"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Engineering
How Waveform Analytics Can Help Grid Resiliency
12/25/19
“How can we use waveforms to analyze the stability of the electric grid?”
The electrical grid is prone to crashing whether it be because of natural or human causes. When this happens, the waveform signals get distorted. As such, waveform analysis in real-time can help detect when the rent goes down and went to respond. This is How Waveform Analytics Can Help Grid Resiliency.
How the Evolution of Early Warning Systems Are Already Saving Lives
12/22/19
“How are early warning systems to disasters already saving the lives of many?”
Environmental disasters are becoming more and more frequent with the advent of climate change. As a result governments around the world are looking into ways to build resilience in the new climate paradigm. One very simple yet effective method to implement is early warning systems. Early warning systems use sensors to monitor external conditions and parlay them into a mathematical algorithm to see if a disaster is coming. Examples could be the sensor that monitors the dryness of the air, the local temperature, and the wind speed to assess if a wildfire will begin and a system that measures the frequency and intensity of waves to check if there is an incoming tsunami. As the signal is triggered, nearby citizens can evacuate in time. When put in place, loss of life from disasters tend to go downwards. This can be seen from Zambia to Mumbai.
How Power Shutoffs Cause Economic Damage
12/19/19
“How do power shutoffs cause economic damage?”
Power shutoffs are common in the developing world and are becoming frequently more common in the industrialized one due to climate change. When these do occur, all modern society of operations ground to a halt. Food goes rotten from lack of refrigeration, shops and workplaces have to close due to a lack of power access, and even interdependent infrastructures such as transportation and water can go down. All of these combined lead to great economic damage through lost commodities and working hours. This is How Power Shutoffs Cause Economic Damage.
Hazard Mitigation Assistance
12/16/19
“How can communities receive assistance for hazard mitigation?”
Hazard mitigation is one of the top ways for local communities to adapt and build resilience to climate change. However, many of the ones who are facing the most drastic consequences also have the least amount of resources to cope. For this reason, government agencies have Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs that provide aid in numerous forms such as but not exclusively buy-outs, elevations and safe rooms. With Hazard mitigation assistance communities can feel safe in being insulated from the worst of the new climate paradigm.
Image credit interactive.wttw.com
Food Supply Disruption
12/14/19
“Why is a disruption to food supplies so harmful?”
Food is one of the most vital things for humans to live. Without a sufficient amount of it, there is no way for us to thrive. During disasters, whether by natural or human causes, a Food Supply Disruption can occur. Food supply disruptions can occur from a variety of events, such as crop failure or logistics upheaval. With the changing climate, food supply disruptions will become more prevalent, and resilience practitioners must think about how to prevent these from occurring.
Image credit health2016.globalchange.gov
Why Local Residents Need to Be Engaged for Emergency Management
12/13/19
“Why do local residents need to be a part of emergency management operations?”
When a disaster strikes, local residents are often not only the ones on the frontlines but also with the most knowledge of the conditions of the environment. As such, emergency management institutions need to train these people in how to react in case of a crisis and actively listen to them about how to manage the local environment when such conditions strike. This will ensure that people are safe and that any emergency management procedures can reach their full potential. This is Why Local Residents Need to Be Engaged for Emergency Management.
How Prefabricated Housing Creates Resilience for Communities
12/12/19
“How does prefabricated housing create resilience for communities?”
Prefabricated housing represents a paradigm shift in the construction industry. No longer do projects have to rely on intricate designs and supply chains, now they are free to use a general template that can be replicated with ease. Not only is this more sustainable due to using fewer resources, but it also allows for greater resiliency in many ways. More houses can be built at a quicker rate for less investment, allowing for refugees to move in en-masse. These homes can also be built to the latest resilience standards, and parts can be easily replaced in case of a disaster due to their mass-produced nature. Finally, their simplified construction supply chain makes them less poised for disruption. This is How Prefabricated Housing Creates Resilience for Communities.
Image credit inhabitat.com
Community Wildfire Protection Plans
12/11/19
“How can communities develop plans to protect themselves against wildfires?”
Wildfires represent one of the largest threats against communities in dry forested areas. As a result, resilience plans in the form of Community Wildfire Protection Plans need to be developed. These can take the form of planning evacuation measures, establishing coordination protocols, prioritizing how to reduce burnable fuel, and doing a check-up of the structural integrity of buildings.
Image credit lh4.googleusercontent.com
Why Resilience Engineers Must Consult With the Inhabitants They Work With
12/10/19
“Why do engineers working on resilience projects need to consult the inhabitants they work with?”
Engineers will be at the forefront of designing resilience projects. However, far too often these are completed without any input from the local inhabitants. This leads to problems, notably the implementation of infrastructure which does not suit the local environment. For example, a sea-wall might cut off a fishing community from their catch, or planned power shut-off from wildfires might disrupt the operations of a medical center. This is Why Resilience Engineers Must Consult With the Inhabitants They Work With.
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