final ESS

Climate

Long-term atmospheric conditions and averages in a specific area.

Weather

Daily fluctuations in atmospheric conditions.

Climate Change

Encompasses natural variations and human-induced alterations in climate.

Global Warming

The increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases.

CO2 Increase

Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have surged from approximately 300 ppm to about 400 ppm in the last century.

Climate Proxies

Tools used by scientists to reconstruct past climates, such as tree rings and ice cores.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Urban Heat Island Effect

Urban areas experience increased temperatures due to human activities and land use changes.

Passive Cooling Techniques

Design strategies that naturally cool buildings, such as cross ventilation and stack ventilation.

Biophilic Design

An architectural approach that emphasizes the connection between people and nature.

Mitigation

Proactive measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize climate change impacts.

Urban Sprawl

Spread out development leading to reliance on automobiles and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Smart Growth

Urban planning that promotes sustainable and livable cities through mixed-use developments and compact designs.

Carbon Isotope Analysis

Investigates the abundance of carbon isotopes to indicate fossil fuel emissions.

Extreme Weather Events

Increased frequency of severe weather anomalies due to climate change.

Adaptation

Adjusting strategies and practices to reduce vulnerabilities to climate impacts.

Green Roofs

Vegetated roofs that provide environmental benefits, including stormwater management.

Landscape Change Assessment

Monitoring changes in land use to protect ecosystems.

Gentrification

The process of urban redevelopment that displaces lower-income residents.

CAP and Trade Systems

Market-based approach to controlling pollution by providing economic incentives for reducing emissions.

Ecolinguistics

The study of how language and communication affect perceptions of sustainability.

Greenwashing

Misleading marketing to create a false impression of environmental responsibility.

causes of climate change

include greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and industrial activities that increase atmospheric CO2 levels.

mitigation of climate change

refers to efforts and strategies aimed at reducing the severity of climate change by limiting greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sinks.

Average global temperature escalated by

1 degree Celsius

reasons for climate change skepticism

lack of noticeable change in local weather conditions

beliefs in conflicting scientific evidence

alternative explanation or reliance on personal experiences

religious beliefs attributing control over climate divine powers

modern indicator of climate change

carbon isotope analysis

carbon isotope analysis

abundance of carbon isotopes shows disproportionate levels of 12C compared to 13C - increasing fossil fuel emissions

indicators of climate change

• Air temperature changes

• Ocean temperatures

• Sea level rise

• Melt rates of polar ice sheets and glaciers

• Changes within the biosphere

Global Implications of Climate Change (Regional Variations)

• Future climate impacts, such as temperature and precipitation changes, will vary regionally, with polar areas experiencing the severest warming.

global average increase of 2% of precipitation has been recorded over past century

extreme weather events

droughts and hurricanes, has doubled in the U.S. since 1970, highlighting a troubling trend as average global temperatures rise.

According to the IPCC, this shift leads to larger extremes, particularly noted on land, and is magnified in the Northern Hemisphere, especially the Arctic.

Environmental Consequences of rising global temperatures

significant climate change

• Increased frequency of crop failures and forest fires.

• Severe drought conditions and intense rainfall leading to large flooding.

• A heightened number of intense hurricanes.

Glaciers

essential water sources for over 2 billion individuals, are rapidly diminishing, exemplified by comparisons of Shepard Glacier in Glacier National Park from 1913 to 2005.

mitigation strategies - global cooperation

Foundational agreements like the Kyoto Protocol aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

recent agreements like COP21 Paris Agreement established targets for limiting temperature rise to 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

95 members and is pivotal in researching and assessing climate change.

Adaptation strategies

adjusting and preparing for inevitable climate impacts to reduce vulnerabilities.

Mitigation strategies

proactive measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to minimize climate change impacts.

geoengineering

aim at large-scale manipulation of the Earth’s climate as a response strategy.

techniques like solar radiation management and carbon capture.

Carbon neutrality - sustainable practices

cap and trade systems, allowing the buying and selling of permits to pollute, promoting overall emissions reductions.

Sustainable practices

involve carbon capture, stratospheric aerosol injection, and ocean fertilization.

earth energy balance

energy enters the Earth (solar radiation) and exits as thermal radiation, influencing climate.

Key greenhouse gases:

• Water vapor

• Carbon dioxide

• Methane

• Nitrogen oxides

• Chlorofluorocarbons

Paleoclimatology

The scientific study of past climates before instrumental records were established.

Climate Imprints:

Proxies that reveal historical climate data, usually through geological records

Examples of proxies

• Tree Rings

• Sediment Cores

• Ice Cores

• Coral Reefs

• Stable Isotopes

• Pollen

Snowball Earth phenomenon.

