The world is facing an unprecedented energy crisis amid climate change, with existing infrastructure significantly contributing to the problem. The built environment consumes ample power, from commercial hubs in bustling cities to suburban neighborhoods lined with homes. The construction industry has begun implementing sustainability in new buildings by default. However, existing infrastructure should not be left out. Upgrading these spaces for energy efficiency enables already-standing structures to decarbonize, lower costs, and create more environmentally friendly and resilient communities.

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Although cities are socially and economically essential, the built environment tremendously impacts climate change. 

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), commercial buildings in the US used 6.8 quadrillion British thermal units of energy in 2018, with fossil fuels accounting for 72% of end-use energy consumption. Overall, space heating was responsible for 32% of commercial energy needs, followed by ventilation and lighting at 10%. 

These activities emit carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and nitrous oxide from electricity use and heating, which worsen global warming. Cities often absorb the heat expelled from structures, creating an urban heat island that further hinders air quality and affects public health. 

The focus has shifted toward new green construction to combat the built world’s energy problems. However, there is also an opportunity to retrofit existing infrastructure for efficiency. 

6 Energy-Saving Measures for Retrofitting Buildings

When discussing energy-efficiency upgrades, much attention is given to the residential sector. However, there are numerous opportunities for commercial buildings to undergo retrofitting. Here are six ways to improve existing structures.

1. Conduct an Energy Audit

Commercial property managers should consider a comprehensive energy audit to assess their building’s consumption. A certified auditor will recommend improvements based on their assessment of electricity use and business operations. 

These suggestions range from low-cost to more expensive upgrades, covering areas like lighting, heating and cooling, insulation, air leaks and water use. An expert energy consultant’s recommendations will allow businesses to achieve sustainability goals and significantly reduce costs. 

2. Swap Out Light Bulbs

Switching out a building’s incandescent lighting to light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs is one of the more inexpensive changes businesses can make for energy efficiency. LEDs use 75% less energy than conventional light bulbs and last 25 times longer, preventing the need for frequent replacements. They also give off less heat, ensuring greater indoor comfort.

3. Upgrade HVAC Systems

Heating and cooling systems account for significant electricity use in existing infrastructure. However, Energy Star-certified heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units are about 6% more efficient than conventional models. 

Additionally, 25% of rooftop HVAC units are too large, causing wear and higher energy expenses. Businesses that appropriately size a unit to an existing building can prolong the equipment’s life span, reduce utility costs and decrease pollution.

4. Improve Thermal Performance

Property owners should focus on thermal performance when retrofitting existing infrastructure, such as adequately sealing windows and doors and reinsulating. These measures will prevent excess heat flow in the summer and heat loss in the winter, improving indoor air temperatures. 

Replacing older windows with energy-efficient versions is another way to optimize energy consumption. New windows have special coatings to better reflect sunlight with insulated glass to prevent heat transfer. 

5. Install Water-Saving Features

Commercial property managers should upgrade bathrooms to conserve water as part of their retrofitting initiatives. For instance, new WaterSense-certified toilets use only 1.28 gallons per flush, 20% less than the federal requirement of 1.6. Another way to conserve water is to install low-flow or sensor faucets.

Businesses could also improve irrigation efficiency by using rain sensors or rainwater harvesting for landscaping. Smart water metering systems can further provide insight into a property’s use so changes can be made effectively. 

6. Employ Renewable Energy

Solar panels and other renewable sources enable commercial buildings to operate on clean energy. For instance, rooftop solar or facades generate electricity independent from the grid. Likewise, wind turbines located in a suitable area can provide adequate power. 

Property managers and businesses might hesitate to invest in these energy-efficient upgrades. However, if they reduce consumption by 25%, they may be eligible for federal tax deductions to offset the costs. 

Decarbonizing the Built World for a Healthier Planet

Decarbonizing existing infrastructure creates a healthier built environment for people and the planet. A retrofitted building consumes less energy and adds fewer greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, allowing people to benefit from clean energy and improved air quality at work.

The post Retrofitting Existing Infrastructure for Energy Efficiency appeared first on Earth.Org.

This article delves into the concept of green construction, exploring its importance in minimizing environmental impacts, conserving resources, and preventing land degradation, all while meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving world.

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In light of global net zero commitments, the construction sector is striving to become more environmentally friendly. Companies and individual builders have adopted eco-conscious processes and energy efficiency to ensure they promote sustainability in the long term. However, building without destroying the natural world is equally critical. 

Green construction aims to minimize the industry’s impacts so the natural and built worlds can coexist harmoniously. It helps conserve precious resources and ecosystems, prevent pollution and increase cost savings. By embracing sustainable construction, the sector can meet demand without sacrificing the Earth for future generations. Here is an overview of land degradation in construction and strategies for building with minimal destruction. 

Land Degradation and the Construction Industry

Traditional construction does not hold the best reputation for environmental protection. Soil erosion in heavy construction sites is 2 to 40,000 times higher than under natural conditions and it also negatively impacts water quality. 

Overall, land loss is significant, degrading critical habitats, putting wildlife at risk and hindering agricultural prosperity. Fortunately, you and your team can help minimize these degrading effects by incorporating greener building practices into your construction workflow.

4 Ways to Build With Minimal Disruption

Green construction is more than sustainable building materials and design efficiency. While these factors are important, constructing with minimal adverse impacts on the planet is equally critical. Here are four ways eco-conscious construction evolves without destroying natural landscapes. 

1. Redeveloping Land

Brownfield properties are former industrial sites, typically with hazardous contamination. They have been underused or abandoned due to industrial pollution. Although redeveloping brownfields is complex and requires several procedures for work and public safety, many have endeavored to clean them and build anew. 

