to 1.5°C in 2100 is referred to as a "1.5°C scenario", with variations highlighted where appropriate. {2.3.1, 2.2.3, 2.5.3} This assessment evaluates the temperature outcome from quantitative model descriptions of emissions associated with the energy system, land use and the economy. While such model results provide insight into the consequences of policy options and their interplay with socioeconomic and technological development, the models are constrained by multiple underlying assumptions. For this reason, their results are complemented in this assessment with other types of studies and evidence. {2.1.3, 2.2.1, 2.6.1, 2.6.2} Remaining Carbon Budgets of 1.5°C pathways This assessment explores two types of remaining carbon budgets. The first is the Threshold Peak Budget (TPB), defined as cumulative CO2 emissions from 1 January 2016 until global mean temperature peaks. The second is the Threshold Return Budget (TRB), defined as cumulative CO2 emissions until global mean temperature returns to 1.5 or 2°C after a temporary temperature overshoot. Budgets are computed assuming that warming is limited to 1.5 or 2°C with either 50% likelihood or 66% likelihood, and accounting for non-CO2 drivers. Current emissions are ~40 GtCO2 yr-1 , which means budgets from 2019 onwards will be ~120 GtCO2 lower than counting from the start of 2016. The range accompanying budget calculations are based on available scenarios and cover physical uncertainty as well as variations in non-CO2 emissions. Values are presented in Table ES1. {2.2.2} Do Not Cite, Quote or Distribute 2-5 Total pages: 143 long-lived greenhouse gases (predominantly nitrous oxide from agriculture). Such pathways also reduce emissions of short-lived climate forcers (particularly methane) as much as possible. {2.2.2} Remaining uncertainties in the Earth system, including feedbacks and radiative forcings, primarily increase rather than decrease the risk of exceeding 1.5°C of warming (medium confidence). Uncertainties in radiative forcing and revisions in methane forcing allow only medium confidence in the assessed likely range. Most uncertainties in the Earth system, including permafrost feedbacks and the saturation of carbon uptake by the biosphere, are expected to reduce available carbon budgets and, therefore, increase the risk of exceeding 1.5°C of warming. In addition, budgets are sensitive to uncertainties in estimating temperature change since preindustrial times, current land-use emissions, climate sensitivity, and the impact of non-CO2 forcers (especially aerosols). {2.2.2, 2.6.2} The risk of passing 1.5°C and the requirements for urgent action Even with emissions reductions in line with countries' pledges under the Paris Agreement, known as Nationally-Determined Contributions (NDCs), a large share of the TPB would be exhausted by 2030 (median confidence). This means there is high risk that warming will exceed 1.5°C during the 21 st century and remain above it by 2100 if emissions are reduced only to the level of current commitments, or remain above them. Current NDCs are estimated to result in greenhouse gas emissions of ~49-56 GtCO2-eq yr-1 in 2030. In contrast, 1.5°C scenarios available to this assessment show an interquartile range of 14 to 48 GtCO2-eq yr-1 in 2030. If current pledges are followed to 2030, there are no model scenarios in which average warming is kept below 1.5°C. The large majority of models also fail to return warming to below 1.5°C by the end of the 21 st century if global emissions reduce in line with NDCs but no further. There is a high risk, therefore, that even if current NDCs are met, the post-2030 transformations that would be required to limit warming to 1.5°C are too steep and abrupt to be achieved even by the large portfolio of mitigation options that is considered in models (high confidence). {2.3.1.1, 2.3.5, Table 2.7, Cross-chapter Box 4.1} Delayed action or weak near-term policies increase the risk of exceeding 1.5°C and stranded investment in fossil-based capacity, leading to higher long-term mitigation challenges (high confidence). Historical emissions and policies already mean that pathways with at least a 66% likelihood of holding global warming below 1.5°C are out of the reach of models (medium confidence; Table ES1). Failure to achieve near-term emissions reductions would mean faster rates of change afterwards to stay consistent with 1.5°C, as well as generally higher cumulative CO2 emissions until carbon neutrality is reached (global net zero CO2 emissions). This, in turn, implies a larger requirement for carbon dioxide removal (CDR), and a higher and longer exceedance of the 1.5°C temperature limit. A lack of near-term policy commitment and regulatory credibility hinders mitigation investments and increases abatement costs. (high confidence) {2.1.3, 2.3.2, 2.5.1, 2.5.2} Strong carbon pricing mechanisms are necessary in 1.5°C scenarios to achieve the most cost-effective emissions reductions (high confidence). Discounted carbon prices for limiting warming to 1.5°C are three to seven times higher compared to 2°C, depending on models and socioeconomic assumptions (medium confidence). Carbon pricing can be usefully complemented by other policy instruments in the real world. For example, technology policies can also have an important role in the near term. {2.5.1, 2.5.2} Adopting a 1.5°C rather than 2°C pathway implies faster socio-technical transitions and deployment of mitigation measures. The shift from 2°C to 1.5°C also implies more ambitious, internationally cooperative and transformative policy environments in the short term that target both supply and demand (very high confidence). To keep the target of limiting warming to 1.5°C within reach, the stringency and effectiveness of policy portfolios is critical, as well as their diversity beyond carbon pricing. Pathways that assume stringent demand-side policies, and thus lower energy intensity and limited energy demand, reduce the risks of exceeding 1.5°C. {2.5, 2.5.1, 2.5.2} Limiting