𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄

February 27, 2023

𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄

All of us are looking forward to a serious, worldwide commitment to the immediate reduction of carbon emissions. Each and every one of us wants to take action—any action—to address the climate problem. Our greatest environmental challenge now is a global one. Climate change, the climate catastrophe, and the biodiversity emergency have all been topics of discussion for decades. That is not new.

Complicated and worldwide? Yes. not fresh, though.

However, the truth is that our carbon dioxide levels are still rising and the globe is still getting warmer despite all the discussion, commitments, and actions taken so far. Thus it makes sense why people frequently experience frustration and hopelessness. The enormity of this one global challenge, is at once beyond comprehension and frankly, frightening.

CLIMATE ACTION TALK SERIES: a presentation by Carrie Fung, one of our faculty.

We can infer everything about the topic from the name as a whole. A crisis brought on by climate change. What impacts climatic changes have on various nations' populations. Natural disasters are happening to us more regularly around the world due to the climate emergency that is currently underway.

Australia has experienced an increase in wildfire activity. The habitat of numerous animals has also suffered significant harm. Extreme heat and dryness are two important influencers of fire and, on both measures, 2019 was remarkable for Australia.

“Human-caused climate change has resulted in more dangerous weather conditions for bushfires in recent decades for many regions of Australia. More dangerous weather conditions for bushfires throughout Australia is due to increasing greenhouse gas emissions.”

South Indian flood of 2021. Floods in the south Indian state of Kerala have killed more than 410 people since June 2018 in what local officials said was the worst flooding in 100 years. many of those who died had been crushed under debris caused by landslides. More than 1 million people were left homeless. And the major cause of this disaster is

Heavy Rainfall
Over Population
Deforestation
Changing the Flow of Rivers
Mismanagement of Dams
Improper Construction of Banks
The Indian Meteorological Department
Construction on Hilly Areas
Mining and Quarrying
Pollutants thrown in Rivers
Construction

South India before flood.

South India after flood

These are not one off events- they are happening more frequently.

Burning fewer fossil fuels for transportation, industry, and power can help to some extent mitigate the effects of human-caused climate change, which include global warming and carbon dioxide emissions.

Deforestation occurs all around the world, often involving burning of rainforests, which also releases carbon dioxide.

Nitrous oxide CFCs are produced by power plants, nitrogen fertilizers, and cars. They are also a byproduct of the production of polystyrene packaging and are present in refrigerators, air conditioners, and aerosols.

Methane is produced by landfills, rice fields, and both ends of livestock; because it is a stronger greenhouse gas, even minor increases in methane have a greater effect on climate change.

My one thought after the workshop, as a student of interior architecture, was to conduct some research on modern materialism. How the usage of innovative materials can assist to lessen disasters brought on by climatic changes. How to create new materials without harming ecosystems or particular habitats. Due to the fact that I am an Indian national pursuing my master's degree in the United Kingdom, I am adjusting to a new environment where strong and lightweight materials are used extensively. Concrete makes up the majority of buildings in India. Building a home or a business structure requires the usage of bricks, sand, cement mortar, etc.

Nonetheless, the homes and apartments in the UK are constructed of wood, even if they have a brick or stone exterior. The brick and stone don't hold up the roof, they are only a veneer. Wood is easily available and quick to build. Then you nail up what is called plaster board, wallboard, or drywall onto the wood to form the wall. This is plaster in between two layers of heavy cardboard.

Because it is plaster on the inside, it does not stretch or shrink with changes in temperature or humidity, and it is good at suppressing sound.

Hence, the different types of building materials vary depending on the climate. For a brighter future, it is crucial to protect the environment. The reason being that if the climatic circumstances change, the current construction methods and materials may not be able to endure the changes.

FROM FEAR AND ANXIETY TO HOPE AND HEALING

Humans' mental health may be affected by climatic changes. It's a result of how we feel about climate change. Climate change has a significant psychological impact on those whose lives are already altering negatively. Adore nature because it provides us new life.