Key outcomes from the United Nations Climate Change Conference
Since the
Paris Agreement of 2015 – a legally binding contract to treat climate change –
countries across the globe have been supporting each other to achieve their
carbon neutrality targets. During the 2021 United Nations Climate Change
Conference, experts
from around the world came together to drive action against climate change.
At AtkinsRéalis,
we understand the importance of sustainability. That’s why we’re passionate
about overcoming the climate crisis and improving the carbon footprint in
construction. We partner with clients globally in various sectors, including construction,
infrastructure and engineering. Below, we outline the key outcomes from the
United Nations Climate Change conference and they will positively impact the construction industry.
Mitigation
One of the
major issues discussed in the conference was mitigation. This revolved around
the actions that all parties must take to reduce global temperatures from
rising more than 1.5 degrees, as well as greater acknowledgement of the
consequences of greenhouse gas emissions on the natural world. Some of the key
outcomes included an agreement between all parties to strengthen and revisit
their 2030 emission targets in 2022 and bring them more in alignment with the
Paris Agreement. Much of the mitigation strategies outlined include reversing
deforestation, switching to electric vehicles and reducing methane emissions.
All of this would have a positive impact on the construction industry. As a
result of these measures, construction businesses would have to focus more on
choosing materials with lower embodied carbon and using waste and recyclable
materials.
Adaptation
Adaptation
was one of the core goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. The plan revolved
around strengthening resilience and adapting to the effects of climate change, particularly in developing
countries. There have been concerns regarding the progress of adaptation, but
now 80 countries are covered by adaptation, which is designed to improve
finances for developing countries and drive further action. Climate change
adaptation is a key priority in the construction sector and there’s now a
greater desire to build more resilient buildings. This would mean building new
structures that can adapt to harsher weather conditions and research has shown
that over 1.6 billion urban dwellers will experience extreme
temperatures by 2050. Therefore, adapting structures and urban areas to the
changing climate is hugely important. This could mean creating new buildings
that are surrounded by green spaces and committing funds to support
energy-efficient buildings. The adaptation plan, discussed in the conference,
aims to enhance the understanding of the global goal, so this will be positive
for all industries, including construction.
Loss and damage
Loss and
Damage have been a key issue for several years as climate change has affected
many lives and ecosystems. As explained in the conference, “loss and damage”
refers to the harmful effects of climate change. The conference agreed to take
urgent action to provide funding to tackle the loss and damage caused by
climate change. Therefore, loss and damage strategies will almost certainly
have a positive impact on the construction environment as businesses seek new
ways to reduce climate change damage and build resilience against future
losses.
Collaboration
Collaboration
is focused on everyone working together to achieve greater action. The collaboration
new work plan focuses on continuing the collaboration between businesses, civil
society and governments. As a result, this outcome is very positive for the
construction industry because collaborative practices have been a key topic for
several years. Collaboration in construction is
crucial for economic growth, particularly as demand and cost of materials are rising. With
collaboration strategies being a key outcome at the conference, this could pave
the way for enhancing collaboration in construction to fight against climate
change.
Implementation
There’s no
doubt that the construction sector will play a huge role in the shift toward a
low-carbon future. According to research, the sector contributes to 40% of
global greenhouse gas emissions, with the materials used a major driver of
those emissions. During the conference, an agreement was made to fully
implement the plans that were made under the Paris Agreement. The parties also
agreed on several practical and institutional arrangements. Early action to
decarbonize buildings will likely be a top priority within construction. Implementation
will play a key role in construction as the sector continues to reduce carbon
emissions.
Build new opportunities in construction with AtkinsRéalis
At SNC
Lavalin, we have some of the most talented construction professionals and civil
engineers who are dedicated to delivering outstanding projects and transforming
lives. We believe in continuous growth and development, and building a
high-performance culture. We have lots of growth-oriented roles available, such
as geotechnical engineering jobs, architecture jobs and sustainability
positions. We’re also committed to achieving Net Zero and ensuring those we work with can
build a future in the construction industry.
Browse our construction jobs today and join our talent community for more information, or sign up for job alerts to stay connected.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/14/2025
Summary
The Middle East has become a magnet for ambitious professionals in recent years. This has seen the area emerge as a leader in construction, a sector which is projected to grow to $91.36bn by 2029.