Over 450,000 brownfields across cities in the United States are ready for assessment and revitalization. Similar to what happens when you build on greenfield sites – undeveloped land that can be used for residential or commercial development – this approach to eco-conscious construction prevents further habitat fragmentation.

Redeveloping brownfields can boost the economy and create new employment opportunities for city residents. Addressing pollution also aids public health by improving air quality and drinking water resources. In some instances, construction companies can reuse existing infrastructure on brownfield sites, cutting costs significantly.

2. Utilizing Vacant Properties

Infill development uses vacant lots and unused land parcels within existing infrastructure for new construction. This helps preserve surrounding cities’ habitats and farmland. Reinforcing existing buildings, roads, and utilities saves money and protects ecosystems from further degradation. 

The infill approach to construction often creates a denser built environment with excellent transportation services. Residents can then take public trains and buses, bike, or walk more easily. There is also a chance to increase property values in these areas.

3. Working With the Natural Landscape

Architectural experts have found creative ways to construct around nature. In Mallorca, Spain, the O67 House was built into a hill with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea by Osvaldo Luppi Architects. The famous designer Frank Lloyd Wright has also constructed many homes in nature, including his Pennsylvania dwelling over a waterfall in Bear Run.

Residential construction is one of many opportunities to integrate the built and natural environments. Roadways and bridges can also be erected with minimal environmental impacts. However, adequate retainment structures and drainage systems are required to avoid erosion. 

Relocating drainage mechanisms away from retaining walls is the best way to avoid using extra materials and modified processes. Experts recommend a 15-degree angle to reinforce the soil and hold everything in place. 

You might also like: Greening Urban Development: The Business Case for Investing in Urban Green Spaces

4. Safeguarding Trees

Trees are essential to mitigating the adverse effects of global warming. Forests sequester about 30% of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel emissions. Construction impacts tree stability and soil compaction, damaging roots, limbs and trunks. 

To protect mature trees, a more sensitive approach to construction is necessary. For example, a site assessment helps contractors determine which trees must be protected, while a comprehensive plan should prevent compaction and breakage. 

Using smaller equipment and soil-boring machinery is also recommended for trees you intend to conserve. That way, everyone on the project knows exactly where to avoid disturbing the trees.

Eco-Conscious Construction Is the Future

Tomorrow’s infrastructure will no longer follow traditional construction standards. Tying the built environment into natural landscapes is important to save the Earth. Consider leaning into these methods if home, commercial or city infrastructure projects are on your radar. Doing so will benefit the living environment. 

The post Eco-Conscious Construction: Building Without Destroying Natural Landscapes  appeared first on Earth.Org.

The Earth has been evolving for over four billion years. Lands converge, oceans expand, and species emerge or go extinct. However, the climate crisis is sending these processes into another realm, going so far as to change the planet’s structure. What are the most substantial shifts the Earth is experiencing?

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Effects on Landscapes

The most visible structural changes are within the land, with climbing temperatures leading to the disappearance of ice and permafrost, expanding deserts, and rising ocean levels.

Permafrost refers to a ground layer under the Earth’s surface that has been frozen for a minimum of two years and as much as hundreds of thousands of years. It is predominantly found in the Northern Hemisphere, where it constitutes around 25% of the ground. Key areas for permafrost are the Arctic regions of Siberia, Canada, Greenland and Alaska. Under pressure from rising global temperatures, permafrost is thawing.

The inability of the massive ice structures to stay balanced and stable jeopardizes the earth beneath, damaging roads, buildings, and pipes in urban areas and leading to land subsidence, which occurs when natural disasters and seismic activity continually force humans to reinforce the land. This ranges from soil nail systems to manually recharging groundwater reservoirs. Heavy traffic also affects landscapes. For instance, the US 340 route in Jefferson County, West Virginia, a primary route with 24,500 vehicles traveling daily, recently underwent a stabilization project to protect it from hazardous rockfall activity.

Deserts are also seeing more extreme temperatures and low humidity levels. These changes cause deserts to expand, making previously temperate and even wet regions more arid, a phenomenon known as desertification. The scale of the problem has been questioned for decades, with estimates of degraded areas ranging between 15-60 million kilometers. 

However, the most publicized impact of climate change is sea level rise. Though this impacts aquatic ecosystems, the side effects are felt along coastlines, too. Barrier islands and coastal urban areas feel hotter as the land softens under erosion and flash flooding. Along with longer, more intense hurricane seasons, some coastal communities may have difficulty recovering from the encroaching seas.

More on the topic: Explainer: What Is Causing Sea Level to Rise?

Impact on Oceans

The structure of the oceans is the most hostile and unpredictable it has ever been. 

Acidification, which refers to a situation in which the water’s acidity (pH) decreases as the presence of carbon dioxide in the water increases, is the first sign of this. 

Oceans are considered to be the main natural carbon sinks, absorbing approximately 25% of the carbon emitted into the atmosphere. Plankton, corals, fish, algae and other photosynthetic bacteria contribute to this extraction of carbon. However, elevated acidity, which marine plants and animals are not used to, thins out populations or forces them to migrate.

Acidic conditions, elevated carbon dioxide levels, and warmer ocean temperatures also lead to coral bleaching. Reefs support 25% of marine species, making them critical ecosystems. The weaker they become, the worse they are at withstanding tidal waves on coastlines. Hurricanes, tsunamis and typhoons are far more powerful when coral is not blocking the land. Unfortunately, coasts will face even greater erosion and structural alterations as time progresses.

More on the topic: Scientists Confirm Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event Across 53 Countries

Changes in Atmospheric Composition

Climate change is a combination of anthropogenic and natural factors. For instance, transportation and energy make up 21% and 34% of carbon emissions, respectively. Meanwhile, volcanic eruptions and solar radiation, also sources of CO2, are natural reactions taking place over thousands of years.