750-580 million years ago (mya)

Notable warming event coinciding with the Permian Extinction

• 250 mya:

Mesozoic Era, characterized by temperatures approximately 9°C warmer than today.

250-65 mya:

Marked the onset of extensive ice ages, with temperatures about 9°C cooler than now.

• 1 mya:

Factors affecting climate include:

• Movement of continental plates

• Volcanism

• Milankovitch Cycles: Natural climatic changes attributed to variations in Earth's orbit and axial tilt.

Key Characteristics of Green Buildings:

• Energy efficiency

• Water efficiency

• Use of nontoxic and often local materials

• Environmentally responsible practices

• Promotes occupant health

• Classified as a high-performance building.

Mesa Verde cliff dwellings in Colorado

constructed between 600-1300 CE, effectively utilized thermal mass to maintain comfortable temperatures:

Thermal Mass

Helps in temperature regulation by staying cool in summer and emitting heat during winter.

Sun Orientation:

Buildings should ideally have a south-facing orientation to maximize natural light exposure, allowing for adequate lighting in the fall and winter and shading in the summer months via overhangs.

Importance of Sunlight Angle

angle of sunlight changes throughout the year, making it essential to orient windows and roof overhangs to optimize solar gain and shading. Understanding this concept is crucial for designing buildings that are efficient year-round.

Role of Sunlight and Air Motion:

the sun provides natural heating, while thermal mass materials absorb and store heat energy.

• Air movement, influenced by the sun's path, is crucial for cooling, necessitating design considerations to provide shade in warmer months and sun access in winter.

• Thermal mass regulates temperature by absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night, impacting the overall comfort of the building.

Single-side Ventilation:

passive cooling

Opening one window for short periods to create a draft.

Stack Ventilation

passive cooling

Utilizing the principle that warm air rises to create a natural flow.

Cross Ventilation

passive cooling

Facilitating air movement from areas of higher pressure to lower pressure, enhancing the cooling effect.

Termite Mound Example

The Eastgate Center in Zimbabwe illustrates a natural cooling technique inspired by termite mounds, showcasing how architecture can adapt to local climate conditions for enhanced efficiency.

Heat Pumps

• functions similarly to a refrigerator, utilizing a reversing valve for energy-efficient heating and cooling.

Ground-source heat pumps

employ buried tubes that maintain stable underground temperatures year-round, making them effective in various climates.

BIOPHILIC DESIGN

This practice emphasizes the connection between people and nature in built environments, underscoring the importance of integrating natural elements for promoting well-being and productivity within communities.

CLIMATE RESPONSIVE BUILDINGS

These structures reflect their geographical and cultural context, where the design and materials signify the local environment. Examples include buildings in Zion National Park, Utah, and in Timbuktu, Mali, which showcase regional architectural styles influenced by their surroundings.

Natural Light Use

Leveraging natural light reduces reliance on artificial lighting.

Sidelighting

Ensures full illumination within 15 feet of a window.

Toplighting

Involves utilizing clerestories for light from above, suitable for varied floor plans.

Light Shelves

These devices reflect light deeper into the room while providing shading

BUILDING ENVELOPE CONCEPT

The building envelope acts as the outer skin comprising walls, windows, roof, and foundation, affecting energy efficiency.

R-value:

• Measures insulation efficiency; higher R-values indicate better insulation

U-value

Evaluates how well windows conduct heat. Higher U-values represent poorer insulating properties.

Green Roofs

A green roof consists of multiple layers, including waterproofing, a growing medium, and plants, leading to various environmental benefits, such as improved stormwater management and energy efficiency.

Green Walls

Living walls or vertical gardens utilize plants on walls, creating aesthetics while positively impacting air quality.

BIRD FRIENDLY DESIGN

This approach addresses the dangers that birds face from buildings, highlighting measures such as using glass that is less reflective or appears less invisible to them, mitigating collisions.

Least Liveable Cities

1. Damascus, Syria

2. Lagos, Nigeria

3. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

4. Dhaka, Bangladesh

5. Algiers, Algeria

6. Tripoli, Libya

7. Karachi, Pakistan

8. Harare, Zimbabwe

9. Douala, Cameroon

10. Caracas, Venezuela

Most Liveable Cities

1. Auckland, New Zealand

2. Osaka, Japan

3. Adelaide, Australia

4. Wellington, New Zealand

5. Tokyo, Japan

6. Perth, Australia

7. Zurich, Switzerland

8. Geneva, Switzerland

9. Melbourne, Australia

10. Brisbane, Australia

Living standards:

Measure of comfort, wealth, and lifestyle in the city.

Crime rates

The level of crime influences safety and wellbeing of residents.

Transport infrastructure

Quality and accessibility of transportation options.