warming to 1.5°C requires a marked shift in investment patterns (high confidence), implying a financial system aligned with mitigation challenges. Studies reveal a gap between current investment patterns and those compatible with 1.5°C (or 2°C) scenarios. Whereas uncertainties exist regarding the extent of required investments (1.4-3.8 trillion USD annually on the supply side for 2016-2050), studies Do Not Cite, Quote or Distribute 2-7 Total pages: 143 confidence). Since some non-CO2 warming agents are emitted alongside CO2, particularly in the energy and transport sectors, non-CO2 emissions can be addressed through CO2 mitigation as well as through specific measures, for example to target agricultural methane, black carbon from kerosene lamps or HFCs (such as the Kigali Amendment). (high confidence) Every tenth of a degree of warming that comes from non-CO2 emissions reduces the remaining carbon budget for 1.5°C by ~150 GtCO2, increasing the risk of exceeding 1.5°C (medium confidence). Mitigating non-CO2 emissions can carry large benefits for public health and sustainable development, particularly through improved air quality. (high confidence) {2.2.2, 2.3.1, 2.4.2, 2.5.1} Properties of transitions in mitigation pathways before mid-century In 1.5°C scenarios, mitigation options are deployed more rapidly, at greater scale, and with a greater portfolio of options than in 2°C scenarios. Key technical and behavioural options are sector and region specific but generally include efficiency improvements, reduction in demand and switching to lower-carbon sources of energy (including renewables and/or nuclear) (high confidence). End-use electrification replacing fossil fuels plays a major role in the buildings, industry and transportation sectors. {2.3.4, 2.4.1, 2.4.2, 2.4.3} 1.5°C scenarios include rapid electrification of energy end use (about two thirds of final energy by 2100 alongside rapid decreases in the carbon intensity of electricity and of the residual fuel mix (high confidence). The electricity sector is fully decarbonized by mid-century in 1.5°C pathways, a feature shared with 2°C pathways....
Man by nature has the inherent trait of insatiability. His priority for accelerated growth and development for fulfilling his luxuries and desires has exploited the nature to its core. Now it is the nature’s turn to bounce back and so there are environmental threats of climate change where the global warming lies at its core reason. Devastating effects of global warming and climate change world over are now a regular phenomenon. Global warming is one of the most discussed and debated issues of the 21st century, concerning the scientific and the humanistic fraternity alike. The repeated scientific discoveries have suggested that the global warming will significantly change our climate in the next century with an average temperature increase of 1.4–5.8°C which in turn will give for a sea-level rise in the order of a metre, significant changes in weather patterns, and more extreme climate events. It is thus a big concern for our global society that needs to address at many levels. The concern for the effects of climate change is not new but has been there since half a century. Yet we still have many unanswered questions, the prominent being as how to deal with it. First, it is to be ensured that the Third World develops as rapidly as possible, while preventing a massive explosion in production of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Second is the question of whether the money we plan to spend on stabilizing global warming, $8 trillion or 2% of the World’s GDP, to protect future generations is better spent on alleviating current global human suffering. The answer lies in addressing the climate change more sincerely and by mitigating the global warming. It is unlikely that global politics will successfully address the menace of climate change in general and global warming in particular. Even the idea of using energy more efficiently seems rather inadequate when there are another five and half billion people in the world aspiring to have the energy use enjoyed by the Western world. So the ultimate solution is for humanity would only be possible in finding out proper alternatives for mitigating the climate change by controlling the CO2 emission and by developing cheap and clean energy production, as all economic development is based on ever-increasing energy usage.
Climate change is real and felt globally. Climatic factors such as intense solar radiation, high humidity and condensation, dust and sandstorms and flood affects the comfort of man and safety of built environment. Most of the climatic changes are due to human activities in the environment, particularly the built environment. These suggest that human activities and physical constituents of built environment interact with other climate drivers. These prompt the need for response,and response to climate change falls into two phases-mitigating and adaptation. Therefore, this paper discusses how climate change can be mitigated through green architecture in Nigeria. In this light, the paper will be a conceptual paper.The library research method was used in this study to gather secondary data from textbooks, articles and journals to develop a conceptual framework on how green architectural practices can be used to mitigate climate change in order to sustain built environment in Nigeria. This paper adopts the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) (2015) principles of green building and sustainable site design. It highlights climatic changes and their effects in Nigeria. It further discusses the concept and principles of green architecture. The study concludes that Nigerian built environment is vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Therefore, there is need for architects, builders, engineers and clients to promote and adopt green architectural practices in order to mitigate the effect of climate change for sustainable environment.
