Climate change
PROBLEM, CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY
Climate change requires immediate action at all levels of society. It is especially critical to mobilise those who have both the power and resources to effect change on a large scale. Much of the responsibility for the current state of affairs lies with the world’s more affluent citizens whose high stardard of living often goes hand in hand with the excessive use of natural resources. The route to sustainability, however, shouldn’t focus only on restrictions, but rather, it should also open doors to innovation and social, economic, and political change, which will ultimately benefit everyone.
A change of system, technology, and lifestyle
There is no one, simple way to deal with climate change. It requires many adjustments – from civic pressure to enforce new policies to lifestyle changes that encourage less wasteful lifestyles and new technologies to replace obsolete pollution-producing systems and even support for the renewal of resources instead of their depletion.
We have made much progress towards these measures already with the introduction of, for instance: improved energy efficient cars and buildings, the development of wind and solar energy, the conversion of organic waste into biofuels, forest protection measures, and the imposition of carbon taxes.
The global level:
unprecedented political changes
01For such far-reaching changes, governments across the globe must make a tremendous effort and engage in an unprecedented political action. But actions cannot exist in a vacuum and they must form part of a broader programme formed by international agreements.
International agreements
Discussions about climate change have taken place on the international stage since the 1980s. As a result, emission reduction agreements have made it possible to frame and negotiate effective and systematic bureaucratic and legislative measures.
The Paris Agreement Problem
The 2015 Paris Agreement is the high watermark of the world's efforts to protect the climate. Most experts agree that the Paris Agreement will not be enough to keep warming below the 1.5°C threshold. The agreement itself does not allow for the imposition of sanctions on its signatories, making it impossible to enforce. To reach the goals of the Paris Agreement, countries would need to lower their emissions by 7.6 percent every year over the next decade, which requires immediate, rapid and far-reaching action. And as per the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the 1.5°C limit will be exceeded by 2040 if immediate and extensive measures to lower emissions are not undertaken. According to scientists and experts, such warming will have far-reaching effects on the global climate and humanity.
Source: United Nations Environment Programme Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration Source: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change More on the impacts of climate changeThe European Green Deal
The European Union’s climate plan aims to lower CO2 emissions by 55 percent by 2030 when compared to 1990 levels, and to put a complete stop to the sale of internal-combustion engine cars by 2035. Some countries are more ambitious in their plans – Denmark wants to reach carbon neutrality by 2035, Germany by 2030. EU member states will also have the opportunity to apply for funding , 1.8 billion euro in investments will be available under the NextGenerationEU European green Recovery Plan.
180 billion CZK for the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic stands to gain up to 180 billion CZK from the NextGenerationEU programme if it fulfils a series of criteria, including the allocation of at least 37 percent of the resources to ecologically friendly projects. The National Renewal Plan (CZ only) details where exactly the money goes.
Did you know...
SHAREHOLDERS VS. OIL GIANTS
The Exxon Company (today’s Exxonmobil, the world’s largest oil and gas company) has been aware of climate change since 1977 – more than 10 years prior to climate change becoming a part of the public discourse. Exxon has supported the spread of disinformation downplaying climate change. It has publicly refused to admit the existence of climate change. Exxon's approach is compared to efforts to conceal the true hazards of smoking by tobacco companies. Both industries were aware that their products would not be profitable once the world was aware of their risks and impacts.
However, with climate change discussions gaining traction, the priorities of the investors and shareholders of these companies are also changing. In the spring of 2021, shareholders deposed two Exxonmobil directors for not handling the issue with sufficient urgency. At Chevron, another oil and gas company, shareholders voted in favour of measures to decrease pollution. And Royal Dutch Shell was forced by the courts to lower its emissions by 45 percent by 2030 compared to 2019 levels.
Source: Scientific american Source: Patria.czThe national level:
adaptation and mitigation strategies
02Concrete measures to reduce the impacts of climate change and vulnerability to climate change (adaptation) and prevent further warming (mitigation) must be implemented at national and regional levels, including within the private sector, i.e. in companies.
Adaptation
strategies
protection
infrastructure and buildings
management &
continuity of operation
Adaptation and Mitigation
strategies
of urban forests
support
energy
saving
Mitigation
strategies
transport
self-sufficiency
resources
Green cities
Cities account for more than 70 percent of the world’s energy consumption and over 50 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. By 2050, approximately two thirds of the world’s population will live in cities; with this level of urbanisation, cities must start to focus on new energy sources.
The good news is that this is already happening: more than 100 cities around the world are getting at least 70 percent of their energy from renewable sources. 40 percent of them use renewable energy exclusively, and tens more have laid out similar goals.
