Category: Engineering

How California’s AB1907 Bill Could Increase Resilience for Its Homeless Population

How California’s AB1907 Bill Could Increase Resilience for Its Homeless Population

How California’s AB1907 Bill Could Increase Resilience for Its Homeless Population

03/20/20

“How could this California new assembly bill make its homeless population much safer to disasters?”

 

California has a homelessness crisis. Decades of neglect on social services and housing construction have forced psychologically and economically vulnerable populations out of homes and into the streets. With the advent of disasters such as the COVID outbreak  and the Paradise fires, being homeless in California is only going to become more dangerous. However, one new assembly bill Miguel Santiago of Los Angeles could make a change for the better. AB1907 would provide exemptions to CEQA requirements for any housing development directed for homeless or lower-income renters. This would allow for a greater amount of housing supply for individuals from these communities, providing them a safe space from the elements in newer housing units. This is How California’s AB1907 Bill Could Increase Resilience for Its Homeless Population.

Why the Oil Market Is in a Freefall Right Now

Why the Oil Market Is in a Freefall Right Now

Why the Oil Market Is in a Freefall Right Now

03/18/20

“Why are oil prices sinking to all new lows?”

 

Oil prices are sinking to dramatic lows. This has the potential to devastate industries and send the world community into an economic recession. But what exactly is causing this?

 

Near the beginning of the year, the need to limit travel because of the new coronavirus epidemic had caused flight demand to drop. This led to a decrease in oil demand, prompting OPEC to propose a limit on oil production globally to keep prices stable. However, Russia ignored these rulings and continued its production as normal, hoping to capture a greater share of the market. Saudi Arabia responded by slashing oil prices, selling below market value to ensure its stake in the market. Both countries (at the time of writing) are now proposing an increase in production in an all-out market war. Combined with the fact that oil demand is plummeting due to coronavirus restrictions, and you have a price that is soaring down. This is Why the Oil Market Is in a Freefall Right Now.

Why Newer Housing Will Be Necessary for Disaster Resilience

Why Newer Housing Will Be Necessary for Disaster Resilience

Why Newer Housing Will Be Necessary for Disaster Resilience

03/17/20

“Why will new housing be a necessity for disaster resilience?”

 

With the ever-increasing level of global interconnectivity and average temperatures, disasters are going to become more deadly. Since the exterior environment might become too dangerous during these times, people may need to stay inside for long periods of time. More modern housing usually ensures greater safety due to updated codes and building materials. For example, more modern housing tends to have better air filtration which can clear out particulate matter that may occur from a wildfire. Newer housing can also be designed to resist and absorb floods that may occur. And in case of a government-mandated quarantine, newer housing can provide a more comfortable living environment. This is Why Newer Housing Will Be Necessary for Disaster Resilience.

Why Weather Prediction is Critical for Farming

Why Weather Prediction is Critical for Farming

Why Weather Prediction is Critical for Farming

03/13/20

“Why is weather prediction so important for farming?”

 

Plants grow according to the availability of sunshine and water. This makes them dependent on the whims of the environment. To help make the amount of produce necessary for the modern world, weather prediction has become an essential tool in optimizing the amount of produce and sensing whether or not bad environmental conditions are to ensue. This is Why Weather Prediction is Critical for Farming.

Why Utilities Should Trim Trees Near Roads for Wildfire Resilience

Why Utilities Should Trim Trees Near Roads for Wildfire Resilience

Why Utilities Should Trim Trees Near Roads for Wildfire Resilience

03/12/20

“Why should utilities trim trees near the road for wildfire resilience?”

 

Utility lines often run near roads. Trees and other foliage also grow in close proximity. If these interact too much, a wildfire can occur. Cutting down the nearby foliage can reduce this potential loss. This is Why Utilities Should Trim Trees Near Roads for Wildfire Resilience.

Image credit cdn.vox-cdn.com

How Stricter Building Codes Can Drive New Markets

How Stricter Building Codes Can Drive New Markets

How Stricter Building Codes Can Drive New Markets

03/11/20

“How can enforcing stricter building codes open up new markets?”

 

When building codes become stricter, many housing units will need retrofits or new appliances will need to be made. This can induce demand for a product and in effect open up new markets. For example, by requiring new residential buildings to have tighter wire meshes, these new models will become a hot commodity. This is How Stricter Building Codes Can Drive New Markets.

Why Climate Resilience and Adaptation Need to Recognize and Correct Past Injustices

Why Climate Resilience and Adaptation Need to Recognize and Correct Past Injustices

Why Climate Resilience and Adaptation Need to Recognize and Correct Past Injustices

03/10/20

“Why does anyone working in resilience and adaptation need to help recognize and correct past injustices?”

 

Great injustices of the past (and present) have thrust marginalized communities into shakier economic and environmental foundations. And with the advent of climate change, these inequities will only be amplified, whether it be through forced migrations of climate gentrification or inequal access to cooling. Because of this, resilience and adaptation professionals will need to understand what injustices have been caused and work to correct them. Only through this can we understand the problems that face communities and make a truly resilient and sustainable future. 

Displacement From Sea-Level Rise

Displacement From Sea-Level Rise

Displacement From Sea-Level Rise

03/08/20

“How can sea-level rise displace people from their homes?”

 

Since the dawn of civilization, humans have built their cities near the oceans and seas. However, with the advent of climate change, the sea levels are going to rise, destroying structures in their path and forcing people to flee. To prepare for this, governments and communities around the world will need to build their towns in accordance with Displacement From Sea-Level Rise.

Image credit cdn.vox-cdn.com

Village Relocation

Village Relocation

Village Relocation

03/03/20

“Why are entire villages relocating because of climate change?”

 

Villages and towns have been built throughout the world. However, with climate change already on its way, more and more towns are going to become vulnerable to climate impacts. In fact, the land that many villages rely upon is going to disappear. To preserve their traditional ways of life, many of these communities are talking about entire Village Relocation to safer grounds. Usually this involves finding a suitable piece of land nearby, obtaining the funding mechanisms for construction, and then building the new village in its entirety. One real-world example is that of Newtok, Alaska, where its eroding permafrost ground has prompted its citizens to move to a new location around 19 kilometers (12 miles) away.

 

Image credit archive.thinkprogress.org