Month: March 2023

Why Removing Freeways Can Spur People to Take Transit

Why Removing Freeways Can Spur People to Take Transit

03/22/23

“Why can removing freeways spur people to take transit?”

Freeways are one of the biggest killers of transit. These colossal structures barricade neighborhoods, spout pollution, and make non-automobile travel difficult. But if freeways are torn down, then this paradigm will change. Barriers that prevented people from moving through will be gone. These can be replaced with green, breathable transit oriented spaces. Disincentivizing car use will also make transit a more appealing option. San Francisco’s Freeway teardown is an example. Once it was broken in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, not only did BART (the local rapid transit system) ridership increase by 15%, but the neighborhood soon became one of the most attractive destinations in the city. This is Why Removing Freeways Can Spur People to Take Transit.

Why Drought-Prone Municipalities Should Learn Water Conservation Techniques From Desert Communities

Why Drought-Prone Municipalities Should Learn Water Conservation Techniques From Desert Communities

03/21/23

“Why should drought-prone municipalities learn water conservation techniques from desert communities?”

With the advent of climate change, droughts are going to become more and more common for municipalities. This can be very stressful for places that are not used to such events. However, desert communities have lived in low-water conditions for many years. Such learned experience can pave the way for more communities to live in such a similar manner. This is Why Drought-Prone Municipalities Should Learn Water Conservation Techniques From Desert Communities.

Why Government Takeover of Railroad Companies Can Lead to Better Service

Why Government Takeover of Railroad Companies Can Lead to Better Service

03/20/23

“Why can government takeover of railroad companies lead to better service?”

Private railroad companies often prioritize profitability over user experience or actual efficiency. This is because many are beholden to stockholders who are more interested in seeing generous financial returns than quality. But government-run railroad companies mostly run with passengers and citizens in mind, making the experience better. This is Why Government Takeover of Railroad Companies Can Lead to Better Service.

Why Disasters Spur Governments to Enact Reforms

Why Disasters Spur Governments to Enact Reforms

03/19/23

“Why do disasters spur governments to enact reforms?”

Disasters leave great destruction in their path. This is amplified by mismanagement, leading to an escalation of catastrophes. In response, governments often enact reforms to prevent such damage from reoccurring in the future. Examples include wildfire regulations in California due to the destruction of Paradise and the changed energy policy in Japan following Fukushima. This is Why Disasters Spur Governments to Enact Reforms.

The 2023 Greece Tempi Train Crash

The 2023 Greece Tempi Train Crash

03/18/23

“What happened in the 2023 Greece Tempi Train Crash?”

Just before midnight on February 28th, a passenger train and freight train near the town of Tempi in Greece collided head-on with each other. At least 57 people in the former have been confirmed dead because of the situation and numerous were injured. This crash is the deadliest train incident recorded in Greek history and has sparked nationwide protests. Hopefully, The 2023 Greece Tempi Train Crash will inspire serious reforms in Greece to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again.

Image credit media.cnn.com

Why Turning Down Laptop Screen Brightness Can Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Why Turning Down Laptop Screen Brightness Can Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions

03/17/23

“Why can turning down laptop screen brightness lower greenhouse gas emissions?”

When a laptop is turned on without a power source it uses its battery. If the laptop screen is brighter, then it will deplete its battery faster. Recharging a laptop battery takes energy from the grid, which increases carbon emissions. By turning your laptop screen brightness down, you lower this process. This is Why Turning Down Laptop Screen Brightness Can Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Why California and Türkiye Should Partner With Each Other to Solve Earthquake Building Hazards

Why California and Türkiye Should Partner With Each Other to Solve Earthquake Building Hazards

03/16/23

“Why should California and Türkiye partner with each other to solve earthquake hazards?”

California and Türkiye might be far away in distance but close in geographical features. Both countries have long mediterranean coasts, striking mountains, and a flat fertile inland. But most importantly, these nations both rest upon earthquake faultlines that make them vulnerable to violent quakes. Given this similarity, it would only be logical for California and Türkiye to work together. This can be accomplished through cross-national research teams, comparative case studies, policy-maker collaboration, and much more. This is Why California and Türkiye Should Partner With Each Other to Solve Earthquake Building Hazards.

As of writing, victims of the 2023 Türkiye – Syria earthquake are continuing to face great difficulties in their daily life. To make a difference, please make a donation to organizations such as the Syrian White Helmets and the Anatolian Arts Institute Earthquake Relief Fund. My friends are also connecting donations to small municipalities and vetted organizations through the venmo account @earthquake-relief. Anything you send will go a long way.

Seasonal Climate Guest Worker Agreements

Seasonal Climate Guest Worker Agreements

03/15/23

“How may governments have guest workers come over during extreme climate seasons?”

Humanity is on course to have two fundamental shifts in its existence. The population of many countries will grow too old to support itself, and others will have extreme climatic seasons. This means that places in the former will need more workers to support themselves and people in the latter may have to have seasonal retreats. So what if countries were to enter into negotiations with each other where guest workers can be brought in from one country during intense seasons to work in places with high demand? These Seasonal Climate Guest Worker Agreements hold the potential to create mutual wealth and solve many problems we face along the way.

Idea courtesy of Katelin Wright

Why Countries Experiencing Population Growth From Climate In-Migration Will Need to Upgrade Their Rail Capacity

Why Countries Experiencing Population Growth From Climate In-Migration Will Need to Upgrade Their Rail Capacity

03/14/23

“Why do countries experiencing population growth from climate in-migration need to upgrade their rail capacity?”

Some countries are going to experience population growth from climate in-migration in the future. This will cause greater demand for physical services such as rail transport. If this demand is not met, then the systems can falter. But by investing in upgrading rail systems, these transit needs can be met for the low-carbon future. This is Why Countries Experiencing Population Growth From Climate In-Migration Will Need to Upgrade Their Rail Capacity.