Materials used in construction are also changing. Instead of demolishing old buildings and constructing new ones, more and more architects are working with existing materials. City planning is also changing; with people walking and riding bikes more often to get around, streets are becoming more green.
Smart buildings
Thanks to technological and legislative advances, energy self-sufficient buildings, which produce enough energy to satisfy their own needs, are becoming more common. These buildings utilise renewable and sustainable technology, including passive ventilation and cooling, photovoltaics, dehumidifying systems, and systems that enable energy to be recouped.
Source: MDPI Academic journal Tip: Top 10 eco-friendly buildings in the worldNew materials
The pressure on industries on lower emissions has led to the creation of low-emission materials, from a type of cement that uses 30 percent less carbon compared to the current standard, to plastic that converts carbon into a reinforcing material.
Source: Science Daily Tip: OECD international organisationLimiting new construction and reusing existing structures
Construction work accounts for 40 percent of the world’s emissions. To significantly reduce these, it is enough to stop demolishing old buildings. Existing unused buildings contain a wealth of materials, which often go to waste after demolition. An increasing number of architectural studios are thus changing the way they handle such materials. For example the creators of the Madaster database are working to compile a list of public buildings in order to prevent their demolition and make the most of already existing materials.
Source: International energetic agencySustainable transport
Traffic in the city should increase the quality of life, not limit it. In cities around the globe, no-emission zones and new cycling routes are being created, while public transport is being modernised to support the change from private to public transport. City planning should also support the construction of buildings that are sized and located in a way that limits automobile traffic.
City planning
The faces of cities are changing - improvement to pedestrian access to services, augmentation of public transport, car parks or the adaptation of historic and formerly industrial buildings to new uses that are less demanding on carbon emissions than the construction of new buildings. Cities are also working to integrate nature into the their ecosystems through more than just enclosed parks or grassy strips along streets, resulting in urban areas that include biophilic design. Examples of cities successfully using this approach are Oslo, Portland, and Singapore.
Source: Kniha BIOPHILIC CITY Information on a range of adaptation measures in cities (CZ only)Where can we get inspired?
Reykjavík, Island
Reykjavik gets most of its electricity from hydro and geothermal energy, and is working to eliminate cars and fossil-fuel-powered public transport dependent on fossil fuels by 2040. Iceland as a whole uses clean energy for producing electricity and heating homes almost exclusively.
Basel, Switzerland
The City of Basel is committed to sustainability. Up to 90 percent of the city’s electricity comes from hydropower stations, and 10 percent is generated from wind. In May 2017, Switzerland voted for the gradual elimination of nuclear energy in favour of energy from renewable sources.
Source: CDP WorldwideCopenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2025, with the goal of becoming the most ecological city on earth. It seeks to achieve this by using renewable sources of electrical energy, making the heating of households and administrative buildings more effective, and increasing investments in public transport and bicycle infrastructure.
Source: weforumTips for greener Czech cities
Every city has its own unique, local context, and what might be the norm in some countries may be novel for the Czech Republic. In our local environment, we still lack basic information on concrete steps that cities can take to tackle climate change, to redress this oversight we have compiled a list below.
Enter the Czech Covenant of Mayors
Join this group of mayors for the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences, as well as to receive support with grant applications for green initiatives.
Implement a system of energy management
Implement a comprehensive system of energy management, including the appointment of a designated “energy manager,” to save money while improving the quality of energy sources used and moving away from fossil fuels.
Prepare a plan for sustainable energy and climate action
With help from the Covenant of Mayors, municipalities can create a Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP). The creation of a plan can be significantly financially supported from state resources and also include a section dedicated to the climate change adaptation plan. SECAP therefore also serves as a full-fledged adaptation strategy, thanks to which the municipality can subsequently apply for otherwise unattainable European funds.
Support communal energy
Support local renewable sources serviced by entrepreneurs or associations. Decentralised energy where, for instance, one citizen owns a solar panel and sells energy to their neighbours, is an efficient way to provide a stable and durable energy supply to households with minimal losses and reduced consumption of fossil fuels. In the future, communal energy must be supported by the state.
Engage the public
t is critical that the public understands the importance and purpose of climate adaptation measures. The public should be engaged in a structured and participative way, so that they can play an active role in decision-making. Experts and urbanists often lack local knowledge, and can only stand to benefit from the input of local citizens who are rightful holders of knowledge of their municipality and its problems. We should not let the decision-making rest only with experts and urbanists, who often lack the local knowledge and we should gain the information directly.
Did you know ...
Each year, Adapterra Awards. are given to projects that help Czech cities adapt to climate change. Examples of best practice are added to the Adapterra database, which serves as a source of inspiration for future projects.
