
A focus on air quality: Data centre feasibility studies and site selection
by Morgan Fitzpatrick
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The UN, and nearly every country around the world have created strategies, policies and commitments to decarbonise the global economy to be 鈥渃limate neutral鈥� and have net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
This year we have seen extreme heat events in North America, Europe, and China. Extreme wildfires sparked up in Canada, Greece, and Chile. Deadly floods in China, Sudan and India.聽The warmest sea temperatures around the Gulf of Mexico, UK, and the Poles.聽It is widely recognised that without human induced climate change these events couldn鈥檛 have happened, and they are only going to get worse.聽So, I ask myself鈥�
Attitudes and priorities change and evolve.聽We often hear that so many other factors, including the economy, global events and even political priorities influence levels of concern and commitment toward achieving net-zero carbon economies by 2050; but we have聽less than 9,610 days until 2050.聽How do we encourage communities and governments to take more proactive measures to build resilience, reduce vulnerability and achieve a net-zero carbon economy by 2050?
Many have significant聽economic concerns聽and anticipate that transitioning to a net-zero carbon economy involves substantial investments in energy infrastructure, technology upgrades, and changes to industrial processes.聽It is widely recognised that there are upfront costs to transitioning to a low-carbon economy, but the long-term benefits far outweigh these initial investments. We need to recognise that the economic benefits extend far beyond financial gain, encompassing improved quality of life, environmental preservation, and a more sustainable future for all.
Denial surrounds the severity of climate change or its human causes. Uncertainty can cause the urgency to be diminished, and people dealing with immediate personal or economic challenges may allow climate change to take a backseat.聽When we talk about climate change, we need to provide accurate, accessible, and easy to understand information to show the benefits of action, communicate the economic and social benefits of addressing climate change, and motivate changes in behaviours to transition to a low carbon economy.聽
A lack of awareness, the complexity of climate change, and the fact it鈥檚 a long-term issue can make it difficult to perceive an immediate concern.聽Often, we are overwhelmed by such large-scale global concerns and believe individual actions won鈥檛 make a difference, and that governments will 鈥渇ix鈥� the problem.聽We need to generate urgency among individuals, acknowledge the challenges and showcase the potential for positive change, to encourage an effective approach to reducing carbon emissions.
We are still seeing very short-term聽political priorities at both regional and government levels, and the urgency of climate change is not as evident to those focussed on short-term political cycles and immediate challenges such as re-election or reducing inflation.聽Local, regional and government need to be more focussed on the issues surrounding energy transition including economic growth, energy security, and social stability, which should cement their level of concern about their net-zero targets.聽
We need to see political parties recognise that climate change is apolitical, and that cross-party involvement is vital for creating a supportive environment that encourages all sectors of society to engage in climate action.
By agreeing clear policies, regulations, and incentives, political parties can help drive the necessary changes to mitigate and adapt to climate change on a meaningful scale.
Encouraging commitment to achieving net-zero emissions is a complex challenge due to a combination of factors that range from economic considerations to social and political dynamics. Overcoming these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes effective communication, policy incentives, international cooperation, innovation, investment, public engagement, and addressing the specific concerns of different stakeholders.
by Morgan Fitzpatrick
by Jim McKinley
by Dr. Kate Vincent , Ida Bailey, Caroline Dolan