Port Plus, Yokohama, Japan.

"Port Plus, which was designed in-house, is intended to showcase Obayashi’s ability to construct mass-timber buildings that generate a lower carbon footprint than conventional materials.

The structure is also a deeply ambitious statement and exploration of how architects and builders can navigate the climate crisis. "

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-05/all-wood-tower-near-tokyo-fuses-modern-design-japanese-tradition

Seven-story timber building makes high-carbon concrete unnecessary.

"The system was informed both by traditional Swiss craftsmanship and the elaborate joints of Japanese miyadaiku carpentry."

Yes, it still has a lot of Bauhaus glass. But
"Beyond just triple glazing, Ban installed additional energy-efficiency measures including a three-metre-deep double facade on the river-facing side, in the space between its double row of columns."

https://www.dezeen.com/2023/03/17/tamedia-office-building-shigeru-ban-timber-revolution/

You need to bring everyone along. An example of doing it right:

When Spain closed down their last coal mines in 2018, they spent €250 million on :

- early retirement for miners over the age of 48,
- restorative environmental measures in coal communities
- retrain coal miners to begin working with safer, more modern green technologies."

These mines were closed without a fight. (I mean, did you even hear about the closures?)

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/with-coal-mines-closing-by-end-of-year-spain-is-spending-millions-to-preserve-miners-livelihood/

"The strikes and the EV transition in general are hastening a moment of reckoning for the Democratic party. The wealthy coastal progressives who drive the Teslas that represent 60 per cent of all EVs sold in the US often care more about fixing climate change than labour rights. But if the Republican party nominates Trump and he wins, neither the planet nor workers will be safer. "

https://www.ft.com/content/bda59c3b-3038-450d-a0e1-46cd2654a555

Populism could derail the green transition

"Western politicians are scared of a backlash against #ClimateChange policies that have been sold as good for the economy."

#NetZero goals are perceived to be championed by elites while for the ordinary person, the cost of the transition is too high.

https://www.ft.com/content/b9912ffe-08dd-4653-863c-21885d727d20

If you want to avoid climate policy backlash, you must put social justice at the center of your #climate policy.

Demanding everyone puts heat pumps in their house if they can't afford them invites backlash.

Asking auto workers to support the EV transition while you don't have their back invites backlash.

Expecting farmers to suddenly do things differently invites backlash.

Levying a fee for entering a #ULEZ zone without providing viable alternatives to travel by car invites backlash.

@jamey

Thank you for digging through the numbers, this was an enlightening post.

But as you point out, it's not only about the numbers: it's about people's perception of who rides the trains and - especially - the buses. It's about people's perception of who comes into their neighbourhoods. And about people's perception of who "deserves" the free ride.

Pointing out, as you did, that business owners and employers are beneficiaries may more that needle. Something to keep in mind.

@jay_peper