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/14/2025
Summary
The Middle East is full of opportunity. With its GDP up by 2.8% and NEOM creating 380,000 jobs, the ambition of the region is evident. We’re proud to be at the heart of its most innovative project
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/14/2025
Summary
Electrical engineering has a big part to play in the advancement of modern infrastructure. From smart watches to smart grids, its impact can be seen everywhere you look. By bringing greener practi
Preview
USAContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/13/2025
Summary
Structural engineering jobs offer an impactful and exciting path. The spaces that we live, move, and work in depend on the expertise of these skilled professionals. As a structural engineer, you’l
Preview
USAContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/13/2025
Summary
Transportation engineering jobs are on the up. Some of the biggest problems of today are being tackled in the transportation field. There’s a thirst for professionals looking to make a real impact
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/09/2025
Summary
Hello, I'm Vijay, an HR leader at AtkinsRéalis in India When I first embarked on my professional journey, I couldn't have imagined the incredible path I would take at AtkinsRé
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/20/2024
Summary
Transitioning from a military career to civilian life can be a daunting prospect, but at AtkinsRéalis, veterans and reservists are met with tailored support and opportunities to thrive. Stuart
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/20/2024
Summary
What is the role of mechanical engineers? Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in the development of machinery and components across a wide range of industries, such as manufacturing and industri
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/20/2024
Summary
The journey to achieving net zero emissions requires innovative thinkers, technical expertise, and a commitment to sustainable solutions. At AtkinsRéalis, talented engineers like Shayakgomo are
Preview
Middle EastContent type
ProjectsPublish date
12/19/2024
Summary
What is the AMAALA project in Saudi Arabia? The AMAALA project is an ambitious ultra-luxury tourism development along Saudi Arabia's stunning Red Sea coast. I
Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
12/19/2024
Summary
Hinkley Point C (HPC) is the first nuclear power station to be constructed in the UK since the 1990s, marking a pivotal moment for energy and sustainability. As the largest infrastructure pro
Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
12/19/2024
Summary
AtkinsRéalis is proud to play a pivotal role in the Havant Thicket Reservoir, an innovative and environmentally focused project in Hampshire. Commissioned to design the reservoir and secure pl
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Quantity surveying
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis business is one of the largest multidisciplinary, multi sector engineering design consultancies.As one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultanci
Reference
R-125287
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
AtkinsRéalis business is one of the largest multidisciplinary, multi sector engineering design consultancies.As one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultanci
Reference
R-125296
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Electrical engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
Join us in engineering a better future for our planet and its people.AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering and project management organization. We connect people, data and technology to
Reference
R-125170
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Transport planning
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
Join us in engineering a better future for our planet and its people.AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering and project management organization. We connect people, data and technology to
Reference
R-125167
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Transport planning
Category
Contractor / Temporary
Location
Riyadh
Description
AtkinsRéalis are currently looking for a qualified Principal Transport Planner to join our Transport Advisory Planning Practice in the Middle East based in Riyadh, KSA.About AtkinsRéalis Created by th
Reference
R-125044
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Transport planning
Market
Transportation
Category
Contractor / Temporary
Location
Riyadh
Description
AtkinsRéalis are currently looking for a qualified Transport Planner to join our Transport Advisory and Planning Practice in the Middle East based in Riyadh, KSA.About AtkinsRéalisCreated by the integ
Reference
R-125043
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Consultant
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
We are currently looking for a qualified Senior Transport Planner to join our Transport Advisory and Planning Practice in the Middle East based in Riyadh, KSA. About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integr
Reference
R-125042
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Market
Project, programme & cost management
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
AtkinsRealis are looking for a Senior Development Manager / Development Lead- Mixed Use & Hospitality projects in Al Ula KSA.About AtkinsRéalisCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations
Reference
R-124949
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Market
Project, programme & cost management
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
AtkinsRealis are looking for a Senior Development Manager - Arts & Culture projects in Al Ula KSA.About AtkinsRéalisCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, Atkin
Reference
R-124947
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
AtkinsRealis are looking for a Senior Project Manager (Development) - Mixed Use & Hospitality projects in Al Ula KSA.About AtkinsRéalisCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations dating
Reference
R-124946
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more