Category: Engineering

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/

Power Line Repair Worker Safety

Power Line Repair Worker Safety

Power Line Repair Worker Safety

07/06/20

“Why should we take regard for the safety of power line repair workers?”

 

Power Line Repair Workers are essential for keeping the grid running. However, their jobs are extremely dangerous and can lead to injury and even death from electrocution and falling. For this reason, Power Line Repair Worker Safety needs to be prioritized through training, proper equipment, and medical care.

Wildfire Damage and Class Inequality

Wildfire Damage and Class Inequality

Wildfire Damage and Class Inequality

07/05/20

“Why is it that wildfire damage affects lower-income communities much more?”

 

Building damage from wildfires is a common occurrence when they close in on a populated area. However, people from lower-income backgrounds are more likely to not possess wildfire insurance and have subpar housing units, making them much more liable when a wildfire strikes. This is why there is a connection between Wildfire Damage and Class Inequality.

Power Line Repair Workers

Power Line Repair Workers

Power Line Repair Workers

07/04/20

“Who are the people who repair power lines?”

 

Power lines break down from time to time. When this happens, Power Line Repair Workers are called in to come fix things. Power Line Repair Workers are trained in electric power systems and telecommunications cables and are able to work with just trade school training.

Why Seniors Need to Be Accounted for in Wildfire Evacuation Planning

Why Seniors Need to Be Accounted for in Wildfire Evacuation Planning

Why Seniors Need to Be Accounted for in Wildfire Evacuation Planning

07/03/20

“Why do wildfire emergency planners need to consider seniors in their design?”

 

When wildfires break out, senior citizens have a much more difficult time evacuating the area. They may have mobility impairments and other disabilities that make things so difficult. If evacuation plans don’t have any special consideration for senior citizens, then they may perish at a much higher rate. This is Why Seniors Need to Be Accounted for in Wildfire Evacuation Planning.

Why Misreporting Grid Repairs Can Cause Wildfires

Why Misreporting Grid Repairs Can Cause Wildfires

Why Misreporting Grid Repairs Can Cause Wildfires

07/02/20

“How can misreporting grid repairs cause wildfires?”

 

Reporting grid repairs is one of the paramount duties of any electric utility. However, if none happen and the utility lies about it saying they did, then the grid can go into a state of disrepair. If this happens continually for long enough, then major breakdowns can occur, and if these happen at critical times (as in the case of the Paradise Fire) then a wildfire can occur. This is Why Misreporting Grid Repairs Can Cause Wildfires.

Why a Diverse Stakeholder Group Is Necessary for Proper Climate Adaptation Work

Why a Diverse Stakeholder Group Is Necessary for Proper Climate Adaptation Work

Why a Diverse Stakeholder Group Is Necessary for Proper Climate Adaptation Work

06/30/20

“Why is a diverse stakeholder group necessary for proper climate adaptation work?”

 

Climate Adaptation projects revolve around working with stakeholders. But if the stakeholder group is comprised only of individuals from systematically privileged backgrounds, then numerous misadaptations may occur. If representatives from all communities affected can attend, then this problem can be filtered out. This is Why a Diverse Stakeholder Group Is Necessary for Proper Climate Adaptation Work.