Record ocean heat has taken a devastating toll on one of the world's...

CNN Climate 14 days ago

Record ocean heat has taken a devastating toll on one of the world's greatest natural wonders, with coral bleaching on Australia's Great Barrier Reef reaching "catastrophic" levels, a new study has found. In 2024, the reef experienced its worst summer on record. Soaring ocean temperatures smashed records, causing the reef's seventh mass bleaching event. Corals are bleached white when marine heat waves put corals under stress, causing them to expel algae from their tissue, draining their color. Scientists from the University of Sydney tracked 462 coral colonies at the reef's One Tree Island over the course of five months last year, beginning at the heat wave's peak in early February. By May, 370 of those colonies were bleached and, by July, 52% of the bleached corals were dead, according to the peer-reviewed study published in Limnology and Oceanography Letters. 📸 : Byrne Lab/The University of Sydney

Daily Sustainability Digest

Published about 1 hour ago

The UK government’s commitment to small modular reactors expands the scope for Whole Life Carbon analysis in Construction. By relaxing planning rules, policymakers aim to accelerate decarbonisation and address Embodied Carbon goals. Wider deployment of these reactors supports Net Zero Carbon targets and prompts new avenues for Whole Life Carbon Assessment, focusing on Life cycle cost benefits and reliable Renewable energy sources.

City rebuilding after climate shocks integrates Sustainable Construction methods, including Eco-friendly Construction and Green Building Materials. Lifecycle Assessment tools measure the Environmental Impact of Construction, while Low Carbon Building models encourage Carbon Footprint Reduction. Regions adopt Green Construction principles and Sustainable Architecture to create Energy-efficient Buildings that align with Carbon Neutral Construction goals.

Waste management improvements remain a priority. Digital waste tracking faces delays. Stakeholders emphasise the circular economy, advocating Sustainable Building Practices and Renewable Building Materials to advance Sustainability efforts. This approach preserves resources and supports Low-impact Construction.

Policy reviews address water and flood management, with implications for future Building permits. Strengthened drainage standards and flood protection measures encourage Sustainable Design, reinforcing Sustainable Urban Development while safeguarding Environmental Sustainability in Construction. These changes align with decarbonisation targets and bolster global resilience.

Technological and regulatory shifts illustrate how Construction is adapting to new environmental realities. Greater emphasis on Whole Life Carbon, Embodied Carbon, and Whole Life Carbon Assessment informs each Building’s performance, from materials to end of service. Through renewable systems, Energy-efficient Buildings, and Green Construction practices, the industry pursues lower Life cycle cost. The aim is a more resilient, sustainable sector, equipped to meet global demands without compromising future generations.

Show More

Get your opinion heard:

Whole Life Carbon is a platform for the entire construction industry, in the UK and abroad. We keep track of the latest publications, debates, and events pertaining to whole life guidance and net zero. Please get in touch if you have any enquiries, or opinions to share.