Access to education and healthcare

Availability and quality of services important for community wellbeing

Political and economic stability

Influences the overall environment for residents, affecting their quality of life.

Characteristics of modern urban sprawl include:

• Low-density land use: Spread out development which can lead to higher costs for infrastructure and services.

• Single-use zones: Areas designated for a specific purpose only, such as residential, commercial, or industrial, leading to longer travel distances.

• Automobile dependency: Residents rely heavily on cars for transportation, contributing to traffic congestion and pollution.

Negative Impacts of Sprawl

• Consumes land: Leads to the loss of agricultural and natural areas.

• Increases greenhouse gas emissions: More vehicles on the road lead to higher emissions, exacerbating climate change.

• Contributes to pollution: Air and water pollution from increased vehicle use and industrial development.

• Promotes obesity: Reduced physical activity due to car reliance and lack of walkable pathways.

• Creates social inequity: Disparities arise as lower-income populations may be pushed to less desirable locations.

Urban Heat Island Effect

phenomenon whereby urban areas experience increased temperatures due to

• Increased temperature from buildings, roads, and vehicles: Concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat more than natural landscapes.

• Reduction of vegetation: Less green space means less natural cooling effect, leading to hotter urban environments compared to their rural counterparts.

Urban growth boundary:

Limits the area in which urban development can occur, protecting surrounding farmland.

Clustered or conservation development

Encourages development in compact clusters, preserving open spaces around them.

Brownfields

Abandoned or contaminated properties often in need of remediation.

• Advantages: Can improve urban environments, drive economic revitalization, and foster community engagement.

• Challenges: Redevelopment can be complex and costly due to contamination clean-up processes.

Greenfields:

Clean, undeveloped land typically located outside urban centers.

• Advantages: Offer great potential for new development without contamination issues, allowing for innovative design.

• Challenges: Development often leads to urban sprawl and may require extensive infrastructure investment.

GENTRIFICATION

Individuals at greatest risk of displacement during urban redevelopment include:

• Renters: Often lack rights and protections as properties are renovated or redeveloped.

• Low-income households: May not be able to afford increased rents prompted by gentrification.

• People of color

Conversion of Gray to Green Infrastructure

• Improves air quality, reduces stormwater runoff, and enhances urban biodiversity.

• Plays a vital role in creating healthier urban environments that benefit all residents.

BUILDING A DURABLE COMMUNITY FOR CITIES

• Walkable streets: Encouraging foot traffic can increase community interaction.

• Common public spaces: Areas designed for gatherings foster community cohesion and cultural exchange.

• Areas for social interaction: Designing spaces that promote social engagement can reduce isolation and foster trust among citizens.

Walkable Neighborhoods

• Optimal Size and Accessibility: Neighborhoods should be compact enough for residents to reach amenities by foot.

• Interconnected street networks: Promote ease of movement and foster community interaction.

• Considerations for an Aging Population: Ensure accessibility features to cater to the needs of older residents.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)

To establish comfortable, convenient living environments emphasizing public transport, reducing reliance on cars and the associated environmental impacts.

mixed-Use Development

This approach combines residential, commercial, and recreational spaces to:

• Prevent urban sprawl

• Foster vibrant community interaction and increase accessibility to amenities.

Characteristics promoting sustainable urban development encompass:

• Mixed-use developments: Encourage diversity of use in proximity enhancing the livability of urban areas.

• Compact building designs: Efficient use of land preserving open space while improving density.

• Variety of transportation choices: Investing in public transportation options and pedestrian pathways, while prioritizing green spaces.

smart cities ex

• Melbourne: Known for mixed-use developments and a commitment to sustainability.

• Vienna: Sympathetic to public transport and urban planning prioritizing community needs.

• Vancouver: Innovative policies that promote green spaces and urban biodiversity.

Ease of Integration

Sustainable behaviors should be simple to adopt and seamlessly integrated into daily life. This requires design and innovation to minimize inconvenience.

Emotional Satisfaction

Engaging in sustainable practices can be emotionally rewarding. For instance, community gardening not only provides food but also builds community ties.

Tangible Benefits

Individuals are more likely to adopt new practices if they can see direct benefits. For example, energy-efficient appliances save money on utility bills, creating a win-win scenario.

4 Ps of Social Marketing

1. Product: Proactive sustainability actions can be thought of as valuable products that offer specific benefits to individuals and society.

2. Price: It is essential to consider the overall costs involved in adopting sustainable practices, whether they come in the form of time, convenience, or financial investment.

3. Place: Sustainability initiatives must be easily accessible in the community, ensuring that people can take action in their everyday environments.

4. Promotion: Effective communication strategies are crucial for raising awareness and advocacy regarding sustainability. Campaigns must be tailored to resonate with diverse audiences.