New Zealand architects have had enough. With the effects of climate change impacting the globe, several nations have declared an urgent international climate emergency. After UK architects issued the Architects Declare initiative in May 2019, several other countries such as Italy, Norway, Canada, and Australia have joined the movement. 

According to New Zealand's ArchitectureNow publication, "The declaration takes the form of an open letter and states, The twin crises of climate breakdown and biodiversity loss are the most serious issue of our time. Buildings and construction play a major part, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions whilst also having a significant impact on our natural habitats."

Banding together architects express their efforts to make changes that will help reinforce better design practices, the open letter urges architects to work with their clients to states “commission and design buildings, cities and infrastructures as indivisible components of a larger, constantly regenerating and self-sustaining system.”  

The growing ranks of architects joining the international call comes as global awareness of climate change hits a tipping point. Earlier this week, for example, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg voiced her opinions at the UN Climate Summit with her powerful and viral "How Dare You" speech addressing the needs of world leaders to be better and make stronger actions towards the fight against climate change. 

In the speech, Thurnberg said, "Entire ecosystems are collapsing, we are in the beginning of a mass extinction and all you can talk about is money and fairytales of eternal economic growth--How dare you?" Thurnberg added, "The world is waking up and change is coming, whether you like it or not."