"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Earth/Climate science
Why Areas With More Humid Weather Have Fewer Fires
08/01/20
“Why is it that areas with more humidity have fewer wildfires?”
The more humid an area is, the more that flora will take moisture from it. If an area has sufficient humidity, then the moisture received can stave off fire susceptibility, therefore leading to a smaller chance of wildfire ignition and fuel spread. This is Why Areas With More Humid Weather Have Fewer Fires.
Sea Level Measurement
07/30/20
“How can we measure the sea level?”
Monitoring the Earth’s sea level is important for understanding how climate change is proceeding. But how exactly does this happen? Well, we know that we can measure the distance of terrestrial objects from space using radar. And we also know that the sea level is simply how far away it is from the center of the Earth. So what if we were to use a satellite rotating around the Earth that sends out signals measuring the distance to the center and the surface and subtracts the difference? Well, it turns out that this is exactly how Sea Level Measurement works and is the basis of understanding the ocean’s position in the world.
Anticipatory Climate Adaptation Measures
07/27/20
“How can we take measures to adapt to climatic events before they happen?”
Advanced scientific techniques have given us the latest predictions of how the changing climate will impact our society and infrastructure. While many adaptation measures take place only after a great disaster strikes, we can use our knowledge to build safety before one happens. These Anticipatory Climate Adaptation Measures will help ensure that communities will be on their way to achieving true climate resilience.
Why Urban Densification Will Allow Cities to Accommodate More Climate Refugees
07/26/20
“How will allowing for a denser urban environment allow cities to accommodate more climate refugees?”
The Earth’s changing climate is forcing many people to flee their homes in search of new ones. As the land available to be inhabited becomes smaller, a few places are going to see tremendous population growth. Many of these areas do not have urban zoning and building layout to accommodate such a move. However, if they choose to densify, then they will be able to handle the influx of denizens and provide everyone a safe and happy place to live. This is Why Urban Densification Will Allow Cities to Accommodate More Climate Refugees.
Feminist Climate Diplomacy
07/25/20
“How can we create climate diplomacy that takes gender equity into serious consideration?”
Since most institutions of power in climate negotiations are dominated by men, anything that has a focus on gender equity is often ignored. It is also well-known that if female leadership is increased, then work on climate becomes higher-quality. To rectify this, nations can focus their efforts on ensuring that bridging the gender divide will be a focus on development projects and require in-depth female participation in climate talks. This Feminist Climate Diplomacy holds the key to the future of social and environmental justice.
Historical Climate Impacts
07/24/20
“Why are looking at historical climate impacts so useful?”
It is easy to fall into the line of thought that climate impacts are a modern phenomenon. However, just like how studying historical climate is useful for understanding modern-day phenomena, so is studying historical climate impacts. Whether it be the disappearance of the Mesa Verde Pueblo Civilization or the Fall of the Roman Empire, Historical Climate Impacts have been a major factor in shaping the human story.
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Why Bringing in Women Into Climate Adaptation Leadership Will Improve the Decision-Making Process
07/23/20
“Why would bringing in women into climate adaptation leadership improve its decision-making process?”
As in the larger professional world, women are underrepresented in climate adaptation leadership due to structural sexist forces. Even worse, when they do have a seat at the table their voices are less heard in comparison to men. This leads to having their perspective diminished, and their point of view on matters such as the gendered impact of disasters neglected. But by bringing more women into commanding roles, organizations will be able to benefit from their experiences and create a more sophisticated adaptation process. This is Why Bringing in Women Into Climate Adaptation Leadership Will Improve the Decision-Making Process.
Large-Scale Adaptation Economic Cost-Benefit Analysis
07/22/20
“How can we factor adaptation cost-benefit analysis into large-scale economies?”
Climate change adaptation cost-benefit analysis usually takes place on small, individual project scales. However, given that global warming is a global issue, it is only logical that entire national economies will be impacted. In preparation for this, countries are building up large-scale maneuvers for these impacts. However, since budgets will be constrained, a cost-benefit analysis must be done to see what projects should be accepted. This is why Large-Scale Adaptation Economic Cost-Benefit Analysis will be so vital.
Segregation and Climate Vulnerability
07/21/20
“How does segregation exacerbate climate vulnerability?”
Climate vulnerability is dependent on a multitude of factors, such as income, spatial proximity to hazards, and disaster planning. Segregation exacerbates all of these factors for oppressed communities, whether it be historical disenfranchisement or forced displacement. These are just a few reasons why there is a connection between Segregation and Climate Vulnerability.
And remember, racial justice is environmental justice.
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