#carbon-emissions

#carbon-emissions

Progress is possible, the GCC Stocktake Report proves it. Across hundreds of organisations, the data shows that when the visual arts sector measures, plans and acts, emissions fall. But carbon is only part of the story. The roots of this crisis lie in broader economic, social, and cultural systems that normalise overconsumption and disconnection. Tackling them demands not only technical solutions but cultural transformation, and art has a unique and critical role to play in that shift.

There is growing awareness around sustainability-and the environmental cost of prematurely demolishing safe, structurally sound buildings only to replace them with new construction. In the broader race to reduce carbon emissions, corporations and institutions are placing greater emphasis on ESG performance (environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance). Many now require carbon accounting, set " carbon-neutral" targets, or purchase carbon credits to offset footprints.

The architecture and construction sector currently accounts for the highest carbon emissions among all global industries. Architecture, which has evolved alongside humanity for over 10,000 years, entered the 20th century prioritizing efficiency and economy above all else, adopting concrete and steel as its near-exclusive materials. This pursuit of industrial optimization, while enabling rapid development, also detached architecture from its ecological roots and intensified the environmental burden of the built environment.

Each year, Amazon hosts the world's largest ecommerce events, pairing discounts with same-day delivery. During its July 2025 Prime Day event, Amazon shipped an estimated 450 million items and drove $24.1 billion in spending across the entire online retail industry. What Amazon fails to report about its Prime Day operations, however, are the guaranteed spikes in carbon emissions that will linger in the atmosphere for centuries.

"HDOT's Energy Security Plan is a call to action. Together, we can create a transportation system that is cleaner and safer while fulfilling its purpose to connect our communities. The strategies outlined in this plan will help us build out the system for our future generations."

Artificial Intelligence platforms like Persefoni and Sweep are redefining how we calculate emissions by integrating with existing systems, tracing carbon outputs in real time with precision and transparency.

Carmakers are within touching distance of their targets for 2025 before taking into account the government's decision to weaken the targets. This impressive progress should reassure ministers that ambitious targets spur the innovation and dynamism the UK needs.

AI data centers' carbon emissions are expected to surge 11-fold by 2030, with predictions that these centers will consume 612 terawatt-hours of electricity, driving a 3.4% increase in global carbon emissions.

The EU should slash its planet-heating pollution by 90% by 2040, according to a proposed change to its climate law from the European Commission.

"Rewetting bogs is all about reducing the carbon emissions from the bare peatlands," says Doreen King, emphasizing the importance of restoring natural ecosystems for carbon sequestration.

Art fairs, while temporary, face significant sustainability challenges which differ based on location and logistical structures used for each event.

The aviation industry must undergo a fundamental transition, addressing its role in the climate crisis rather than relying solely on technology for emissions cuts.

On average, refining one ton of nickel ore produces around 20 tons of carbon dioxide, and as extraction methods evolve, that carbon intensity could grow even higher.

The built environment constitutes 34% of global carbon emissions, yet new tech and materials are being developed to decarbonize buildings effectively.

Art Jameel emphasizes sustainability in its art programming and operations, pushing for reduced conservation standards that disproportionately affect institutions in the Global South.

Under the newly approved Climate Action Plan, regions in Ireland are mandated to allocate space for renewable energy, facing increased barriers to objecting against such projects.

In the US, studies have found that deer, foxes and bobcats were less active in or avoid wilderness areas where dogs were allowed, indicating significant impacts on native wildlife.