Fight against climate crisis demands bold action

“The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything,” remarked German physicist Albert Einstein.

Polls by research consultancy Climate Trends revealed that only a small percentage of citizens viewed climate crisis as a major issue. In this context, Einstein’s statement implores us to prioritise being proactive.

The beginning could be made from our homes keeping plastic products and transportation in mind.

Life-threatening substances

Plastic is a dangerous polluter that poses a serious threat to life on Earth because of the toxic chemical additives used during production processes. Burning plastic and other types of waste releases dangerous substances such as heavy metals and toxic chemicals into the air.

These chemicals are linked to asthma, endocrine disruption, and cancer. Research reveals that plastic can enter the human bloodstream, permanently residing in the body, until death. Moreover, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic are dumped daily into the world’s oceans, rivers, and lakes and 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste leaks into aquatic ecosystems, polluting them.

Therefore, until sustainable alternatives are found, we must reduce our dependence on plastic and keep it away from landfills and oceans.

Similarly, transportation is a top source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Thus, eliminating pollution from billions of vehicles driving across the planet is necessary.

Though governments are trying to phase out the sale of gas-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and adopt electric automobiles, we must strengthen efforts in this direction.

Other activities, the largest contributors to global warming, comprise industry, agriculture, deforestation and electricity generation. Though these catalyse global trade, commerce and innovation and elevate the quality of life for billions, the pursuits release GHGs and lower the ability of the atmosphere to absorb them.

Experts have warned that to avoid the worst impact of climate change, emissions must be reduced by half by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

According to the UN, “To achieve this, we need to end our reliance on fossil fuels and invest in alternative sources of energy that are clean, accessible, affordable, sustainable and reliable.”

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report stressed that among the 13 developing countries with large energy consumption, 11 were exposed to high energy, security, and systematic risks. Hence, they were forced to seek damage support from developed nations.

For instance, though Africa has contributed less to GHGs, it has suffered widespread loss and damage to its biodiversity, food production, and lives.

UAE raises the red flag

Another important factor in mitigating GHG emissions is raising public awareness of cost and carbon-saving changes to buildings and making them energy-efficient.

The COP28 held in Dubai, UAE, in 2024, raised a red flag, pointing out that worldwide, one of the main drivers of environmental degradation was the robust construction industry. It stressed that the planet’s health was equally pertinent to the thrust given to construction companies to flourish.

The building and construction sector is the largest emitter of GHGs, accounting for 37 per cent of total global emissions due to cement, steel, and aluminium production.

As per the International Energy Agency (IEA) findings, it accounts for 23 per cent of air pollution, 40 per cent of drinking water contamination, and 50 per cent of landfill waste. It is also responsible for 30 per cent of energy consumption and 27 per cent of the total energy sector emissions.

The IEA advocated 20 per cent of all existing buildings to be renovated by stressing the construction industry’s decarbonisation effort. However, in cases where constructing a new building is essential, urban planners must implement eco-friendly designs.

The clock is ticking for the construction sector to put its act together to redefine its role in taming the ecological imbalance.

Sustainable construction

The architecture and the impact of structure on inhabitants must be planned for long-term environmental benefits by using less land and focusing on connectivity through public transport, walkways, and cycle tracks to discourage personal vehicles from plying on roads.

Increased access to green and blue spaces such as parks and water bodies will improve air quality and cocoon natural resources and boost the health and well-being of the populace and ecosystem.

The Environmental Social Governance (ESG) standards must be mandatory globally to evaluate the sustainability of new developments and renovated structures. There should be an urgency to galvanise ways, so that, instead of new constructions that use huge resources, a mechanism is adopted to renovate existing edifices with robust bases.

A passive design, combined with renewable energy, can significantly lower the carbon footprint of an inhabited building. It begins by opting for suitable locations and taking measures for proper insulation, ventilation, thermal mass, and water harvesting systems, which are crucial for making an energy-efficient building.

Compared to a conventional structure, a certified passive house uses about 80 per cent less energy to heat and cool. By adding solar panels or wind turbines for power generation and water heating, the energy demand and its environmental impact can be lowered considerably. The new generation photovoltaic solar tiles guarantee even greater flexibility and enhanced returns on financial investment.

Recycled building material

The cement industry contributes about 5 per cent of global anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2). This is mainly because the production process of cement involves the emission of large amounts of CO2, which leads to global warming.

Used for constructing roads, buildings, bridges and dams, cement is described by sustainable building experts as the ‘most destructive material on Earth’.

Leading cement manufacturers are now involved in extensive research to reduce or eliminate emissions, made possible by incorporating recycled building materials, including fly ash and slag, which have a much lower detrimental environmental impact. Modern breakthroughs in construction materials match the existing construction ingredients in terms of practicality and strength.

Though living in a futuristic world is our aspiration, it should not come at the expense of ‘Mother Nature’.

(The above text includes extracts from this author’s recently published book Climate Change Enigma: A Delicate Balance).

Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi is Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Emirate of Sharjah