Today, Inger Andersen, the head of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), participated in a COP26 panel calling for more energy efficient construction.
“We build the equivalent of new buildings the size of Paris every week, and if that is the way we are expected to expand we need to think about how we do it because of climate, biodiversity, livability, quality of life. We need to build better”, she said.
According to Ms. Andersen, building and construction are responsible for 37 per cent of CO2 emissions with construction materials like cement, accounting for 10 per cent of global emissions.
She also pointed out that over half of the buildings that will be standing in 2060 haven’t been constructed yet.
Faith leaders representing the 🌍's major religions have signed a joint appeal to take speedy and shared action to safeguard, restore and heal the planet 👉 #Faiths4COP26pic.twitter.com/rQEMAoqGom
— KAICIID (@KAICIID) November 10, 2021
As we approach the end of COP26 we are thinking of the young people whose future depends on world leaders making courageous decisions. Young people of faith attended the #COP26Vigil to pray and meditate for COP/the future. Here is what some participants had to say about the day!
As we approach the end of COP26 we are thinking of the young people whose future depends on world leaders making courageous decisions. Young people of faith attended the #COP26Vigil to pray and meditate for COP/the future. Here is what some participants had to say about the day! pic.twitter.com/RqbA5m5wuv
— Interfaith Glasgow (@InterfaithGlasg) November 11, 2021