OBLIGATION - RESEARCH, ENVIRONMENTAL IMACTS OF CLIMATE CHNAGE

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Globally, buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of the total word annual energy consumption. Most of this energy is for the provision of lighting, heating, cooling and air conditioning.

Main problem: How can we convert our 200 year old fossil fuel economy to renewable sources in time to avoid catastrophic change and human hardship?

Ways to reduce energy consumption in buildings by 50-70%:

- Application if passive solar heating

- Natural ventilation

- Careful daylighting

Ways of saving energy:

- Replace lightbulbs with energy efficient alternatives

- Purchase energy efficient appliances

- Weatherise your home (sealing air leaks around home)

- Insulate your home

Main contributors to climate change:

- Transport

- Burning fossil fuels

- Technology (increase in travel)

- Generation of waste

- Excess use of gadgets

- Excess deforestation

What will happen?

- Earth will become warmer

- This will lead to evaporation and places becoming dryer and wetter (eventually unsuitable for humans)

- Oceans will warm and the sea levels will rise