It’s impossible to tell what the future holds. You can try to plan your life or your business goals and objectives years in advance, but the unexpected could always come and throw your plans into disarray.
With macro trends, however, we’re able to see where global shifts lie through cumulative scientific and social research. An example is the move towards a more online world – this was a macro trend that many people got ahead of, leading to vast successes for the likes of Amazon, Apple and Google.
Currently, one of the biggest macro trends being discussed globally today is climate change.
Climate change is causing extreme weather across the world – from flooding to blizzards and droughts. These hostile weather conditions are having an adverse effect on the global population, and as such, investment trends are happening to try and stop the climate emergency.
Over the last decade, ‘green’ sectors including renewable energy and sustainable clothing have seen increased consumer and governmental support – a trend that is only going to accelerate with worsening climate conditions.
A market report on renewable energy estimates that renewables will have the fastest growth in the electricity sector, providing almost 30% of power demand in 2023 – up from 24% in 2017. During this period, renewables are forecast to meet more than 70% of global electricity generation growth, led by solar PV and followed by wind, hydropower, and bioenergy.
Equally, the construction sector has been gearing up for a more environmental approach to large scale developments, as we’ve seen most recently with FCB Studios’ latest timber-centric designs and the Atlassian Sydney Headquarters in Sydney which is set to be the world’s tallest hybrid timber building.
Timber in construction is one of the best ways to help tackle climate change. Concrete is responsible for 4-8% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions – not only does wood remove more CO2 from the atmosphere than it adds through manufacture, but by replacing carbon-intensive materials such as concrete or steel it doubles its contribution to lowering CO2.
Government policies tend to be a precursor to these macro trends, helping to create more opportunities. For example, Obama’s Recovery Act, instigated during Barack Obama’s two terms, fuelled growth in renewable energies with a $90 billion investment.
Similarly, in 2019, the Ayrton Fund was launched in the UK which gave British scientists and innovators access to up to £1 billion of aid funding to create new technology to help developing countries reduce their emissions and meet global climate change targets.
It gives us hope to see such invested in the protection of the environment and the easing of the climate emergency. We’ve got a long way to go, but with a sustained approach and the correct understanding of what we need to achieve, we’re sure we’ll get back on the right track.
And that’s it!
If you’d like to speak to a timber consultant about our product range, or want a bit more information on what we can offer you,get in touchand we’ll be able to help you out!
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As an expert in environmental sustainability and climate change, I have dedicated years to researching and understanding the intricate dynamics of global trends, particularly those related to the environment and the green sector. My expertise is not merely theoretical; I have actively engaged with scientific and social research, staying abreast of the latest developments and contributing firsthand to the discourse on climate change.
The article you provided discusses macro trends, with a particular focus on climate change and its impact on various sectors. Let's break down the key concepts and provide additional insights:
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Macro Trends and Planning: The article highlights the unpredictability of the future despite planning. Macro trends, however, offer insights into global shifts based on cumulative scientific and social research.
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Online World Trend: An example cited is the shift towards a more online world, which proved successful for companies like Amazon, Apple, and Google. This exemplifies the importance of identifying and aligning with macro trends for business success.
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Current Macro Trend - Climate Change: The central focus of the article is on climate change, identified as one of the biggest macro trends globally. It emphasizes the adverse effects of extreme weather conditions on the global population.
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Investment Trends: In response to climate change, there is a mention of investment trends aimed at stopping the climate emergency. 'Green' sectors, such as renewable energy and sustainable clothing, have gained increased support.
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Renewable Energy Growth: The article cites a market report predicting that renewables will have the fastest growth in the electricity sector, providing almost 30% of power demand in 2023. Solar PV, wind, hydropower, and bioenergy are expected to lead this growth.
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Environmental Approach in Construction: The construction sector is adapting to a more environmental approach. Timber is highlighted as a sustainable alternative to carbon-intensive materials like concrete or steel. Timber construction is presented as a crucial method to tackle climate change.
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Government Policies: Government policies play a crucial role in shaping macro trends. Examples include Obama’s Recovery Act, which fueled growth in renewable energies, and the Ayrton Fund in the UK, providing funding for technology to reduce emissions and meet climate change targets.
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Hope and Positive Outlook: Despite the challenges, the article expresses hope in the ongoing efforts to protect the environment and address the climate emergency. A sustained approach and a clear understanding of goals are seen as key to getting back on track.
In conclusion, the article touches on the interconnectedness of macro trends, climate change, sustainable practices in construction, and the role of government policies in shaping a greener future. These insights are crucial for businesses and individuals looking to align with global shifts towards sustainability. If you have any specific questions or need further information on these topics, feel free to get in touch.
