Scientists are observing changes in the Earth’s climate in every region and across the whole climate system, according to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report.
Many of the changes observed in the climate are unprecedented in thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of years, and some of the changes already set in motion—such as continued sea level rise—are irreversible over hundreds to thousands of years.
However, strong and sustained reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases would limit climate change. While benefits for air quality would come quickly, it could take 20-30 years to see global temperatures stabilize, according to the IPCC Working Group I report, Climate Change 2021: the Physical Science Basis, approved on Friday by 195 member governments of the IPCC, through a virtual approval session that was held over two weeks starting on July 26.
RIBA President, Alan Jones, said: “Unsurprising in its conclusions, the IPCC’s report is the latest in a series of damning expert-assessments that highlight the inaction of global leaders to effectively address the climate crisis.
“Responsible for 40% of carbon emissions in the UK alone, the built environment clearly has a major role to play in working towards net-zero. Architects have key skills and experience needed to help mitigate the disastrous effects of climate change, and we remain committed to supporting the profession through initiatives including RIBA’s 2030 Climate Challenge.
“With COP26 less than 100 days away, this report serves as a stark warning. All global leaders, including those from the UK need to urgently step up and develop holistic country-specific policies, including ambitious regulatory standards that address emissions from the built environment.”
Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive at UKGBC, claimed the report should be a massive wake-up call for governments across the globe.
“It reinforces the growing evidence base that too many commitments are being missed, and that current pledges must be scaled up and matched with plans to deliver urgent change,” she continued.
“With 21-22% of the UK’s total carbon emissions (including imported emissions) directly controlled by the built environment sector, it is clear our sector has a significant role to play. Tackling this challenge will be tough, but it also represents a huge opportunity to deliver valuable green jobs and better, healthier places. Built environment businesses can, and must, lead the charge.
“As COP hosts, the UK Government must show clear leadership and embed ambitious climate action across all its flagship policies, from planning reform and tougher building regulations to home retrofit incentives and ‘levelling-up’. Delays to key initiatives, such as the Heat and Buildings strategy, have led to considerable uncertainty in the industry. The sooner the direction of travel is made clear, the quicker the costs of new technologies will come down, which is vital for consumers.”
