A Changing World — Another View

Abstract

It is not hard to notice that there are major and dramatic changes occurring in our world [1–4]. Throughout the history of mankind, change has been continuous and varied. However, these changes will likely survive only as historical notes compared to what is on the horizon, the phenomenon recently identified as global warming. Possibly the greatest problem will be increased temperature and disruption to the weather patterns. This will result in changes to building structures and the way we construct and maintain our local communities. In many ways this will change the picture of how our communities look and function. There has been immense discussion on the global warming issue and for some time there was controversy as to whether it was fact or fiction [1]. However, the vast majority of scientists, especially those that have a strong knowledge in climate and related areas have concluded that rapid and dramatic changes are just around the corner, and some of this change is already occurring. The real question most debated is what will be the extent of the change and its ultimate magnitude. This concern has been the subject of many editorials and papers along with related subject matter [1,2]. The changes, of course, will be worldwide. They will occur not only in the developed world but in that greater part which has not developed. It is possible, at least initially, that the impact will be greatest in the underdeveloped nations. People in these areas have added least to the problem, at least directly, but will suffer the initial impact from the outcome. There are even some nations (e.g., Tuvalu, in the Pacific Ocean) that will lose all their land mass. As the climate changes, so will requirements for resources and the way we construct our homes and working spaces. Most likely, we will further restrict the air movements from the outside making buildings even tighter. This will create additional indoor air pollution problems that are not a result of building demands but from global warming. Action of this nature will not be the only impact to the built environment from global warming, as we are seeing this summer of 2007 in the Caribbean where there have been two major hurricanes that are over category 5 within a two week period (i.e., Felix and Dean). Climatologists are suggesting that this is a result of an increase in the ocean temperature, which has increased about one-half a degree centigrade. The combination of these changes will greatly impact the indoor and built environment. Buildings will have to become more weather proof and it is likely that we will begin spending more time inside them as a result of inclement weather and related conditions. Most consider that we now spend approximately 90% of our time indoors. Increasing this will have changes to our health status. The human race was not designed for true and complete indoor environment living; however, changes in climate may make it a necessity. If this does begin to emerge, as it most likely will, then how shall we gain new energy sources, where will foods come from and how will the natural balance of the global