The accelerating pace of urbanization, coupled with the intensifying impacts of climate change, poses unprecedented challenges to both the environment and human well-being. In this review, we delved into the intricate interaction between climate change and urbanization and the various effects they have on the environment and human well-being, shedding light on the emergent urban climate crisis. Urban areas serve as epicenters for diverse socio-economic activities, yet they also contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Through an interdisciplinary lens, we explored the root causes of the urban climate crisis, examining how rapid urbanization exacerbates climate change and vice versa. By synthesizing current research and case studies, we elucidate the various environmental and social ramifications of this nexus, ranging from urban heat island effects to heightened vulnerability to extreme weather events. Furthermore, we delve into the unequal distribution of climate risks within urban populations, highlighting the disproportionate burden borne by marginalized communities. Finally, the chapter presents strategies and interventions for mitigating and adapting to the urban climate crisis, emphasizing the imperative of holistic and equitable approaches that prioritize both environmental sustainability and human well-being. Overall, this review calls for concerted efforts to unravel the complexities of the urban climate crisis and forge a path toward resilient, sustainable, and equitable urban futures.

To evaluate the essential role of energy efficiency in achieving net-zero emissions and combating climate change, this comprehensive review was conducted based on a thorough analysis of academic literature, diverse case studies, and industry reports, focusing on key energy efficiency sectors and technological advancements. It begins by outlining global efforts, including the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, which have driven initiatives to enhance energy efficiency across various sectors. The review examines key technological innovations, such as advanced manufacturing, energy-efficient building designs, transportation electrification, and smart grid integration contributing to energy savings and decarbonization. It also discusses policy frameworks, regulatory incentives, and financial mechanisms that encourage energy efficiency. The study provides the detailed outcomes of the different strategies and initiatives, showcasing successful case studies from different regions in transportation, urban planning, power generation, and industry. It illustrates how countries have effectively implemented energy efficiency measures to reduce emissions and meet climate goals. Additionally, the review explores the potential of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain, to optimize energy management, enhance grid flexibility, and promote further efficiencies. Despite these advancements, the review identifies several key barriers - financial, technological, and behavioral challenges that impede the widespread adoption of energy-efficient practices. Finally, it offers strategies to overcome these obstacles, emphasizing the need for tailored policies, innovative business models, and greater consumer engagement. This review underscores the importance of energy efficiency in achieving a sustainable, net-zero future by synthesizing successful case studies and highlighting emerging solutions.

Bioclimatic design is a crucial strategy to achieving the eco-friendliness, human-friendliness, and energy-friendliness of the built environment. The building patterns, materials, innovation, and use depend on the inhabitant’s choices, lifestyle, and economic viability. The study focused on examining bioclimatic components of low-cost dwellings in rural coastal environments in eastern India. A survey questionnaire administered to about 1,300 respondents from 15 villages (classified as remote rural, rural, and semi-urban) yielded their perception of different dwelling environment issues. The statistical analysis of bioclimatic dimensions indicated a significant difference among the dwellings. The low-cost mud houses of the remote rural and rural areas in coastal regions often follow local practices. Besides, different dimensions covered in the survey provided insights for the comparative evaluation of different categories of dwelling units. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified the clusters and component structures of the built environment characteristics provided from the response of the villagers as their perception of the dwellings. PCA yielded three components—1) interior design (PC1, building form, partitioning of rooms, type and materials of the wall, roof and window), 2) innovation of the built environment (PC2, building envelope, insulation, and sanitation facilities), and 3) natural ventilation priority (PC3, window design, window opening, and glaze material), which together explained 69% of the total variance. The psychrometric chart provided in identifies passive design strategies in constructing dwellings to improve residents’ yearly total thermal comfort hours in hot and humid regions. The relative contributions to thermal comfort hours are sun shading of windows (25.5%), a passive solar direct gain high mass (6.2%), a passive solar direct gain low mass (0.4%), and a high thermal mass, including night flush (4.3%), direct and two-stage evaporative cooling (4.3%), and natural ventilation and fan-forced ventilation cooling (2.2%).

The study aims to synthesize findings from over two decades of research, highlighting key trends, progress, innovations, methodologies and challenges in bioclimatic design strategies and their interconnection with building environmental performance across the world. This systematic review examines advancements in bioclimatic design strategies aimed at enhancing the environmental performance of buildings from 2000 to 2023 (n = 1,069). The methodology/approach involves a comprehensive analysis of literature from the SCOPUS database using bibliometric analysis, identifying trends, thematic evolution, keyword clusters and pivotal strategies such as passive solar design, natural ventilation, green roofs and thermal mass utilization. The review highlights significant progress in several areas, including improved simulation/modeling tools for passive solar design, advanced computational fluid dynamics models for natural ventilation optimization, and the integration of green roofs with photovoltaic systems for increased building energy efficiency. Additionally, the use of phase change materials and high-performance glazing has reduced heating and cooling loads, while real-time optimization technologies have enhanced building performance and led to energy savings. The study recognizes limitations where the effectiveness of bioclimatic strategies varies across different climates. For example, passive solar design is highly effective in temperate climates but less so in tropical regions. Global differences in design preferences and building types and practices impact the applicability of bioclimatic strategies and traditional building methods in some cultures may not easily integrate with modern approaches, affecting their implementation and effectiveness. Furthermore, practical implications highlight the potential for reduced reliance on artificial heating, cooling and lighting systems, while social implications underscore the role of bioclimatic design in promoting sustainable construction practices. Practical implications highlight the potential for reduced reliance on artificial heating, cooling and lighting systems. Social implications underscore the role of bioclimatic design in promoting sustainable construction practices. This review offers a detailed analysis of bioclimatic design evolution, highlighting trends such as adaptive building designs and smart materials. This study serves as a crucial resource for architects, engineers and policymakers, advocating for innovative, climate-responsive design solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of the built environment and address challenges related to climate change and urbanization.