"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Month: July 2020
Historical Climate Change
07/15/20
“Why is looking at historical climate change useful?”
Climate change is often talked about as if its a modern phenomenon. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The Earth’s internal processes and external environment has a deep effect on it, and by looking at Historical Climate Change we can obtain a better understanding of what factors affect present climate change.
Image credit blogs.agu.org
Climate Adaptation Budget Prioritization
07/14/20
“How should we prioritize budgets for climate adaptation?”
Climate adaptation is a fascinating world. There seem to be so many projects to do, from wildfire research to flood planning. However, all of these cost time and money, which are not finite resources. Because of this, Climate Adaptation Budget Prioritization needs to take place. This includes activities such as scoping out the needs for the community, evaluating cash on hand, and creating a long-term scenario plan.
Climate Reassurance
07/13/20
“Why do we need to be reassured about surviving and thriving in climate change?”
Every day, we seem to be bombarded with bad news about the climate. Whether it be the ever-rising sea levels or the ascent of more vermin infestations, things seem to be perpetually making our climate anxiety tick. But extreme fear will only lead to paralysis. Climate Reassurance can be used to inform everyone that change is possible and that we can get this solution under control. One example includes the world-famous Alexandria-Ocasio Cortez and her Green New Deal Platform.
The Social Cost of Carbon
07/12/20
“How can we assign a social cost to carbon?”
As the climate becomes hotter and hotter, the more disasters will take place over the world. And since this increase is primarily driven by carbon, wouldn’t it make sense to estimate the amount of economic damage that emitting one more unit of CO2 would do? This is the main idea behind The Social Cost of Carbon and is an avenue being explored by researchers all over the world.
Climate Anxiety
07/11/20
“Why are people becoming more anxious about the changing climate?”
Anxiety is a common part of human existence, whether it be from passing a test to losing one’s job. However, with the advent of climate, Climate Anxiety is going to become apparent as people will be nervous about losing their places of residence and livelihoods to climate change.
Salt Water Electricity Batteries
07/10/20
“How can we make batteries that use salt-water as a catalyst?”
Traditional lithium-based batteries are too corrosive to operate in salt-water. However, a start-up built out of MIT may have made a new type of battery that this won’t be a problem for. Using alloyed aluminum, a primarily nickel-based alloyed cathode alloy, and an alkaline electrolyte that’s positioned between the electrodes that can split ocean water at the cathode into hydroxide anions and hydrogen gas. These hydroxide anions interact with the aluminum anode, creating aluminum hydroxide and releasing electrons. These Salt Water Electricity Batteries have a very promising design that can revolutionize the submarine industry.
Image credit http://news.mit.edu/
Climate-Induced Insect Swarm Resilience
07/09/20
“Why will we have to prepare for climate-induced insect swarms?”
With the advent of climate change, insect swarms are going to become much more prevalent. To combat this, governments and communities are going to see how they can adapt to this and create Climate-Induced Insect Swarm Resilience. This can be accomplished by many actions such as preparing supplies or refurbishing homes.
Culture and Climate Adaptation
07/08/20
“How will human cultures have to adapt to the changing climate?”
Human cultures all over the world have evolved out of the context of their local climate., whether its been the laid-back attitude of Mediterranean people or the ruggedness of steppe-dwellers. However, with the change in climate, cultures must adapt to their new environments, such as being less reliant on food sources that are no longer available or changing dress habits to accommodate higher temperatures. This is the link between Culture and Climate Adaptation.
Utility Monopolies
07/07/20
“How do certain utilities have monopolies?”
Utility governance structures come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them are in regional competitive markets. However, some are Utility Monopolies, which means that they are in charge of electricity supply for an entire region.
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