The greenhouse gas effect is the most recognizable and widely discussed contributor to global warming. Gasses like methane and carbon dioxide trap water vapor and heat inside the atmosphere, contributing to rising temperatures and more extreme weather events. 

The greenhouse effect alters air quality from the atmosphere to the ground. Ground-level ozone comprises harmful nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds from cars, industrial and chemical plants, and refineries, which become activated in sunlight and heat. As ground-level ozone increases, it damages tree survivability, increases disease and pests, and hinders agricultural yields. 

Additionally, small particulate matter (PM2.5) — aerosol pollutants measuring 2.5 microns or less – drifts into waterways worldwide. Aside from harming aquatic species and decreasing water quality, PM2.5 causes the tropopause to rise to 195 feet (59.4 meters) per decade – a side effect of the warming surface and thinning atmosphere. 

The tropopause is separate from the stratopause and makes up the lowest two layers of the stratosphere. Changes to the tropopause are largely and negatively impactful, and they contribute to altering weather patterns and climate change effects. 

Biodiversity Loss and Ecosystem Disruption

The planet would not be what it is without wildlife shaping it. Extinct and endangered species permanently change the habitats in which they once thrived. For example, the disappearance of pollinators can result in poor tree growth, while the loss of predators allows invasive species to take over and sap ecosystems of their nutrients.

Non-native species often bring disease and pests to a specific area. Others fight for habitat and resources with native species. The cane toad is an example of an invasive species wreaking havoc on habitats in Australia. Cane toads were imported from Hawaii to control beetles in sugarcane crops, yet they are dangerously poisonous to any creature attempting to eat it. Their presence has sharply declined populations of monitor lizards, an essential apex predator and scavenger for controlling other species’ populations in Queensland.

Species extinction and invasive species leave fragile ecosystems even more vulnerable to climate change, temporarily or permanently altering the landscape. This changes food chains and millennia-old evolutionary habits by encouraging new predatory and evasive behaviors, causing native species to struggle to survive. What’s more, invasive species are estimated to cost the global economy a staggering US$432 billion annually for the damage they create.

More on the topic: The Remarkable Benefits of Biodiversity

Earth’s Structural Integrity

Climate change is modifying the Earth, sea and sky, making their foundations more chaotic or less stable than the data suggests. The changes cause irreparable damage, which should inspire everyone toward optimistic climate action. Healing the planet’s building blocks is possible, but it is no easy task and cannot be achieved without significant investments, international collaboration, and urgent action.

The post How Climate Change Is Altering the Earth’s Structure appeared first on Earth.Org.

The media often portrays the world through doom-and-gloom coverage, like how bees might go extinct or natural disasters ravaging the planet beyond repair. These narratives misconstrue the value of individual effort. Earth will recover from human-influenced climate change if everyone works together to shape a more sustainable future. However, it is hard to know where to direct your efforts. Read on for some hints.

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Identify High-Impact Factors

Carbon footprints are easier to calculate than you might think. Answering a few questions regarding lifestyle reveals a lot about personal high-impact categories. These are the most common offenders:

• Diet
• Food and other waste generation
• Air and car travel
• Shopping behaviors
• Energy consumption

Some miscellaneous activities, like irresponsible tourism, also deserve attention. However, the most prominent pie pieces have actionable, accessible steps you can take now to produce long-lasting impacts.

Shift Behaviors

Environmental protection manifests in numerous ways, including recycling and boosting energy efficiency. Analyze the most outstanding subject areas and work your way through them all. Ask questions and be honest when acknowledging how often you shop online, eat meat in a week or take domestic flights for unnecessary reasons. These suggestions will start you on the right note.

1. Diet

Two simple dietary shifts can make a massive difference – eating less meat and sourcing food locally from community providers. Challenge yourself to Meatless Mondays or go to the farmer’s market instead of chains. Buying groceries without packaging is another way to slash footprints, though this is not always accessible. 

You might also like: 10 Plant-Based Food Facts to Understand the State of the Industry

2. Food and Waste Generation

Roughly one-third of the food produced that is intended for human consumption every year – around 1.3 billion tons and valued at US$1 trillion – is wasted or lost. This is enough to feed 3 billion people. 

Aside from the obvious need to waste less food, composting is a great way to make a dent in individual food footprints. Plus, it helps the planet heal by returning nutrients to the soil. 

Besides food, other major waste generators include electronics, single-use plastics, and cigarettes. Do a trash audit to see what you discard the most and find alternatives for each. For example, if you throw out 14 tea bags weekly, you can consider switching to loose leaf for a zero-waste drinking experience. If you replace your phone yearly, force yourself to extend its life threefold or more.

3. Air and Car Travel

Minimize air and car travel as much as possible by choosing more sustainable forms of public transportation or carpooling. These choices can help you reduce an estimated 2.2 tons of your emissions yearly. Is your upcoming business trip necessary or can you carry conversations over an online conference call? If resources allow, consider purchasing an electric car.

Travel emissions shouldn’t make you feel guilty about vacations and leisure — everyone wants to see the world. However, be eco-conscious when traveling by only flying once a year, choosing high-capacity flights, and picking direct routes. 

You might also like: Why Electric Cars Are Better for the Environment

4. Shopping Behaviors

Overconsumption and hyperconsumerism are hurting the planet. Consider how many environmental issues shopping touches, from excess waste generation and pollution to natural resource exploitation. These actions will save money and restore the world:

• Unfollow and unsubscribe from accounts that focus on selling things
• Try a no-buy month
• Recycle and regift unwanted items
• Set bills and savings to auto pay to curb overspending
• Practice pausing for at least 24 hours after seeing something you want, then reevaluate if it is worth buying the next day

5. Energy Consumption

Consider how much energy you use. Do you leave the house lights on in rooms you are not in? Is your air conditioning running at full throttle when you could open windows? Evaluate your habits and see where you can save a few extra bits of power. Consider hiring an energy auditor to ensure all equipment in the house is operating correctly and not pulling too much power.

