Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 4.1 Direct climate change impacts on the built environment
Potential direct climate change
impacts
Consequences for the built
environment
Possible scale
of the negative
impact
Changes in temperatures (Likely to
increase in most areas)
Increased overheating and air
conditioning load
High
Intensified urban heat island effect
High
Decreased winter space heating
Low
(potentially
positive)
Decreased water heating energy
Low
(potentially
positive)
Increased intense weather events
Damage to buildings and
infrastructure
High
Changes in precipitation patterns
Increased inland flooding
High
Increased erosion, landslips, rock
falls
High
Changes in aquifers and urban
water supply and quality
High
Heavier snow or ice loads
Medium
Increased fire risk associated with
more frequent droughts
Medium
Damage to foundations,
underground pipes /cables, etc.
Medium
Increased subsidence (clay soils)
Medium
Increased pressure on urban
drainage systems
Medium
Increased storm water run-off and
leaching of pollutants into water
ways or aquifers
Low
Damage to facades and internal
structure due to rain penetration
Low
Thermal expansion of oceans and
changes in the cryosphere (ice
systems) such as retreating snow lines
and ice packs, and melting glaciers
Increased coastal flooding
High
Increased erosion and loss of land
High
Relocation or displacement from
coastal areas
High
Changes in water tables and
possible increased salinity of
aquifers and estuaries
High
Loss of inter tidal areas acting as
buffer zones
High
Impeded drainage
Medium
Changes in wind patterns and
intensities
Changes in wind loading on
buildings
Medium
(continued)
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