Luke Palmer’s Post

LP Structural Engineering places the utmost importance on staying at the forefront of sustainability within the construction industry. While structural engineers are often overlooked in sustainability discussions (for instance, structural engineering components have minimal influence on BREEAM assessments), we believe it’s crucial to continually expand our knowledge and contribute to this vital area.

Controversial. "For now, there are more questions about climate engineering than answers. It’s hard to say whether climate engineering would create more conflict, or if it could defuse international tensions(1) by reducing climate change. But international decisions on climate engineering are likely coming soon. At the United Nations Environment Assembly in March 2024, African countries called for a moratorium on climate engineering(2), urging all precaution. Other nations, including the United States, pressed for a formal scientific group to study the risks and benefits before making any decisions. Climate engineering could be part of an equitable solution to climate change. But it also carries risks. Put simply, climate engineering is a technology that can’t be ignored, but more research is needed so policymakers can make informed decisions." 1) https://lnkd.in/ewTfHkUU 2)https://lnkd.in/erfBtZdQ 3) https://lnkd.in/e_gpAxXD Learn more https://lnkd.in/eX3MXxEw #climatecrisis #climateaction #risks #globalrisks #sustainability #future

The World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) launches a Lighthouse Activity on Climate Intervention Research. “While SRM [solar radiation modification] may rapidly counter some greenhouse gas warming impacts, the extent to which SRM can reduce climate change hazards has not been robustly established, nor has the extent to which SRM may introduce new risks to people and ecosystems.” “Any potential SRM deployment would therefore be at best an approach that could operate in parallel with mitigation measures, with SRM deployment declining as CO2 emissions and atmospheric concentrations decline globally.” In other words, planetary cooling MAYBE but not without NETZERO and eventually NETNEGATIVE. The only credible pathway towards netzero I am aware of includes some form of carbon takeback obligation (#CTBO). A post I wrote on Substack about geological netzero, active cooling, and CTBO: https://lnkd.in/dm9YnzYM And the original post from International Science Council about climate intervention research: https://lnkd.in/d_fUkDkt PS I consider CDR a cleanup operation rather than a climate intervention.

Two years on and still as powerful as ever - but do you think much has changed in the construction industry in two years? Has your business, or you personally made commitments to climate action? Have you seen carbon reduction as a design driver in projects? Have you reduced demolition or using novel low carbon materials. When you are asked by your children and grandchildren about the role you had to play in the climate emergency, what will you tell them? The Institution of Structural Engineers 🌍 Please continue to share this video with colleagues, design teams, clients, students, family and friends! Curtins https://lnkd.in/euzzm9sg . . . #actonclimate #carbon #climatechange #cop28 #GHG#globalwarming #climateaction #future #futuregenerations #thoughts #inspiration #sustainability #sustainableconstruction #circulareconomy #istructe #engineering #sustainableconstruction #ifnotnowwhen #design #innovation #education #youtube #naturenow #climatevoice #c02emissions #noplanetb #ipcc #climatecrisis #share #challenge #architects #architecture #refurbishment #reducereuserecycle #reducewaste #retrofit

Besides cutting oil/gas/coal, #greening #cities with #trees, #watersheds, #parks and other natural solutions are better "climate engineering" approaches.

Construction business leaders are paving the way for a sustainable future! Their commitment to reducing carbon emissions is a testament to their hard work and dedication. The built environment contributes to 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it crucial for everyone to play their part. At Mace, we believe that every role is a carbon role, and we're thrilled to see construction leaders worldwide share this belief. Let's continue to work towards a net-zero future! #netzero #carbon #sustainability #responsiblebusiness Check out the carbon survey report by James Low and Jessica Lily Travers at Mace: https://lnkd.in/e6sJQeW6 Jessica Lily Travers James Low

I am summarising my thoughts on what should be done about climate change in a four-part series on Techogeny. Part One:

"Rapid reduction in carbon emissions is critical to meeting our climate goals and mitigating the worst effects of climate change. Embodied carbon, the carbon emissions associated with materials used in the built environment, are estimated to contribute over 10% of all global energy-related carbon emissions. As we work to meet the needs of a growing population, designing infrastructure and buildings with lower embodied carbon will be essential. The Embodied Carbon Reduction Roadmap report, authored by Arup for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), explores policy options to support a wide range of strategies that can be deployed to address embodied carbon across the construction industry. The report focuses on California as a case study due to its track record for setting ambitious climate targets and for starting to adopt progressive embodied carbon policies. Using quantifiable data and analysis, the report provides a clear roadmap that highlights the importance of taking both a building-focused and materials-focused approach to embodied carbon policy action." https://lnkd.in/gHb5y-Zg Frances Yang

This is the first article in a series I'm writing about climate engineering. Climate change is no longer a subject of political or scientific discourse; it is now a hard-hitting reality. Knowing the gravity of the situation, scientists, policymakers, and the international community have been working on mitigation plans to drastically cut the production of CO2 and other GHGs. By tracking the progress, it is becoming glaringly evident that the emission targets for GHGs and the drive to limit the increasing global mean surface temperature are unlikely to be met. The fear of failing to avert a climate crisis is driving the international community to consider the topic of climate intervention, also known as climate engineering, which has been forbidden all through the earlier climate change and climate response discussions. This article discusses why climate engineering graduated from being taboo to an important piece of the climate response puzzle. This will be followed by articles on the different types of climate engineering, the risks, and challenges it poses, and how it will impact the insurance industry. https://lnkd.in/g395qf_n #climatechange #climatesolutions #climateresponse #climateengineering #geoengineering

A thoroughly impressive first trip to the Eden Project today. For 25 years it has highlighted the impact of climate change and the need for action. I’m sure there is constant updating of written content throughout but what was alarming was that one board updated in 2022 said the global temperature change was at 1.2°C & we have now exceeded 1.5°C in 2024. A lot of talk about construction materials and embodied carbon but not enough about different industries and their global emissions, especially the built environment and buildings!