Global warming is defined as a rise in Earth's average temperature. As the Earth gets warmer, disasters such as droughts, hurricanes, and floods are becoming increasingly common. Most scientists, engineers, and activists express deep concern about changes in the planet's overall climate. The average air temperature above the surface of the Earth has risen by just below 1 degree Celsius, or 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit, over the past 100 years. Deforestation exacerbates the severity of global warming. The ocean, which holds about 50 times more carbon than the atmosphere, is an enormous carbon sink. However, the seas are no longer able to store carbon as effectively as they have in the past. Burning fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil, coal, and gasoline increases atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, and carbon dioxide is a major contributor to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Climate change will increase the number of people who suffer from heatwaves, floods, hurricanes, and droughts, leading to higher rates of death, illness, and injury. The threat of global warming continues to cause severe damage to the Earth's environment. Many people still do not fully understand the implications of global warming or consider it a significant problem for the future. However, global warming is already happening, and some of its devastating consequences are already being felt. It significantly impacts biodiversity and disrupts ecological balance. Due to the dangerous effects of global warming, many strategies need to be established. The report discusses global warming, outlines its causes and risks, and proposes solutions to this urgent issue. Above all, it is crucial to seriously consider alternative energy sources (biomass, wind, hydro, geothermal, and solar). One of the key strategies to counter the ever-increasing global warming is the identification and use of renewable energy sources.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2019
Sustainable Design Concept for Building Services SUB CODE:BCV306C_Prof.Mahadeva M, Assistant Professor, ISRO-IIRS Institute Coordinator Dept. Of Civil Engineering, 2024
Overview of Sustainability – Global energy scenario, carbon footprint and climate action, Net zero in carbon offsetting, water neutral, Sustainable construction and resource management. Green buildings - Selection of site – preservation and planning, influence of climate on buildings, basics of climatology, Earth –Sun relationship, Solar angles and sun path diagram, Design of shading systems.
Global Warming of 1.5°C
Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty [Masson-Delmotte, V.
2019
is a senior fellow in IIED's Strategy and Learning Group and corresponding author (simon.anderson@ iied.org). Illari Aragon is a researcher in IIED's Climate Change Group. Barry Smith is a researcher in IIED's Climate Change Group. Tracy Kajumba is a principal researcher in IIED's Climate Change Group. Emilie Beauchamp is MEL advisor (climate and environment) in IIED's Strategy and Learning Group. Stefano d'Errico is the head of monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) in IIED's Strategy and Learning Group. Neha Rai is a senior researcher in IIED's Climate Change Group.
Research & Development
Climate models predict that greenhouse gas warming will cause temperatures to rise faster in the coming years with a serious impact on people living in the tropics. The building sector is acknowledged as one of the highest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and poorly designed buildings are not capable of proving thermal comfort to building occupants. This paper presents an overview of how the built environment can respond to this global threat of climate change. It observed that human behavior through adaption to changes in indoor temperatures may be one of the solutions to these rising temperatures. Furthermore, building materials that are good conductors of heat were found to be unsuitable for use in building construction. The application of passive design strategies in buildings located in tropical climates can minimize energy consumption and at the same time improve the thermal comfort of the occupants. Furthermore, an effective way to minimize energy consumption in warmer climates is to select appropriate building materials that contribute to cooling the indoor temperature. This paper recommends that properly designed naturally ventilated buildings that consider sustainable building materials can respond to the globally rising temperatures. The information gathered from the overview of this paper will serve as a guide to professionals in the built environment.
International journal of scientific and management research, 2022
Fossil fuels are the main contributor to global warming and add about 9.3GtC (34.2GtCO2) to the atmosphere each year. Deforestation adds an additional 1.4GtC (5.1GtCO2). Population increase is a principal driver of deforestation. Tempering population increase is therefore essential for meeting the global warming target of the Paris Agreement by 2100. With more effective family planning programs, 167 million ha of forests, containing 17GtC, valued at an estimated $42.5 billion could be saved from conversion to subsistence agriculture. Improving agricultural productivity, especially in the subsistence sector, would avoid additional significant forest loss. Fossil fuel consumption can at the same time be reduced in part through efficiency measures, and especially by greatly expanding the use of renewable energy. While renewable energy from water, wind and solar have a major role to play, biomass is currently the most important renewable fuel. Expanding its use requires improvements in intermediate and enduse efficiency. Increased use of biomass energy from sustainably managed sources could facilitate more investment in forests and increase the capture of carbon. A program to plant trees on 0.9 billion ha of land could capture more than 205GtC in wood and soils. These measures would greatly assist in keeping the global temperature increase to 1.5 0 C above the pre-industrial level, ensuring that the world remains habitable and environmentally sustainable.
Large migration from rural areas to urban areas like Kuala Lumpur has led to some implications for economic, social and cultural development, such as slum and squatter settlements. This high population has placed enormous demand on the existing housing stocks, especially for low-income groups. The typology of modern housing is proven effective to provide massive numbers of houses that meet the exceeding demand in urban areas. However, some issues arise, one of which is overheated indoor air temperature. This problem contributes to the high-energy usage that forces huge sums of money to be spent on cooling the house by using mechanical equipment such as an air conditioning system. From the study, the carbon emission and energy consumption for an air-conditioned house is 67%, 66% higher than a naturally ventilated house.
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