The ultimate goal is to install green energy. If this is possible for you, take a moment out of your day to start researching how to get started.

You might also like: How to Lower Your Carbon Footprint Through An Eco-Friendly Home Audit

Recognize Reality

Volunteering and voting are other ways to make a solid impact. Hold corporations you want to support accountable. Enterprises are the most polluting and environmentally damaging entities on the planet, despite individual households doing as much as possible to slash their emissions. Make your voice heard by letting them know you want change for the better.

The climate crisis is only reversible by regulating rising temperatures. All of these life buckets contribute to climate change. Taking one step toward a greener path makes more of a difference than you think, especially if you share your knowledge and changes with others.

There are activities and behavior shifts that lower carbon footprints more than others. However, every single action matters, regardless of what the data suggests. 

You might also like: 4 Steps to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

The post How You Can Make A Positive Impact on the Planet and Everyone Living On It appeared first on Earth.Org.

Between climate change and human-caused ecosystem damage, endangered species are disappearing at an alarming rate. As such, it is time to take collective action before they are gone forever. As you organize charity events for conserving endangered species, you will likely find most individuals and businesses willing to do their part. Of course, fundraising for wildlife is about raising awareness as much as it is about donations. Here is why you should raise money for endangered species and a few exciting fundraising ideas to get started.  

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Why Should You Fundraise for Endangered Species?

According to the International Union for Conservation of Network (IUCN) Red List, over 157,000 species are endangered or threatened. About 44,000 are on the verge of extinction.

Climate change is only one reason why so many species are disappearing. Habitat loss is the leading cause, while entire ecosystems falter from human exploitation of natural resources, urbanization, disease, and pollution.

An endangered species signifies an ecosystem is collapsing. When something goes extinct, it sets in motion the extinction of other species. This affects natural functions, the food web, and humans’ dependence on environmental services.

For example, US bee populations have decreased by 60% since 1947. Bees are crucial for pollinating plants, bolstering habitats and agriculture to drive the economy and feed the world. In other nations, poaching has slowed revenue from eco-conscious tourism.

All living things are vital to the planet’s survival. Their protection and conservation will ensure a healthy world for generations to come.

You might also like: The Remarkable Benefits of Biodiversity

8 Fundraising Ideas for Wildlife Conservation

Animals pull at people’s heartstrings, enabling great success in raising money for wildlife. Involve everyone you know in these fundraising ideas to increase awareness about your favorite endangered species and contribute to their conservation.

1. Organize a Charity Walk

A charity walk is a popular way to fundraise for important causes. Allow event sign-ups to create teams and collect donations for endangered species conservation. You can even host the event in affiliation with a particular organization. 

Consider awarding the team who raises the most money after the walk. This will provide people with an incentive to seek sponsorships and donations.

2. Host an Animal-Themed Fundraising Party

Invite your friends, family and neighbors for a wildlife fundraising party at your house. Provide opportunities for everyone to learn about endangered species, such as hosting a trivia game or organizing a raffle. Donations can come from an entry fee and buying tickets. 

A fundraising party is also an opportunity to educate and involve children in conservation efforts. Have kids dress in different animal costumes and set up wildlife-themed arts and crafts to teach them about endangered species. 

3. Create a Social Media Campaign

Nearly 72% of the population uses at least one social media platform. Another 15.6% say social media influences their decision to give.

A social media campaign is one of the most effective methods to broaden your reach and raise awareness of endangered species. Choose your best platforms – like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok – and create posts to educate the public and direct users to a donation form.  

4. Screen a Documentary

Is there a documentary about your favorite endangered species? Host a screening and collect donations through admission fees.

A documentary screening is perfect for teaching people about the importance of endangered species. You can also field questions before and after the film to gauge its impact on viewers. 

You might also like: The 21 Best Environmental Films to Watch in 2024

5. Crowdfund a Conservation Project

Crowdfunding campaigns garner $74 billion in North America annually. If you know about a specific conservation project, set up a crowdfund and send it to everyone you know. 

Always ensure you choose a platform people trust. Ultimately, you may be better off having everyone donate directly to the project’s program or organization. 

6. Partner With Local Businesses

Within the last five years, businesses saw a 56% performance growth in products with environmental, social and governance claims. Consumers care about the planet and back it up with their buying decisions. 

Partnering with local businesses benefits their bottom line as much as it does your efforts to save endangered species. Some ideas include a conservation-themed promotion to customers or giving a portion of their sales on a specific product. 

You might also ask if it is OK to set up a table inside or outside the business for the day. This way, you can hand out pamphlets, go over donation processes, and discuss conservation efforts with people as they shop. 

7. Host a Charity Bake Sale

Organize an animal-themed charity bake sale with all proceeds to save endangered species — another great activity for involving kids in conservation. 

Always consider the time and place for a successful bake sale fundraiser. Where is the heaviest foot traffic? Coordinating your charity bake sale with another event – such as a school play, art fair or sporting event – makes generating attention much easier. 

8. Sell Wildlife-Themed Merchandise

Those with creative flair and a knack for design might produce merchandise featuring endangered species. While there may be production and manufacturing costs, you can still donate a portion of each sale.

People may be interested in purchasing apparel, coffee mugs and tote bags. Other ideas include key chains, mouse pads and notebooks. Remember to include a pamphlet or information card about conserving endangered wildlife with each purchase.

Make a Real Difference for Endangered Species

Developing an effective fundraising campaign for endangered wildlife requires careful planning and effort. However, changing traditional approaches to conservation-themed events delivers hope and a positive outlook for the planet’s most threatened and endangered species.

