Two Degrees: The Built Environment and Our Changing Climate

The Earth's temperature has been rising at exponential rates over the twentieth century. The IPCC has given a grave, but difficult goal to avert catastrophe: reduce greenhouse emissions until warming is no more than two degrees Celsius. How do we get there? Two Degreesreviews the current science and predictions for global warming and looks at what steps can be taken to design the built environment to mitigate the extent of global warming and to adapt to inevitable changes in climate. The book positions sustainable design as an approach to a low carbon future that considers the economic and social impacts as well as the environmental issues of built projects. This book provides a practical guide to moving to a low carbon future for developers and the design and construction community. The book is divided into three main sections; Fundamentals, Mitigation Strategies and Adaptation Strategies. The experienced author team review current research and provide technical knowledge based on their direct experience in all aspects of built environment practice. This book clarifies the issues of climate change and show how a sustainable design approach to the built environment will both help mitigate climate change and provide resilience for the unavoidable climate changes already facing humanity.