Category: Engineering

Large-Scale Adaptation Economic Cost-Benefit Analysis

Large-Scale Adaptation Economic Cost-Benefit Analysis

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

Segregation and Climate Vulnerability

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.

Flood Resilience for Crops

Flood Resilience for Crops

Flood Resilience for Crops

07/20/20

“How will we consider flood resilience for crops?”

 

Floods of larger and more epic proportions are arriving with the ascent of climate change. All infrastructure sectors will be affected by this, especially agriculture. If floods become too powerful, then crops can be crushed by the onslaught. To prevent this from happening, farmers will have to think about Flood Resilience for Crops. This can include a wide range of techniques from organizing new planting techniques, empowering women, and even modifying the genes of the crops.

Green Infrastructure

Green Infrastructure

Green Infrastructure

07/19/20

“How can greenery be infrastructure?”

 

When people bring up the term infrastructure, artificial gray infrastructure is often thought of as the focus. However, infrastructure goes well beyond this. Green Infrastructure consists of more natural, nature-based sources such as Green Roofs and Green Stormwater Infrastructure. Green infrastructure is well-suited for flood management, since plants have a natural ability to absorb water.

Gray Infrastructure

Gray Infrastructure

Gray Infrastructure

07/18/20

“What is the classification for built physical infrastructure?”

 

When the word infrastructure comes up in conversation, most people will imagine large human-built physical manifestations such as buildings, bridges, and roads. This is actually only a subset of all infrastructure types, this in particular being Gray Infrastructure. Gray infrastructure is the fundamental driver behind the civil engineering profession and is responsible for the massive cities that many of us reside in today.

How Pipeline Failures Harm Local Water Supplies

How Pipeline Failures Harm Local Water Supplies

How Pipeline Failures Harm Local Water Supplies

07/16/20

“How do pipeline failures threaten local water supplies?”

 

Pipelines are used to transport heavy, often-toxic fluids long distances. Although sturdy, these pieces of infrastructure are not invulnerable. In fact, if damaged, these toxic substances can spill out into localized water sources, contaminating them. This was one of the reasons for the blocking of the Keystone pipeline. This is How Pipeline Failures Harm Local Water Supplies.

Climate Adaptation Budget Prioritization

Climate Adaptation Budget Prioritization

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.

Salt Water Electricity Batteries

Salt Water Electricity Batteries

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/