Lucy Roper’s weekly Built Environment blog: Making positive changes

Posted on: 2019-05-09

Each week, UCEM Information Governance Manager, Lucy Roper points us in the direction of interesting stories from the Built Environment.

This week, inspired by taking part in last week’s centenary volunteering event for Reading Parks and Woodlands Conservation Project, Lucy brings us stories detailing initiatives designed to make the Built Environment better…

The Big Green Apple

Climate change isn’t going anywhere soon and New York City Council recently decided to tackle the issue head on by passing The Climate Mobilization Act.

The most drastic element of the Act is the focus on reducing the carbon footprint of the city’s buildings. The move has met with opposition from local real estate stakeholders but the council has stood firm and is taking necessary, positive action to reduce its carbon footprint.

Tidal energy generation

The latest issue of RICS Modus magazine considers coastal erosion and the concerning impact developments are having on coastlines. Articles in the magazine call for greater use of tidal energy generation to reverse this damaging trend.

UK Parliament declares climate change emergency

Decisive action has not been commonplace across UK Parliament recently but MPs approved a motion to declare an environment and climate emergency last week.

The move demonstrates a growing willingness to accept the reality of climate change at government level. You may not be familiar with what a climate emergency is but fortunately the BBC has published an article explaining what it is.

Net zero target

The government asked climate experts, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) for advice on whether it should set a date for a net zero emissions target back in October. Last week, the CCC responded with its recommendation for the UK to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. This research can make a massive difference to the health of our planet and, indeed, its inhabitants so any moves to reduce these harmful gases from our atmosphere can only be a good thing.

1m species threatened with extinction

Pushed further down the news agenda due to the arrival of a certain Royal baby was the alarming report that one million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction. The BBC (them again!), however, have produced a very informative article about the report.

These reports are so important if we want to make a difference and change the environment about us for the better and with enough will, there’s a way!

For more from Lucy, take a look at the latest edition of Knowledge Foundations.