You might also like: 10 of the World’s Most Endangered Animals in 2024

The post Best Fundraising Ideas to Save Endangered Species appeared first on Earth.Org.

Climate change is a pressing issue with far-reaching consequences on the environment, local and global economies, and human health. Global temperatures are rising, floods and heatwaves are increasing in frequency and ferocity, and millions of people are being forcibly displaced. Education is vital to addressing these challenges but its potential is still far from being utilized.

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The Relationship Between Education and Climate Change

Education is an essential tool for combating climate change. It is a leading predictor of climate change awareness among younger generations, empowering them to become informed citizens and take decisive action about protecting the planet. In the classroom, young people can learn about the impacts of global warming and how to incorporate sustainability into their everyday choices. Learning about the causes of climate change also helps eliminate the fear around the issue while raising awareness about the devastating impacts of anthropogenic activities and generating momentum around more sustainable practices and lifestyles.

One solution proposed by Project Drawdown indicated that if each student reduces their carbon emissions by 2.86 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) and climate change education grows from less than 1% to 16% of secondary students by 2050, the implementation of education could reduce emissions by almost 19 GT of CO2. Current annual emissions are 34 GT, meaning that, by introducing more climate education to less than a quarter of high school students, we could more than halve annual CO2 emissions.

And yet, the climate crisis is largely limiting access to education, with children remaining among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. For example, when extreme floods occur, they immediately cannot attend school. The outcome is similar when intense droughts, severe fires, and other natural disasters occur. 

Data from UN International Children’s Emergency Fund’s (UNICEF) Children’s Climate Risk Index shows that roughly one billion children live in extremely high-risk countries. That is nearly half of the global children’s population who could lose access to schooling when climate change strikes. What’s more, UNICEF also recently found that at least 43 million children worldwide were displaced as a result of climate change-driven extreme weather. And with the effects of these crises worsening at an unprecedented pace, families and communities are getting even more vulnerable to future disasters.

You might also like: The Climate Crisis Is an Education Crisis

How Different Countries Address Sustainability in Their Curricula

The benefits of climate change education are undeniable but integrating it into existing curricula is proceeding rather slowly. Key findings from UNESCO’s Getting Schools Climate-Ready 2021 report paint a harsh picture:

• 47% of national education curricula from 100 countries do not make a single reference to climate change;
• Only 40% of teachers feel confident in teaching about the effects and severity of climate change;
• Less than half of teachers reported that their school had an action plan to introduce climate education to their curriculum.

Fortunately, not all is bad news. 

Several countries are beginning to implement plans to integrate climate change topics into their systems, exemplifying that it can and should be done.

In 2019, Italy became the first country to formally introduce and make the topic of climate change and sustainable development compulsory in schools. The then-Education Minister Lorenzo Fioramonti announced that Italian schools would discuss climate change issues for an hour every week. In the US, the state of climate education is evolving fast, with schools in New Jersey and Connecticut already required to incorporate lessons on climate change into their science curricula.

France stated its readiness to include lessons on climate change at the start of the 2020/21 school year. New Zealand introduced climate change studies into its secondary school curriculum in 2020. Cambodia, Argentina, Mexico and the UK have also taken preliminary steps to expand their respective curricula to include climate change studies.

Challenges Facing Climate Education

One of the most significant challenges preventing climate change to be adopted in education curricula on a global scale is politics. While supported by a huge body of scientific evidence, it remains a highly controversial and divisive topic, with climate deniers and misinformation on the rise, especially online.

In the US, some Republican states, including Florida and Idaho, passed legislation impacting climate-related education. Both states have refused to pass curriculum legislation that would teach about the human impact on climate change, with politicians arguing that climate change is “speculative.” This not only impacts what students will learn about science, but could also have impacts on federal legislation that could limit academic freedom and education standards.

The highly polarized nature of climate change discussions has also impacted textbooks and reading materials. A 2022 study showed the amount of content covering climate change in American biology textbooks dropped considerably from 2010 to 2019.

Another impeding factor is the need for more resources. Schools in low-income countries might need help to acquire the necessary resources to implement climate change studies in their classrooms. Ironically, these are the communities most vulnerable to climate impacts.

Fortunately, there have been concerted efforts to harness the critical role of education to tackle the climate crisis on a global scale. Most recently, the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai ended with an agreement to accelerate climate change education through the United Arab Emirates-led Greening Education Partnership. To this end, the first-ever Greening Education Hub was commissioned in the United Arab Emirates, COP28 host nation, to address the lack of climate change education in schools. The country used November’s summit to mobilize other nations to implement “environment-friendly curricula, ”introduce different sustainability projects”, and train educators “to build sustainable green communities,” as illustrated by the Minister of Education Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi.

The Key Role of Environmental Education

The spotlight on climate issues is growing wider, further highlighting the necessity for robust and resilient curricula to prepare younger generations for what lies ahead. More importantly, education can encourage people to change their attitudes about climate change and contribute meaningfully to a low-carbon global economy.

You might also like: The Importance of Environmental Education for a Sustainable Future

The post Is the Education System Overlooking Climate Change? appeared first on Earth.Org.

Sustainable cities play an important role in reducing global emissions. From sustainable public transportation to urban farming, we explore what are the most important features of sustainable cities and society, and how any cities can learn to help the planet.

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There’s a global effort to try and act more sustainably to protect the environment and create a safe planet to live on for generations to come. Take the Paris Agreement, for example — many countries have committed to combating climate change through this agreement. 

Developing sustainable cities is something every country can get involved in. It’s expected that by 2050, 66% of the global population will reside in urban areas. Because of this significant number, it’ll be crucial for urban planners to take sustainable actions and create cities that support sustainable infrastructure.

