Informal dispatches from COP 26

DAY 6 — Talk and Action in Glasgow

By Thomas Vonier
FAIA RIBA
Immediate Past President, International Union of Architects
Former President, American Institute of Architects

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Here are six conclusions after the sixth day of COP26.

First, electrification is widely viewed as the essential course for all economic sectors, with power coming from non-polluting sources. Power generation is on a good course, but nuclear power is not universally embraced and some countries are lagging.

Second, the mobility and transport sectors are making real progress, especially in the developed countries, but they still have far to go in moving away from fossil fuels.

Third, buildings remain a fine opportunity for reducing waste and excess, but movement has slowed; and there is a huge stock of buildings worldwide in need of improvements which can’t be justified financially.

Fourth, industrial manufacture has big incentives to reduce energy use and shift resource supplies, but technical progress and innovation haven’t kept apace of needs.

Fifth, the food and agriculture sectors are a principal source of undesirable methane production, which the newly announced curbing initiatives should help to end, along with increased awareness among purchasers.

Sixth, the materials sector—a very large, diverse set of producers, recyclers, processers, manufacturers—is showing positive movement, especially regarding the “responsible” production of plastics.

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Tom is sending DesignIntelligence daily dispatches from COP 26 and offering his seasoned insights and observations along the way.