THE ROLE OF SUSTAINABILITY IN MITIGATING CARBON EMISSIONS IN CITIES AND ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE: A STUDY OF ASSESSMENT TOOLS

Abstract

Climate change (CC) is one of the most serious challenges facing the world in general and cities in particular, with consequences that go far beyond CC impacts on the environment and cities. Thus, it is a persistent challenge that requires collective global coordinating efforts to help countries shifting towards a low-carbon economy. The research deals with studying climate change and carbon emissions and their causes, and the mitigation and adaptation strategies, through examining two main elements – are the biggest causes of greenhouse gas emissions, mainly carbon (cities and buildings). The research aims at studying the criteria and tools for measuring carbon emissions for cities and buildings in order to find out the best and appropriate criterion for designing low-carbon cities and near zero-energy buildings based on carbon emissions calculations. The research depends on two approaches: the theoretical and analytical approach. The theoretical approach relies on data collection and processing on carbon emissions in cities and their different sectors, as well as that from buildings and their consumption of energy during their life cycle. The analytical method depends on the comparative analysis of some criteria, tools and different measurements’ methods for emissions in cities and buildings. The research also reviews SDGs and the green economy as a tool to achieve SD. The research reviews the main findings through a proposal for a framework for dealing with climate change issues, based on the results reached during the research. This proposal is considered a guideline that explains the dimensions of the problem, its causes, and solution methods in a simplified manner through six elements. Finally, the thesis presents the results and conclusions as well as the recommendations to the concerned entities and authorities.