The Emerging Debate Over How Architects Should Address Climate Change

Throughout history, architects have considered climatic aspects of their designs due to the need to build structures that are protective from the elements and provide a comfortable living environment. Historically, the focus has been on adapting to extreme weather conditions, ensuring that buildings are designed in such a way as to resist strong winds, hot summers, and cold winters. The contemporary emphasis on 'climate emergency' however represents a departure from this historical concern. Rather than simply adapting to climatic conditions, there is now an added emphasis on attempting to mitigate the effects of climate change. This can include strategies such as using renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency in building designs, and taking into account the embodied energy of materials used. Furthermore, there is now a growing awareness of the 'social' implications of climate change. Architects are being urged to consider the potential implications of their designs on localized areas, such as cultural identity, public health, and ecology. There is now an added emphasis on the potential for buildings to act as 'carbon sinks', by providing vegetation that can absorb and store carbon dioxide. To conclude, the emphasis on 'climate emergency' represents a departure from historical concerns. The focus has shifted from simply adapting to climatic conditions, to considering both the potential and actual impacts of climate change. This has led to a greater emphasis on mitigating the effects of climate change and having more sustainable designs that not only protect from the elements, but also support local communities and ecosystems.