2023: Warmest Year on Record Sparks Urgent Call to Action
ECONOMY & POLICY

2023: Warmest Year on Record Sparks Urgent Call to Action

In 2023, our planet experienced its hottest year on record, nearing the critical 1.5 Degree temperature rise target set at the COP-21 in Paris. UN Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres issued a stark warning of impending catastrophe if immediate climate action is not taken.

Amidst efforts to chart a path towards energy transition, urgent action is imperative to meet the global Net Zero 2050 target, requiring a 41% reduction in global emission intensity by 2030. However, progress as of 2024 falls significantly short.

The construction industry, responsible for a substantial portion of global carbon emissions, must urgently moderate its contribution to the shrinking carbon budget. India, with its sizable population and rapid growth, has aligned itself with Net Zero goals by 2070, setting robust targets for clean energy by 2030.

Investments in green infrastructure are essential for sustainable progress, with stakeholders increasingly prioritizing environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Adopting circular economy principles and integrating advanced technologies offer promising avenues for reducing the industry's carbon footprint.

Efficient public transport systems and non-motorized mobility options are crucial for reducing carbon emissions and easing traffic congestion, while challenges persist in decarbonizing "hard-to-abate" sectors like steel and cement production.

Overcoming these challenges requires collaborative efforts and a balance between economic interests and ecological responsibilities. The declaration of 2023 as the warmest year on record underscores the urgent need for decisive climate action to secure a sustainable future.

In 2023, our planet experienced its hottest year on record, nearing the critical 1.5 Degree temperature rise target set at the COP-21 in Paris. UN Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres issued a stark warning of impending catastrophe if immediate climate action is not taken. Amidst efforts to chart a path towards energy transition, urgent action is imperative to meet the global Net Zero 2050 target, requiring a 41% reduction in global emission intensity by 2030. However, progress as of 2024 falls significantly short. The construction industry, responsible for a substantial portion of global carbon emissions, must urgently moderate its contribution to the shrinking carbon budget. India, with its sizable population and rapid growth, has aligned itself with Net Zero goals by 2070, setting robust targets for clean energy by 2030. Investments in green infrastructure are essential for sustainable progress, with stakeholders increasingly prioritizing environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Adopting circular economy principles and integrating advanced technologies offer promising avenues for reducing the industry's carbon footprint. Efficient public transport systems and non-motorized mobility options are crucial for reducing carbon emissions and easing traffic congestion, while challenges persist in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like steel and cement production. Overcoming these challenges requires collaborative efforts and a balance between economic interests and ecological responsibilities. The declaration of 2023 as the warmest year on record underscores the urgent need for decisive climate action to secure a sustainable future.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Taking Flight!

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on October 8, 2025, it marked far more than the opening of another terminal – it signified a turning point in India’s aviation and infrastructure narrative. Developed by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) in partnership with the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), NMIA represents a bold vision of how modern India intends to connect its people, power its economy and project its identity on the global stage.“The Navi Mumbai International Airport is a project that exemplifies the visio..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Highway Guidelines 2.0

In August 2025, a Public Accounts Committee comprising members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha presented a report, ‘Levy and Regulation of Fees, Tariffs, User Charges etc on Public Infrastructure and Other Public Utilities in the context of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).Having examined present design accountability, subcontracting, pavement failures, emergency response mechanisms, toll reforms, service quality, stakeholder consultations and other aspects, the Committee presented recommendations covering the planning a..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Railways approves major upgrade for Telangana traction lines

The Ministry of Railways has approved the upgradation of the electric traction system in two crucial railway sections — Medchal–Mudkhed (225 km) and Mahbubnagar–Dhone (184 km). The projects, costing Rs 1.93 billion and Rs 1.23 billion respectively, will enhance the electric traction capacity from 1X25 KV to 2X25 KV. The work includes modifications to circuit breakers and switching stations, along with the installation of additional conductors. These routes serve as vital links between Northern and Southern India via Hyderabad. Once completed, the upgraded system will reduce voltage dro..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?