For Developers > Why cut CO2 Emissions? > Environmental Context
Environmental Context
In recent years climate change has emerged as a major global issue with both practical and political implications. There is now a general consensus on climate change science – that average global temperatures are rising at faster than natural rates, and that human ‘greenhouse gas’ emissions are, in part, to blame. (see www.ipcc.ch).
The science
Burning fossil fuels in the generation of energy releases large amounts of carbon dioxide as well as other ‘greenhouse gases’. These gases trap the sun's energy within the Earth's atmosphere causing global temperatures to rise. It is this rise in temperature that leads to changes in climate.
It is thought that climate change could have a wide range of impacts, both globally and locally. As global temperatures rise, sea levels will rise (due to thermal expansion and, to a lesser extent melting ice flows). An increase in the number of ‘extreme’ weather events is also predicted.
The impacts
As a result of these changes, the UK will experience a number of associated impacts. Higher incidence of flooding and drought are anticipated, due to the higher average temperatures and a greater frequency of ‘flash’ thunderstorms. (see www.ukcip.org.uk).
These effects will have impacts on many aspects of life, from business to biodiversity and from agriculture to our built environment.
Mitigation
Mitigating climate change involves reducing the CO2 emissions associated with our activities. The UK has an important role to play in the reduction of CO2 emissions and in leading the way for other nations. The Government has set a target to reduce CO2 emissions by 20 per cent below 1990 levels by 2010 and in the long term to reduce CO2 emissions by 60 per cent by about 2050. (see www.defra.gov.uk and www.climatesoutheast.org.uk)
The buildings that we live and work in are a major source of CO2 emissions; from the materials used to build them to the energy used to run them. Developers of new buildings have an opportunity to make a significant impact on future climate changes by cutting the CO2 emissions associated with their developments.
Adaptation
As well as mitigating the effects of climate change thought should be given to how society can adapt to the changes, which are already taking place. For developers, this requires forethought in the planning and design of new developments – ensuring that they are not at risk from more extreme weather events and building with a mind on the changing UK landscape. More information is provided by the document “Adapting to Climate Change Impacts – A good practice guide for sustainable communities” (See Guide for Sustainable Communities - PDF).
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