Constructing More Resilient Habitats to Mitigate the Impact of Climate Change

By IndraStra Global Editorial Team

Cover Image Attribute: This image is computer-generated using AI and is intended solely for illustrative purposes./ INDRASTRA-CREATIVES-AI202404001

 
For decades, the issue of climate change has been a subject of concern across the globe. Scientists have been sounding the alarm on this impending crisis since the mid-1800s, coinciding with the dawn of the industrial revolution and the widespread adoption of coal-burning machinery emitting CO2 into the atmosphere. However, these warnings were often overlooked or dismissed, leading to the manifestation of the very catastrophes that were foretold. Today, the consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, with communities in small-town America bearing the brunt of extreme weather events.
Jonathan Vigliotti, a seasoned journalist who has extensively covered the impacts of climate change in various corners of the United States, shares insights from his latest book, "Before It's Gone." Drawing from firsthand experiences reporting from American main streets devastated by extreme weather, Vigliotti highlights the alarming reality faced by communities witnessing the loss of people, landmarks, and traditions.
According to data from the US Census Bureau, an estimated two and a half million Americans were displaced from their homes last year due to extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. This staggering figure underscores the urgent need for action to address the root causes of these disasters.
While reducing greenhouse gas emissions remains a crucial strategy in combating climate change, a new generation of scientists emphasizes the importance of restoring and preserving natural habitats to enhance resilience against extreme weather events. This approach recognizes that even if global emissions were halted immediately, the effects of climate change would persist for decades, akin to the delayed relief provided by aspirin for a headache.

One illustrative case of the importance of habitat restoration is the town of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Despite warnings from scientists about the increased risk of wildfires due to a warming climate, the town failed to heed their advice. The consequences were dire, with 80% of Lahaina destroyed and over a hundred lives lost in what became the deadliest wildfire in modern American history.
The devastation suffered by Lahaina serves as a sobering reminder of the critical role healthy habitats play in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Measures such as restoring wetlands, conserving water, removing dry invasive grasses, and using fire-resistant materials in construction are all vital steps in building resilience against extreme weather events. Furthermore, federal programs exist to support these efforts financially, yet proactive action by local leaders is essential to implement such initiatives effectively.
In the aftermath of the Lahaina disaster, there is a growing recognition of the need for communities to take proactive measures to safeguard against future climate-related catastrophes. One notable example is the resilience demonstrated by the owners of the "Red Roof" house, the sole surviving structure amidst miles of destruction. By modernizing their home and implementing fire-resistant measures, they not only protected their property but also potentially saved lives.
Across the country, people are beginning to heed the call to action in addressing climate change and building more resilient communities. While the challenges posed by climate change are formidable, there is also cause for hope. Through collective effort and decisive action at the local, national, and global levels, it is possible to mitigate the worst effects of climate change and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

5 Strategies for Enhancing Buildings' Resilience to Climate Change

1. Enhancing Buildings' Resistance to Heatwaves
Research indicates that by 2050, over 1.6 billion individuals residing in more than 970 urban areas will face frequent exposure to extreme high temperatures. The urban heat island effect exacerbates this issue, causing cities to be notably warmer than surrounding rural areas, posing a significant risk to urban populations.
Nature offers effective solutions to combat heatwaves. Urban communities can establish urban forests and green spaces to mitigate heatwaves by providing shade and releasing water through plant leaves, thus cooling the surrounding environment. Additionally, architectural designs can contribute to reducing internal building temperatures. Traditional housing designs in Vietnam, incorporating optimal building orientation, high-rise rooms, and large openings, enhance ventilation. Similarly, Trombe walls, constructed from heavyweight materials like concrete or stone to capture solar heat, are utilized in countries such as China, Chile, and Egypt. Implementation of green roofs and reflective surfaces further aids in reducing temperatures within and around buildings.
2. Strengthening Buildings' Resilience to Drought
Climate change alters precipitation patterns globally, necessitating proactive measures to address droughts. Rainwater harvesting and recharge systems, capturing water on building rooftops, effectively store water during droughts and mitigate flood risks during heavy rainfall. Planting trees or vegetation around buildings offers a cost-effective, nature-based solution to combat droughts and flooding. The roots of such vegetation recharge groundwater and facilitate water penetration into the soil, reducing flood risks. Notably, China's Sponge Cities Project exemplifies eco-engineering solutions aimed at rainwater absorption and reuse across numerous metropolises to mitigate flood risks.
3. Enhancing Buildings' Adaptation to Coastal Flooding and Sea-Level Rise
An estimated 410 million coastal residents could face risks associated with coastal flooding and sea-level rise by 2025. Innovative approaches, such as constructing flood-resistant houses on pillars in Kerala, India, and elevating buildings above ground level in Malaysia, allow for water flow and wetland vegetation growth underneath. Additionally, proposals in Bangladesh suggest building buoyant multi-purpose structures on pillars equipped with buoyant tanks to provide emergency shelter during floods while serving as community centers.
4. Fortifying Buildings Against Cyclones and Strong Winds
Anticipated increases in cyclones and storms due to climate change necessitate measures to mitigate damage to buildings. Round-shaped houses and optimal aerodynamic orientations can reduce wind strength impact. Robust roof designs featuring strong connections between foundations and roofs, roofs with multiple slopes, and central shaft installations to reduce wind force are critical. Employing frangible architecture, where roofs covering balconies or patios are designed to break during strong winds, further prevents additional structural damage.
5. Strengthening Buildings' Resilience to Cold Climates
Adapting to colder climates involves strategies to capture heat and minimize heat loss. Insulation in roofs, walls, and double-glazed windows effectively reduces heat loss and enhances energy efficiency. Trombe walls and "water walls," utilizing water's heat storage capacity, are employed to absorb and radiate heat in colder regions. Optimal building orientation for sun exposure and dark-colored external wall surfaces further contribute to heat retention. Green roofs, fostering plant growth on rooftops, offer insulation benefits and decrease energy demand for cooling in summer and heating in winter.

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