The Woz Report Update: Navigating Change in Uncertain Times
Conflict in Eastern Europe and the Middle East continues to dominate world headlines
Hey Readers,
I hope this finds you all well and thriving amidst the ever-changing landscape of our world. As we embark on another journey together, I wanted to share some exciting updates and reflections with you.
This is my first post in over four months. I've taken the plunge into a new career path as a full-time sustainability consultant, focusing on the built environment. It's been an exhilarating transition, filled with learning opportunities and the chance to make a tangible difference in the world around us. From advising on responsibly sourced building materials to implementing energy-efficient designs, every day presents a new challenge and a new chance to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Net Zero: The need to speed up Decarbonisation
Decarbonisation isn’t a myth, but the pathway to Net Zero is going to take the collaboration of all stakeholders, including consumers. The UK Green Building Council (UKGB) reports that 25 per cent of UK emissions are directly attributable to the built environment, and that 19 per cent of of the UK’s carbon footprint is from operational emissions, from energy needed to heat, cool and power our buildings. In simple terms, corporations are under pressure to do more to future proof their offices, and contractors are striving for transparency in their carbon emissions reporting. However, there’s little evidence that the traditional domestic housing market is doing much to follow the commercial sector.
Writing for The Carbon Factor, I explain why Loughborough University is striving for companies to decarbonise their digital footprint. Collectively, digital users contribute to mass energy use, whether it’s from streaming, video gaming, or from the endless scrolling on social media timelines.
The University claims one person creates 1.7mb of data a second. Assuming a working day, 7.5 hours yields 46GB, akin to 15,000 photos daily, totaling 22 tons CO2 yearly. Check out their decarbonisation toolkit. Loughborough University.
Premier League football clubs are to appoint a sustainability consultant under a league agreement. Clubs will have to develop a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions dataset (scope 1, 2 and 3) by the end of the 2025/26 season and work towards a standardised football-wide approach to measuring emissions. This is frankly embarrassing that it’s taken so long for the league to get its act together. How many of the rich superstars will continue to fly around the country in a private jet?
Scope 1 - Football infrastructure, company vehicles
Scope 2 - Electricity usage
Scope 3 - Purchased goods and services, operational waste, travelling fans
However, it's not just the professional realm that's experiencing shifts and challenges. Our broader socio-political landscape is undergoing significant transformations as well. As sustainability professionals, we often look to governmental guidance and policy frameworks to steer our efforts in the right direction. Yet, recent events have raised concerns within our community.
The political climate, especially in the UK, seems to be fraught with a myriad of challenges and distractions. With No10 facing its own set of pressing issues, sustainability professionals like us are left wondering about the direction and support we can expect from the government this year. The recent defections, international tensions, and shifts in global alliances paint a complex picture of uncertainty and flux.
What’s caught my eye in the world of politics?
The UK aims to develop its hypersonic missile capabilities by 2030 to catch up with major powers like China, Russia, and the US. The Telegraph reports on the government's plans to invest in advanced technology for defense purposes, highlighting the strategic importance of hypersonic missiles in modern warfare.
Ireland's Prime Minister raises concerns that the UK's proposed plan to resettle refugees from Rwanda may lead to an influx of migrants into Ireland. The Prime Minister suggests that such a plan could strain Ireland's resources and calls for closer coordination between the two countries on migration issues.
Tory MP Dan Poulter's defection to the Labour Party adds pressure on Chancellor Rishi Sunak. Poulter cites concerns over the government's handling of economic issues and social care as reasons for his defection, further complicating the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.
The War in Ukraine
In his interview with the Sunday Times, published on 26 April, the British Defense Secretary, Grant Shapps, mentioned that Italy, alongside the UK and France, supplies Ukraine with Anglo-French cruise missiles Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG. This move signals increased support for Ukraine's defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict with Russia, highlighting international solidarity with Ukraine's sovereignty.
According to the Washington Post, Poland, with war in Ukraine on its border, seeks to bolster its defense capabilities by acquiring advanced military equipment. The country aims to modernise its armed forces and enhance its deterrence capabilities in response to heightened security concerns in the region.
The Hill reports that Russia launched a barrage of missiles against Ukraine overnight, in attacks that appeared to target the country’s energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, Russia said its air defence systems had intercepted more than 60 Ukrainian drones over the southern Krasnodar region.
With tensions showing no signs of abating in the Middle East, global Foreign Affairs desks undoubtedly follow events as pressure mounts on Hamas and Israel to call a ceasefire.
That’s all for now. Until next time, stay inspired, stay resilient, and keep striving for positive change. Thank you for reading The Woz Report.
JW
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