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ESSAY

Environmental issues & World heritage sites

Overview and critical appraisal of the environmental issues challenging our

planet

Behavior that is inappropriate for the environment is detrimental to the continued

existence of both people and plants. When we talk about the "environment," we're

referring to the natural world in its whole, which includes all aspects of it, living things

and nonliving things alike. The acts of humans do, to a certain degree, have an effect

on the natural world. To a certain extent, environment has an effect on the well-being of

humans and all other forms of life. Every living creature has a requirement for fresh air,

pure water, and a secure place to call home, defense against the elements, and an

improved habitat since one's quality of life is heavily influenced by their surroundings, it

is crucial to maintain it as safe and disease-free as possible. Both natural disasters and

human activities have contributed to the pollution of the ecosystem, which has resulted

in a hostile habitat for the plants and animals that live there. Activities performed by

humans are necessary in order to overcome obstacles relating to the environment. The

state of the ecology on our planet will be largely determined by how humans react when

faced with environmental difficulties. The term "environment" encompasses the

biological and physical conditions under which organisms (such as humans, animals,

and plants) exist and function (Benny, 2009; Anderson, 2019; Orisakwe 2019 as cited in

Pona et al., 2021). Giving Compass (2022) defines environmental concerns as "the

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negative implications of human actions on the Earth and the ecological systems that

inhabit it." The long-term health and safety of all living things, from plants to animals to

microbes, is threatened by environmental degradation. The global environment is in far

worse shape than it was even ten years ago. Increasing instances of natural disasters

endangering human health, such as glacial melting, natural disasters, man-made

pollution, and the spread of disease and non communicable illnesses, are a direct result

of the greenhouse effect and climate change (Faroog and Meraj, 2017 as cited in Pona

et al, 2021). Eco-friendly actions that help preserve the natural environment for future

generations are crucial for everyone to take part in. This is because human actions

affect the natural world, and these effects in turn have an impact on the natural world.

Emissions of heat-trapping gases, sea level rise, inadequate waste management, and

unchecked land usage, floods, forest destruction, global warming, ozone depletion

pollution, unregulated farming, illegal fishing, and chemical toxicity are only few of the

causes that illustrate the gravity of the problem. Pachamama Alliance (2021) found

three harmful environmental cause-effect relationships: Plastic manufacture, oil drilling

and spills, and deforestation all harm the ecosystem. Drilling harms the environment.

Fossil fuel reliance impacts every element of human life and must be addressed. A fall

in pH causes oceans to absorb carbon dioxide and other acidic gases over time,

causing environmental damage. Ocean acidification is caused by human activities like

fossil fuel burning. Ocean acidification has killed marine life and ecosystems

(BioExplorer, 2021). Without strict environmental restrictions, petroleum exploration and

extraction can harm the ecosystem. Equipment failure or sabotage can cause onshore

or offshore oil spills. Seismic operations may also cause deforestation and

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environmental change. Pollution also harms agriculture and human health. Hydrocarbon

spills poison the environment, causing species extinction and ecological disturbance.

Fossil fuel consumption increases atmospheric CO2, which is the main cause of global

warming and marine acidification.

The construction industry has a wide range of implications for society. The processes,

materials, and operations involved in construction all have an effect on the surrounding

ecosystem. Construction projects contribute significantly to the acceleration of climate

change. Between 25 and 40 percent of the world's total carbon emissions come from

this sector. It is anticipated that the amount of emissions produced by commercial

buildings may rise by as much as 1.8 percent by the year 2030. Mining operations

obtain minerals that are necessary for the production of building materials. After that,

businesses ship these components to their final destinations in a variety of geographic

areas. Both of these processes require the usage of fossil fuels, and the burning of

fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases.

The environmental impact of building may have repercussions for the local wildlife

population. Building roads across tropical rainforests has the potential to sever

migration pathways. Dams have the capability of rerouting water away from habitats

that are found in freshwater. Oil platforms have the potential to leak, which can destroy

marine life and pollute the coastline.

Nearly half of the natural Globe Heritage sites all around the world are under jeopardy

as a direct result of industrial activities such as mining and forestry. This includes the

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Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and Machu

Picchu in Peru, which is a fortress built by the Incas.

The environmental impact of construction is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the

most urgent global societal concerns that we face in the modern day. Thankfully, the

number of companies that are concerned about their impact on the environment is

growing.

The worldwide construction industry can be made to be less harmful to the environment

by using these techniques and best practices.

 Improving Equipment Energy Efficiency

 Green Building Materials

 Methods for Ensuring Zero Accidents

 Effectiveness of Vehicles

In the most recent years, thanks to current efforts, emission levels have been able to

stabilize. In addition, a growing number of construction enterprises have set goals for

the reduction of their emissions. There is significant room for improvement in terms of

lessening the damage that building projects do to the surrounding environment.