A sustainable city has some unique characteristics that the traditional city may lack. For example, sustainable cities prioritise rooftop gardening more than conventional cities. Read on to explore the most important features of sustainable cities and society. 

5 Features of Sustainable Cities

1. EV Chargers and Efficient Public Transportation 

Rather than using cars to get around town, sustainable cities focus on more sustainable options, such as biking or walking. Some key features of a sustainable city are plenty of sidewalks, bike bridges, and easily accessible bike racks. When cities are more interconnected with the help of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, for example, they can also provide enhanced public transportation services, including:

• Regularly scheduled buses
• Traffic flow management
• Ridesharing initiatives
• Automated train control
• Widespread electric or autonomous vehicle deployment

Additionally, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular, and sustainable cities should include EV charger stations in and around the area to accommodate EV drivers. Combined, these smarter services and initiatives can help reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released to the atmosphere and be used as a tool to mitigate climate change. 

2. Green Architecture

Green architecture is a key component of a smart, sustainable city. The overall goal of using green building methods is to reduce the number of resources used and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from building city structures. Building with sustainability in mind is essentially the backbone of a sustainable city.

Green buildings may include solar panels, enhanced ventilation and insulation, as well as using smart HVAC systems. Green architecture is becoming increasingly prominent and will likely continue on that path in the future. 

3. Urban Farming

There are many benefits from utilising rooftop gardens or other urban farming techniques. Surrounding communities benefit most from urban agriculture, and they act as an important component of a sustainable city. These are some of the benefits that urban farming can offer:

• Improved air quality
• Reduced transportation costs
• Reduced runoff from natural rainfall
• Ample pollination in cities
• Supporting local food producers

Urban farming is growing in popularity across cities, including Atlanta, Georgia, and New York City.

You might also like: Top 7 Smart Cities in the World and How They Do It

4. Renewable Energy Sources

The introduction of solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal and hydroelectric power sources are all examples of renewable energy being widely adopted by many industries. 

It’s expected that there will be another industrial revolution soon, and renewable energy will be the driving force behind it. 

Renewable energy sources may be expensive to integrate into a city right now. Still, increased demand will make renewable energy sources more widely available and cost-effective over time. 

5. Waste Management and Water Conservation

Sustainable waste management is garnering more attention. Many aspects of society contribute to massive amounts of waste — take schools, offices, stores, hotels, restaurants, and any other entity that produces waste. Using IoT technologies can allow cities to manage their waste more sustainably, including:

• Connecting and remotely monitoring trash bins
• Generate alerts in case of fire, vandalism or unauthorised bin movements
• Collect data on the level of filling in trash bins
• Using data to schedule waste collection more efficiently

You might also like: How Emerging Technologies Reduce Waste From Farm to Table

When everyone takes measures to reduce the amount of waste they’re producing, this creates a more sustainable way of life. Reducing waste provides some benefits, such as:

• Saving money
• Enhanced sustainability
• Conservation of resources
• Reduced GHG emissions

Lastly, water conservation efforts may include using the IoT technology that allows a city to cut down on water costs and consumption due to leaks. Cities implementing this tech can also monitor pipelines, pumps, valves and the infrastructure for collecting, cleaning and distributing water to citizens. This will ultimately lead to more water conserved in the long term.

The key measures listed above are some of the most important features of sustainable cities. It’ll be interesting to see what cities integrate more sustainable practices into daily life. 

Whether it’s encouraging commuters to bike or using urban farming methods, all of these practices can help build cities that flourish and thrive, all while being more sustainable.

The Future of Sustainable Cities and Society

Society benefits from everyone working together to achieve sustainability. While there’s no cut-and-dry answer on being more sustainable, the measures listed above are some of the most important features of sustainable cities and society, and are great places to start. It’ll be crucial for more cities worldwide to adopt these practices to create a safer, more liveable environment for everyone to enjoy.

You might also like: How Sustainable Cities Like Singapore Succeed in Green Urban Development

The post What Are the Most Important Features of Sustainable Cities? appeared first on Earth.Org.

International Day of Climate Action is a worldwide movement initiated by young people concerned about climate change and global injustice. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the last eight years have been the hottest ever recorded. 2023 was characterised by unprecedented, record-breaking extreme weather events that have killed thousands and displaced millions of people worldwide. Global warming is worsening and it is affecting a generation that’s equally frightened, angry, and inspired to make a change. In a recent study, 59% and 84% of young people reported feeling extremely or moderately worried about climate change, respectively. Another 45% felt climate change negatively impacts their lives, while 75% worry about their future. However, despite their fear, today’s youth aren’t sitting idly as the planet goes up in flames. Instead, they have realised that collective youth climate action plays a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future. 

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Young Climate Action: Youth Leaders for a Healthier Planet

Since Greta Thunberg spearheaded the 2019 Global Week for Future march for climate change, encouraging millions of young people to participate, several youth leaders have made waves for a greener, healthier, and more stable world.

Tahsin Uddin from Bangladesh may only be in his early twenties, but he has been a climate activist since he was 12, when he started a magazine called Lal Sabuj. The magazine allows children and teens to share how climate change impacts them and deliver solutions. He also runs the Lal Sabuj Society, protecting women and children from the consequences of climate change, participating in clean-ups, providing skills development, and teaching debate tactics.

Vanessa Nakate from Uganda spoke at last year’s COP27, urging leaders to end funding fossil fuels, greenwashing, and making trivial politics a priority. As more consumers transform their habits to reduce energy consumption, many have looked for cleaner alternatives to power homes, businesses, and vehicles.

In the US, 15-year-old Ollie Perrault founded Youth Climate Action Now, focusing on state policy changes that support sustainable local farms and a composting program.

These youth climate activists are only three out of the millions who have taken politicians and the global population to task for combatting climate change. 

