"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Engineering
Reactive Climate Adaptation Measures
07/28/20
“How can we build adaptive capacity after a crisis happens?”
While we can anticipate how to react to climate change, sometimes events happen unexpectedly that can wake us up to a new reality. Adapting to climate change as events happen is known as Reactive Climate Adaptation Measures. Examples of these measures include slowly relocating a village as water creeps in or changing a building as permafrost melts.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