At the municipal, state, and federal levels, attempts are being made to address

environmental concerns, and at the regional and international levels, efforts to do the

same are currently under consideration. It is imperative that all types of governments

and non-governmental organizations work together in a more efficient manner in order

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to coordinate and carry out essential rural and urban programs (Bernard and Darkoh,

2009).

Legislations

Legislation is critical for promoting the environmental sustainability of infrastructure

projects because it can strengthen a variety of methods that promote environmental

sustainability and aid in the attainment of net-zero carbon emissions. Low carbon

buildings, de-constructible buildings, "greening" existing building stock, demolition of

construction waste, and circularity in construction are just a few of the many initiatives

that can improve the sustainability of infrastructure projects and move the needle toward

net zero carbon emissions. 

The main international climate change agreement is the 1992 UN Framework

Convention on Climate Change. Its purpose is to prevent anthropogenic climate

disturbances. All EU member states have signed the Convention. The Paris Agreement

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is the first universal, legally enforceable global climate agreement. The 1997 Kyoto

Protocol is the sole legally binding means to control carbon emissions before 2020.

192 UNFCCC Parties, including the EU, have accepted the Protocol. Kyoto barely

covers 12% of global emissions as many significant emitters aren't included.

If we want to keep global temperatures raise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the UN

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recommends we eliminate all carbon

dioxide emissions from human activities by the year 2050. Each person may make a

difference in addressing environmental issues by working with others. The United

Nations and Earth.org are just two of the global organizations that are encouraging

individuals to educate themselves on environmental issues and take action to protect

their planet. Although this tendency has many natural and anthropogenic origins, it may

be reversed with even modest human efforts and changes in lifestyle (Bio Explorer,

2021). The Extinction Rebellion marches in April 2019 and the visit of a Swedish climate

activist to the UK parliament both served to heighten public awareness of environmental

issues. There is not enough of a legal or economic basis for protecting the environment

or encouraging public involvement in ecologically positive actions in developing nations.

Colleges and universities play a crucial role in spreading environmental awareness and

promoting sustainable practices. This means that sustainable development and well-

executed environmental policies are essential to the sector's future prosperity. In 2006,

the University of the Azores established an environmental strategy in response to

Portuguese environmental research. Achieving environmental and economic

sustainability is the focus of the Environmental Survey and GeRLab's research at the

University of the Azores.

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Because of the implications of climate change, a global response is necessary. The

United Nations has always been at the forefront of both scientific evidence evaluation

and public policy making. Every five to six years, the Intergovernmental Panel on

Climate Change (IPCC), which is made up of 2,000 of the world's most distinguished

climate specialists, publishes in-depth scientific research. These reports address a

variety of issues. In 2007, it was proven without doubt that the climate is changing, and

that human activity is the primary driver of this change. The 196 UN Framework

Convention on Climate Change parties are now negotiating ways to adapt to and

reduce the consequences of climate change. The United Nations Environment Program

(UNEP) and other UN-affiliated organizations have led awareness-raising activities.

When it comes to environmental programs, the United Nations is taking a more global

approach. The United Nations is working hard to address global concerns such as

ozone depletion, hazardous waste buildup, forest and animal population depletion, and

air and water pollution. The deterioration of the environment depletes natural capital,

which is required for both economic progress and the survival of civilization; if these

issues are not addressed, markets and economies will cease to exist.

The UNEP and the WMO (World Meteorological Organization) have both seen a hole

growing in the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol stipulates that compounds that

deplete the ozone layer be phased out and replaced with less harmful alternatives. As a

direct result of this, millions of cases of skin cancer caused by UV radiation exposure

will be avoided.

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Approximately one billion people gained access to clean water for the first time during

the first decade when the United Nations prioritised water concerns (1981-1990). An

additional one billion and one hundred fifty million people will gain access to safe

drinking water by 2002. As part of an attempt to promote awareness about the need of

water conservation, the year 2003 was declared as the International Year of

Freshwater. The second global water decade will span from 2005 to 2015, with the

primary objective of halving the number of people without access to safe drinking water.

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants was developed with the

goal of eliminating some of the most dangerous substances ever created. The

Convention attempts to prohibit the use of twenty-three hazardous pesticides and

industrial chemicals that have the potential to kill, inflict brain and immune system

damage, cause cancer and reproductive difficulties, and interfere with children's natural

growth and development. So far, 179 nations have ratified the Convention,

demonstrating their commitment to it. Additional UN treaties and action plans protect

biodiversity, endangered species, desertification, marine habitats, and hazardous waste

trans boundary transit.