A recent study suggests that children born in 2020 will undergo two to seven times more extreme climate change events in their lifetimes compared to those born in 1960. Youth climate action aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to counter the severe threats to future generations.

You might also like: 10 Young Climate Activists Leading the Way on Global Climate Action

How Young People Can Create a Sustainable Future

There are many ways young people can participate in climate action for a sustainable future. Here are five examples of climate action initiatives. 

1. Join a March

Marching for climate change is an excellent way to raise awareness in numbers. Whether walking in the People’s Climate March in Washington D.C. or participating in a local rally, large events with numerous participants could get ample news coverage. 

These particular rallies are most effective when the local community gathers for a regional climate change issue. Organize a march and invite others to join you in your mission to help the planet.

You might also like: Fridays for Future: How Young Climate Activists Are Making Their Voices Heard

2. Educate Others

Educating others about climate change is integral to getting more people informed and on board with climate change and eco-friendliness.

Visit schools and read age-appropriate climate change books to children. Sign up to be a speaker at an event describing how climate change affects you and your community. 

You might also create social media posts to extend your audience reach with accurate information about an environmental topic you’re passionate about. Another idea is to post content with sustainable lifestyle tips for reducing one’s carbon footprint.

3. Volunteer in Your Community

Volunteering is a great way to get involved in youth climate action in your community. Join an organization or visit your town’s Public Works department for information regarding upcoming clean-ups.

Assisting during natural disasters and fundraising for natural disaster relief can also help those significantly impacted by climate change weather impacts. 

4. Eat a Plant-Based Diet

The latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights the environmental and health benefits of transitioning to a plant-based diet. 

Youth can help offset climate change impacts by eating predominantly vegetarian or vegan. The report shows that plant-based diets decrease greenhouse gas emissions and promote animal welfare, less land degradation, and greater nutrition without pesticides and fertilisers.

Other studies show that plant-based diets can reduce emissions by 61% in high-income nations. 

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5. Promote Policy Changes

Change can only occur when politicians enact new environmental legislation. Therefore, youth climate action entails calling up your representatives and speaking to them about concerns and solutions for climate change.

According to Pew Research Center, 64% of Americans believe climate change should be a top political issue. However, there are disparities between political parties, with liberal-leaning politics keener to focus on environmental issues facing our planet today.

Nevertheless, engaging with local leaders respectfully and encouraging more robust policies to mitigate greenhouse gases is the most effective way youth can create a more sustainable future. 

The Youth Are the Future

The health of our planet is in young people’s capable hands. With their steadfast determination and hopefulness, we may still see an earth where climate change is o longer the risk it poses today.

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The post How Youth Climate Action Is Shaping a More Sustainable Future appeared first on Earth.Org.

Doomsday scenarios are some of Hollywood’s greatest storytelling genres. Extreme weather conditions like massive typhoons, hurricanes, hailstorms, and tsunamis fill the plot of blockbuster movies. Of course, the protagonist and their family survive, as indicated in the script. What about the extras swept away by massive floods or people buried under rubble? They aren’t as fortunate to make it to the end scene. The same can be said for communities most impacted by the effects of climate change. The key difference is that what happens on the big screen is fictional. Real people are being affected more often by recurring extreme weather events, and death tolls rise with every new natural disaster. The worst thing about this is that they are only destined to increase in frequency and intensity as the climate crisis intensifies.

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Climate Change and Global Warming Intertwined

These terms are often used interchangeably when debated on the global stage. However, there is a big difference between them. Global warming is a byproduct of climate change and is a single aspect that makes up the big picture. It is the long-term warming of the planet due to increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

On the other hand, climate change refers to a wide range of drastic changes transforming the planet. Some examples are rising sea levels, shifts in plant growth, and melting glaciers and polar ice caps. These events can be traced back to the continuous consumption of natural resources like fossil fuels.

The Consequences of Human Actions

An increase in global temperatures triggers catastrophic events on a massive scale. The planet has warmed 1.1C since 1880 and is warming up quicker than anticipated. Global warming is taking its toll on the Earth, with the effects becoming more apparent every day that passes.

Humanity is facing challenges left and right due to the drastic effects of climate change. Rising sea levels threaten livelihoods in coastal areas while other communities suffer longer and more severe droughts. The situation will only get worse if the issues go unanswered. Here are five disastrous scenarios that result from climate change.

1. Lives and Livelihoods Lost

Extreme heat is a leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, with cities being the most vulnerable. The situation is exacerbated by reduced vegetation in urban areas, constant emissions from city vehicles and the absence of heat-reflecting building materials.

Worldwide heatwaves will become more frequent and longer. This poses a massive threat to people who work outdoors, like farmers, miners, and construction workers. Factory and warehouse employees are also affected by excessive heat.

Working conditions will deteriorate as outside temperatures become unbearable. People must adjust to new schedules to avoid overheating during peak hours.

2. Food and Water Problems

Droughts cause food shortages, further threatening global food security. Poorer countries battling malnutrition will have a harder time keeping up. Agriculture is taking a huge hit as climate change worsens every year. Lands that were once fit for planting will continue to degrade until they are no longer suitable for cultivation.

Rising global temperatures also pave the way for water shortages. Farm workers must look for other means to irrigate fields as water supplies run out. 

Storms and floods can also affect water quality and lead to widespread diseases. Contamination increases as runoff picks up pollutants from the streets and overflowing sewage systems.

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3. Damage to Property

In 2017, Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, Texas, resulting in dozens of deaths and widespread flooding. The hurricane dumped an estimated 275 trillion pounds of water, causing deformations and sinking and affecting residents and businesses.

Flooding is an ever-present threat resulting from climate change. Citizens must safeguard their homes through waterproofing to prevent costly problems caused by standing water, such as mold and mildew. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates homeowners could be looking at $25,000 in damage from 1 inch (2,5cm) of floodwater.

