Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies for construction activities within planetary boundaries: Limitations of developing countries

Abstract

Continued unsustainable human activities have ushered in a new climate regime where storms have become more intense, droughts periods are now longer, floods are incessant and the occurrence of wild fires more frequent. Mitigating the effects of climate change is crucial for minimizing the occurrence of hazards associated with climate change. Adapting to this new climate era is important for the continued existence of life on planet earth. This paper presents a review of climate mitigation and adaptation strategies with specific focus on the construction industry. It discusses the following climate mitigation and adaptation strategies: use of green energy, use of sustainable building materials, construction of high rise buildings and living building elements, use of innovative designs and construction methods and recycling of urban waste. The paper also argues that developing countries are most vulnerable to climate change effects but certain factors limit them from mitigating and adapting to climate change.