To reduce oil reliance and pollution, sustainable, non-polluting renewable energy

alternatives have been created. Clean energy includes biofuel. Wind, solar, and

hydropower are further examples. Developing a healthy ecology is partly dependent on

policymaking. Clark suggests that firms may encourage environmental awareness and

action by adopting a green policy strategy, instituting a recycling plan, buying recyclable

things, reducing energy use, and becoming paperless. Leaders of businesses and other

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institutions need to raise public awareness of environmental issues. Management by

example may have a positive effect on morale and productivity.

Architects, engineers, and builders worldwide are adopting green practices in

construction. Many firms even align their sustainability objectives with the Sustainable

Development Goals of the United Nations. They take innovative measures to lower the

environmental impact of construction projects. They come up with sustainable solutions

with the help of technology. Such firms include some of the world’s biggest construction

companies.

Analysis of the causes and effects of the environmental changes on specific

HERITAGE sites

Water and climate management, as well as carbon storage in World Heritage forests,

can help humans adapt to and reduce climate change. Cultural legacy may impart

traditional knowledge, making the future more sustainable and resistant to change.

World Heritage sites collect and share data on proven climate change monitoring,

mitigation, and adaptation methods as climate change observatories. In addition, the

World Heritage global network raises awareness of how climate change is affecting

human societies, their cultural variety, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and natural and

cultural heritage. Cultural heritage sites vary in complexity. Cultural landscapes include

memorial sites, temples, palaces, historical sites, and ancient burial grounds. The 1972

World Assets Convention protects cultural and natural assets similarly. August 18,

1972, Bangkok hosted the World Heritage Convention. Nature impacts many cultures.

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Local materials and a particular natural environment are used to build them. Historical

monuments can help individuals adapt to their environments. Some writers call people's

clothes and buildings their "second and third skins" since they represent their cultures.

Preserving cultural heritage locations unites people. States, regions, ethnicities, and

religions all show cultural variety.

Several cultural heritage monuments are in risk from climate change. There are

numerous dangers. Windstorms, sea-level rise, wetness or dryness, permafrost

degradation, desertification, and soil degradation are among them. These natural

phenomena can cause harm to man-made structures by burying buildings and

antiquities, generating sandstorms, or hastening decay. Cultural heritage sites are

under threat, particularly in regions where people have had to struggle for existence and

where natural forces have been especially unfriendly to human settlements. Cultural

heritage sites are endangered here.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) believes that the Great Barrier Reef is in danger due to

mining and shipping, although the Heritage Committee did not categorise it as "in

danger". Machu Picchu in the Andes, which is not on the UN list of World Heritage

Sites, is said to be in danger due to logging, according to the World Wide Fund for

Nature (WWF).

Other areas that are in danger include the Everglades in the United States, the

Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, and the volcanoes in Kamchatka, which are located in

Russia. The Heritage Committee's sole assessment of an area being "at danger" was

the Everglades.

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Such non-governmental assessments have been praised by Mechtild Rossler, the

director of the World Heritage Centre in Paris for UNESCO, as a method for increasing

people's awareness of potential risks.

Climate change has affected cultural sites. The earliest tiny human groups and societies

were created during the Holocene period, which began around 12,000 B.C. and some

still exist now. Sea levels rose drastically, devastating coastal villages. Upland bones

were found far from the Mediterranean and Indian seas. Climate change often disrupts

agriculture and vineyards, affecting cultural landscapes.

How sustainable construction practices can address environment issues and

help preserve world heritage sites and best practice guidance

The environmental impact that is caused by the construction industry is significant and

may be clearly identified. Building, maintaining, and outfitting private residences and

commercial establishments take up one tenth of the world's total economic activity. This

undertaking is responsible for around forty percent of the flow of materials into the

global economy. (Rodman and Lenssen, 1994) As a consequence of this, the building

sector has a responsibility to both the environment and the generations that will come

after them. It will be necessary for businesses in this sector to adopt practices that are

consistent with the concept of sustainable construction.

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The concept of sustainable construction is being approached and prioritized in different

countries in different ways. Some of them include identifying economic, social, and

cultural issues as part of their framework for sustainable construction, although it is only

brought up as a serious concern in a select number of countries.

Constructing in a way that is environmentally friendly is a global concern. Practices that

are environmentally friendly might range from those concerning procurement or supply

chains to those concerning the reuse of wastewater throughout the operating phases.

It's possible that not all regions of the world or all societies have the same best practises

and solutions when it comes to environmentally friendly building. As a direct

consequence of this, the methodologies and rating systems that are utilised will be

different. Efficiency in the use of energy is given a high priority in a number of nations,

particularly those with severe winters. Around the world, there has been a significant

amount of study and writing produced on the topic of increasing energy efficiency in

both newly constructed and already existing buildings through retrofitting.

