Skip to main content

Defforestation and Climate Change

By: Vivian Antwiwaa Gyang




Climate change, as defined by the United Nations, refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. The fundamental cause of climate change is the greenhouse effect, which is linked to how certain atmospheric gases trap heat from the Earth in the atmosphere, leading to a warming of the air. This, however, becomes problematic when the quantity of heat and gases released into the atmosphere exceeds sustainable levels.
One significant contributor to climate change is the building and construction industry. The majority of materials used in this industry are produced using methods that have adverse effects on the environment. In many countries, including Ghana, trees are cut down to provide roofing materials for buildings.



Trees play a crucial role in safeguarding our environment from global warming. They act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases responsible for global warming and climate change. However, when trees are felled for construction purposes, they release the stored carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. The more trees that are cut down for roofing buildings, the greater the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere, and this has serious consequences for our planet. https://www.climatecouncil.org.au 



                     WAYS FORWARD


       1. Explore Sustainable Roofing Materials: 
Builders and construction companies can switch to the use of materials like steel trusses for roofing. Steel is a highly durable and recyclable material that has a lower environmental impact compared to traditional roofing materials.

              

2. Consider Bamboo as a Roofing Material:
 Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource that has the ability to absorb a significant amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Utilizing bamboo for roofing not only provides an eco-friendly option but also helps in sequestering carbon. https://ugreen.io/what-is-sustainable-wood-a-guide-for-architects-engineers-and-builders/. 
By adopting these alternatives and shifting away from practices that harm our environment, the construction industry can significantly reduce its contribution to climate change. Making responsible choices in building materials and methods will not only benefit the environment but also contribute to a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for us all.


REFERENCE 







Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Script for Digital story

NEW MEDIA GROUP 2 SUB GROUP 8 LECTURE’S NAME: KODWO ANSON BOATENG .   SCRIPT FOR DIGITAL STORY. CAPTION VIDEO Introduction Hello, welcome to Eco–Construct Awareness digital storytelling on the impact of building and construction on climate change. Today, we will explore how our choices in the construction industry can shape the future of our planet.  A vibrant city skyline with buildings. Scene 1 Did you know that the building and construction industry is responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions? Worldwide the construction industry generates about half of all carbon emissions and in the United States, about 40 percent. (Surety Bond Professionals, 2022). Building and construction require a vast amount of resources such as timber and land. Deforestation for construction materials leads to habitat destruction, and loss of diversit...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Manufacturing of Iron Rods and its Impact on Climate Change

By: Sasel E.A. Ekumah The manufacturing of iron rods, a fundamental component in construction and various industries, is a process deeply intertwined with environmental considerations, particularly its impact on climate change.  In this article, we'll explore how iron rods are manufactured and the environmental implications associated with this process. Iron Rod Production Process: 1. Iron Ore Mining:     The journey of an iron rod begins with the extraction of iron ore from mines. While this process is essential for sourcing raw material, it is not without environmental consequences. Mining activities can lead to habitat destruction and water pollution if not managed responsibly. 2. Iron Ore Processing:    Once the iron ore is extracted, it undergoes processing to remove impurities and achieve the desired iron content. This refinement process requires energy and can generate waste. 3. Blast Furnace:    The most carbon-intensive stage of iron rod produ...
1 comment
Read more

The Environmental Impact Of Building Activity On Climate Change

By: Ayavor Stephanie Agarthar Elorm The building and construction industry plays a significant role in shaping our environment. Construction activities impact on the environment throughout the life cycle of development. However, it has profound impact on climate range. These ranges from the extraction of raw materials to the construction processes and the energy consumption of buildings, each step contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and the depletion of natural resources. In this article, we will explore the various ways in which building activities affect climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG emissions) are one of the significant impacts of building construction on climate change. The construction process which includes the extraction and transportation of materials as well as the energy used during construction, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. According to Levin (1997), in the USA construction is responsible for 40 percent of atmospheric emissions. The emissi...
Post a Comment
Read more