Category 4 and 5 hurricanes are expected to increase in the coming years due to worsening climate change. Already struggling communities will take the brunt of the economic impact brought by these extreme weather events. 

4. Growing Public Health Concerns

Growing public health concerns stem from increasing environmental stressors. In major cities worldwide, air pollution poses major health risks as it is linked to major illnesses like lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and asthma. It is estimated that air pollution kills more than 8 million people worldwide every year.

To make matters worse, severe wildfires exacerbate the effects of air pollution in many parts of the world. The hotter and drier weather caused by droughts compounds to create perfect conditions for raging fires that endanger lives.

Extreme weather events also pose additional health risks to affected communities. Warmer weather lengthens the life spans of mosquitoes and other insects that carry deadly diseases like dengue, malaria, and Zika. Severe storms can also contaminate water sources and spread diseases like diaorrhea, cholera, and Legionnaires disease. Both scenarios can lead to disastrous outbreaks and more casualties.

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5. Displaced Communities and Inequity

Environmental problems directly affect the lives of people. Displaced communities and cases of inequity will increase as more extreme weather events batter the world. Everyone experiences the effects of climate change in one way or another. The quicker the world realises that, the better.

The global community should recognise the disproportionate burden caused by climate change on poorer countries. Often, nations that contribute least to the problem are the ones bearing the most brunt of the dramatic events that occur as a consequence of global warming as they do not have the right infrastructure or economic resources to prevent them or mitigate their impact.

Nations should band together to aid developing countries in their fight against climate change. Saving the environment should be a mission for places that wish to see a healthier, more sustainable world.

Climate Change Is Everyone’s Problem

The evidence is compelling, and it is everywhere. The quicker the world realises climate change affects everyone, the better. The global community must unite to address the recurring environmental issues and share resources and expertise to find solutions. Climate change is here and the time for action is now.

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The post 5 Ways Climate Change Is Threatening the Future of Humanity appeared first on Earth.Org.

The effects of climate change are devastating, and more people are joining the fight to combat this global issue. Nonprofit organisations and grassroots groups are constantly working with local communities to bring changes to environmental problems the public faces. These movements aim to bring sustainable changes locally and worldwide. Here is why grassroots organisations are essential for sustainability. 

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What Are Grassroots Movements and Why Are They Important?

Grassroots groups are ordinary citizens that come together to address a common grievance on a local level to bring about change on a local, regional, national, or international level. A grassroots movement comprises people from a community as the basis for economic or political action.

These bottom-up approaches allow people to influence policies through the action they take on a local level. The idea is that people who adopt a practice or action can have an enormous impact on a global scale.  

For example, an individual that stops using single-use plastic will have a small environmental impact. However, the effect will be more significant if more people have the same goal and change their behaviours. 

This is what grassroots organisations do. They bring a problem to people’s attention and invoke change through behaviours and actions. 

This is only one approach and is the main focal point behind these groups. Another is the top-down method, which instills policies that force people to change their behaviours, like governments and other organisations do. While both approaches are necessary, combining them leads to a holistic outcome. 

Why Are These Organisations Important?

Grassroots movements are self-organised and usually start small. They enable communities to take responsibility and action to invoke change globally. 

Climate change is not the only global challenge people face, but it is a rather prominent one. Communities that are inspired and motivated enough can create lasting change. This is precisely what grassroots groups aim to achieve. 

Sustainable solutions must start from the ground up. The more people are willing to work together, the quicker small actions can grow into a global phenomenon. Minor adjustments in people’s behaviour can resolve massive issues plaguing the environment. 

Grassroots organisations inspire hope locally. It is not entirely about fighting larger issues such as global warming but rather making small differences to help sustain the environment and its inhabitants. People gathering for a common cause invokes action and inspires other communities and organisations to follow in their footsteps. 

3 Grassroots Organisations Saving The Environment

Grassroots organisations tackle many environmental issues daily to ensure a better sustainable future. Here are three examples of grassroots groups saving the environment.

1. Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP)

This India-based initiative was started to promote sustainable agriculture and empower women to view challenges as opportunities. It aims to help support and sustain women in impoverished communities by providing the farming and entrepreneurial knowledge needed to survive. 

SSP also trains women in farming methods that promote climate resilience, clean water, and good health while maintaining environmental sustainability, such as conservation and protection of natural resources. This is vital, as about one in three people globally cannot access safe drinking water.

2. Mikoko Pamoja

This group aims to protect mangroves, a tropical plant that helps fighting flooding and absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide, a substantial contributing factor to global warming. The success of this project lies in its vast community engagement programmes, awareness initiatives, and the sale of mangrove carbon credits. 

These mangrove carbon credits further the cause and scale of the project. The Mikoko Pamoja initiative has so far planted 56,000 mangroves and provided more than 4,000 people with clean water. 

More on the topic: 7 Fascinating Facts About Mangroves You Need to Know About

3. DECOIN 

DECOIN was founded in Ecuador to battle the after-effects of mining. It aims to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems while promoting the sustainable use of natural resources. This project has successfully addressed seven of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out by the United Nations. 

The project’s main focus is to create forest and water reserves for subdivisions of the province. It focuses on forest protection, restoration, and land and water rights advocacy. It does this by creating local opportunities for community ecotourism, organic coffee production, sustainable aquaculture, and the reforestation of native species. 

Making a Difference 

Small changes can have massive impacts on the environment. This is why these grassroots organisations are so crucial to sustainability. They unite people from different walks of life to fight for one cause.

You might also like: What Is Sustainability and Why Is It Important?

The post Why Grassroots Organisations Are Essential for Sustainability appeared first on Earth.Org.