The constructability challenges that many construction companies face are very

sophisticated and cannot be easily addressed and solved without the help and

application of technology. This is because modern construction contracts, building

design, and the resulting demand for the construction of quality infrastructure have all

contributed to the increased sophistication of the construction industry. A technology

that has arisen over the course of the past decade and a half is known as building

information modeling (BIM). The development of the technologies that underpin BIM

has made it possible for designs to become increasingly complex as these technologies

have progressed. At the moment, the modeling industry in industrialized countries is

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able to support not only 3D models but other aspects of construction management such

as scheduling, cost control, estimation, safety training, and sustainable development.

Bechtel, a worldwide construction organization, acknowledges the necessity of adopting

sustainable business practices into its operations. The recently opened Bechtel Mining

& Metals Innovation Center is located in Chile. This is one of Bechtel's most recent

projects to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry. The

corporation hopes to promote ecologically responsible mining practises by utilizing the

center. In addition, the programme will generate technology advances that reduce water

and energy consumption. Since its establishment in 1898, the business has

successfully completed over 250,000 projects in 160 countries.

The Swedish-based company Skanska has taken the initiative to decrease the negative

environmental effects of construction. The multinational construction and development

corporation has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. In addition, LEED Gold

certification is the goal for each and every commercial building constructed by Skanska.

Among the completed major projects are the World Trade Center Transportation Hub,

MetLife Stadium, and Mater Dei Hospital.

The French construction industry places considerable emphasis on ecologically friendly

practises. Clearly, the country is committed to minimizing the harmful consequences of

construction on the local environment. The Global Compact of the United Nations

guides the organization's policies towards sustainable development. The organization

also conducts examinations of greenhouse gas emissions. It describes the numerous

methods for lowering emissions. In 2017, the Vinci-operated electronic toll lanes

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contributed to a decrease of 71,390 metric tons of carbon emissions. In the same year,

Vinci consolidated its position as France's preeminent climate strategy organization.

The company operates in over a hundred different countries worldwide.

The 2005 World Heritage Convention, Operational Guidelines incorporated the concept

of sustainable development. According to the preface, "the preservation and

conservation of natural and cultural resources contribute significantly to sustainable

development" (paragraph 6). World Heritage sites must be able to "keep a diversity of

present and future ecologically and culturally sustainable uses." This is stated in the

World Heritage Convention Operational Guidelines.

During the 35th World Heritage Committee session in Paris in 2011, the Operational

Guidelines were substantially inspired by sustainable development. The majority of

these citations are found in Annex 5, Sections 4.b and 5.e, and Lines 112, 119, and 132

of the main text. These modifications emphasise that World Heritage site management

systems "must include sustainable development principles" and that asset usage is

compatible with the preservation of Outstanding Universal Value. These changes are

intended to ensure that World Heritage assets be managed in order to maintain their

Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). The Operational Guidelines also advocate for

collaboration in a variety of fields to select, defend, and maintain World Heritage Sites.

During its 18th General Assembly in Paris in 2011, the World Heritage Committee

issued a "Strategic Action Plan for the Implementation of the Convention, 2012-2022."

This strategy prioritises long-term sustainability. The World Heritage Convention's

"Vision for 2022" aims to "contribute to the sustainable development of the world's

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communities and cultures." This concern is emphasised throughout the statement. The

third goal, "heritage protection and conservation that considers future generations," was

also met.

Critical thinking

In spite of the Convention's achievements thus far and the significance it places on the

preservation of OUV (which is a prerequisite for properties to be included on the World

Heritage List), the contribution to sustainable development is not a policy that is clearly

defined within the context of its implementation. In order to be included to the World

Heritage List, a piece of real estate must first be determined to have Outstanding

Universal Value (OUV).

The purpose of the National Policy for Sustainable Development is to ensure that the

required actions are taken at the appropriate times during the development process. As

a result of this, it is essential to ensure that there are no fundamental inconsistencies

between the technique and the substance.

Although there is a significant opportunity for World Heritage sites to play a role in long-

term sustainable development, governments have not been able to fully capitalize on

this resource. Since the procedures and standards for implementing the World Heritage

Convention do not include any particular suggestions, checks, or controls, they cannot

do so. Thus, they cannot. This is due to governments not taking use of World Heritage

sites for long-term sustainable growth.

As a consequence of this, it would appear that a significant amount of potential for the

implementation of the Convention may be wasted because decision-makers either fail to

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fully realize the potential advantages for sustainable development or are unable to

completely realize those benefits. So there is a possibility that we may fall even further

behind in our effort to achieve sustainable development. Because of this, it is becoming

increasingly likely that the Convention will not be observed exactly as written.

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