Sustainable companies
Adapting businesses to climate change is often seen as arduous and expensive, however, with relatively small investments into lowering emissions, these measures can lead to financial savings and increased profits. In addition, these actions can help companies satisfy the changing needs of customers, improve a company reputation, or gain and retain new talent.
Source: oliverwyman.comTips for a greener business
Make an energy management plan
We recommend www.zroutienergie.cz(CZ only)on how to reduceenergy and water consumption, as well as waste production.
Adopt circular economy principles
Incorporate the principles of a circular economy in your operations. Waste can be a commercially interesting item for someone with imagination. The virtual marketplace, Cyrkl, for instance, allows for the trade and reuse of waste.
Set the control mechanisms of selection of suppliers and service providers
This applies to both services, product and material. Prioritise suppliers who respect the environment and uphold high ethical standards. Use tools such as those which analyse the life cycleof a product, through which you can learn how much a specific product pollutes the environment and how its production and recycling can be improved.
Transfer to renewable energy sources
Changing to renewable energy sources may seem difficult or expensive, but it shouldn’t actually be either. For more information about making this change, we recommend: https://www.bezuhli.cz/jakprepnout/ (CZ only)
Offset your emissions
Invest in the purchase of carbon credits - pay someone who will store your emissions in the ground. In the Czech Republic, one certified carbon credit project is Carboneg. You can also offset your emissions by investing in biochar through a specialised foundation.
The individual level:
living with a smaller carbon footprint
03Individuals can hardly be blamed for climate change. However, the world economy− and thus the production of emissions− is driven by consumption. The world’s richest 10 percent, or around 700 million people, (owning a flat valued at two million CZK is enough to fall into this category, Source: E15) are responsible for 48 percent of emissions per person. Climate measures need to tackle the behaviours and attitudes of this group as a priority.
Climatic protection measures should affect those who pollute the most. Still, they will affect all of society. We have to embrace a lifestyle whose quality is less dependent on the consumption of industrial products and services. Reduction of consumption and orientation towards good interpersonal relationships, time well spent and altruistic values instead of materialism will lead to a more sustainable and responsible society, which will create a better environment for living.
Did you know...
Carbon calculators were actually designed by PR specialists hired by British Petroleum, as was the term “carbon footprint.” Since ¨the year 2000, BP has been using advertising in an attempt to shift blame for global warming away from the fossil fuel industry and onto individuals. This campaign has proved to be both ingenious and insidious, as carbon calculators and guides to reduce your personal carbon footprint are widely promoted.
British Petroleum's campaign has sought to divert attention away from the fact that fossil fuel companies are the ones who mine and sell fossil fuels, and thus have the main responsibility for climate change. PR experts hired by BP have replicated the successful Coca-Cola campaign of 1971,which blamed increases in waste on irresponsible consumers to cover up the fact that the company was the main producer of disposable plastic waste, and therefore the main perpetrator of the problem.
The carbon footprint
The term “carbon footprint” refers to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere as a consequence of the actions of an individual, company, production and transport of a product, or operation of a building. Reducing your own carbon footprint may seem insignificant, but every kilogram of greenhouse gas heats the planet a bit more, which will impact people, be they here in Czech Republic, or on the other side of the planet.
Reducing consumption is usually connected to an increase in expenses in the form of time, money, effort, or comfort. First and foremost, we should demand that political leaders make sustainable choices easier and more accessible for us, for example by improving the public transport network or promoting better diets with less meat. For this reason, it is helpful to focus our energy on the most impactful changes. For instance, avoiding plastic straws, despite all the media attention devoted to this topic, is far less impactful than omitting some car rides.
Emphasising the negative effects of animal product consumption is also popular, but this doesn’t mean we should all become vegetarians and vegans. Yes, we should lower our meat consumption and improve meat quality. At the same time, an integrated production cycle on individual farms, where animals provide fertiliser for plants, which then serve to feed the animals, can be beneficial for the planet. However, this process does not work on industrial farms.
To recycle or not?
Recycling is often flaunted as a key factor in helping to fight climate change, but it is only useful when materials are really recyclable. Great examples are glass, paper, and aluminium, while some plastics, particularly those labelled with the numbers three through seven, are difficult to recycle. However, recycling the plastic packaging of a pair of new jeans you purchased at an unreasonably low price, does not absolve you of responsibility for your consumer behaviour. When thinking about waste, use the rule “reject, reuse, and only recycle if there is no other choice.” In the Czech Republic, the Institute of Circular Economics is dedicated to keeping resources and materials in circulation in the highest possible quality and for as long as possible.
Consumer carbon footprint
Source: Consumer carbon footprint