United in Science 2024

United Nations 2 years ago

The science is clear – we are far off track from achieving global climate goals, threatening a sustainable future for all. The impacts of climate change and hazardous weather are reversing development gains and threatening the well-being of people and the planet, according to a new multi-agency report coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).  Greenhouse gas concentrations are at record levels, fuelling temperature increase into the future.  The emissions gap between aspiration and reality remains high. Under current policies, there is a two thirds likelihood of global warming of up to 3 °C this century, says the United in Science report. Human-caused climate change has resulted in widespread and rapid changes in the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere and biosphere. The year 2023 was the warmest on record by a large margin, with widespread extreme weather. This trend continued in the first half of 2024.  The United in Science offers much-needed grounds for hope. It explores how advances in natural and social sciences, new technologies and innovation enhance our understanding of the Earth system and could be game changers for climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.  International collaboration, comprehensive governance frameworks for integrated observing systems and innovative financing models are needed.
→ View Full Article

layersDaily Sustainability Digest

Published about 10 hours ago



Westminster’s commitment to implement the Fingleton Review by 2027 has set a new direction for sustainable construction in the UK. The government’s plan to accelerate clean energy development and reduce dependence on fossil fuels promises a stronger pipeline for energy‑efficient buildings, green infrastructure and net zero carbon buildings. A dedicated infrastructure unit to fast‑track housing and major projects could stimulate private investment and support Whole Life Carbon Assessment at scale, improving building lifecycle performance and enabling more consistent delivery of low carbon design.

The policy shift signals that project speed will take precedence while environmental sustainability in construction must be safeguarded through credible environmental risk management. Developers implementing sustainable building design will need to integrate lifecycle assessment, life cycle cost analysis and sustainable material specification to meet both regulatory expectations and investor demands for accountability. The renewed focus on resource efficiency in construction aligns with circular construction strategies and end‑of‑life reuse in construction, reinforcing the circular economy in construction supply chains.

Geopolitical tension and record oil supply disruption underscore the urgency to decarbonise the built environment. The volatility of petrochemical‑based materials highlights the value of low embodied carbon materials, renewable building materials and eco‑design for buildings that reduce the carbon footprint of construction. Transitioning to carbon neutral construction supported by rigorous whole life carbon management can enhance resilience against energy price fluctuations and strengthen the competitiveness of green construction initiatives.

As the UK construction sector seeks to translate policy intent into delivery, success will hinge on embedding sustainable building practices and defensible whole life carbon strategies into every stage of design and procurement. Achieving environmental performance in line with BREEAM and the forthcoming BREEAM v7 framework will be critical for delivering truly net zero whole life carbon outcomes. Sustainable urban development and low‑impact construction can only be realised through transparent environmental product declarations (EPDs), robust life cycle thinking in construction and consistent carbon footprint reduction across all project phases.

Show More

camera_altFeatured Instagram Posts:

Get your opinion heard:

Whole Life Carbon is a platform for the entire construction industry—both in the UK and internationally. We track the latest publications, debates, and events related to whole life guidance and sustainability. If you have any enquiries or opinions to share, please do get in touch.

Let's chat!
Avatar

WLC Assistant

Ask me about sustainability

Hi! I'm your Whole Life Carbon assistant. I can help you learn about sustainability, carbon assessment, and navigate our resources. How can I help you today?