Category: Policy

Why Spatial Statistics Can Be Used to Analyze Systematic Poverty in Cities

Why Spatial Statistics Can Be Used to Analyze Systematic Poverty in Cities

01/29/24

“Why can spatial statistics be used to analyze systematic poverty in cities?”

Poverty in cities is often spatial and systematic. Whether it be due to physical segregation, lack of quick access to jobs, or exposure to environmental hazards, it’s baked into the urban fabric. Spatial statistics can be used to uncover secrets about this. This is Why Spatial Statistics Can Be Used to Analyze Systematic Poverty in Cities.

Why Green Park Space Around a River Can Act as a Natural Flood Barrier

Why Green Park Space Around a River Can Act as a Natural Flood Barrier

01/22/24

“Why does green park space around a river act as a natural flood barrier?”

Green park spaces are wonderful spots to gather. There’s always something to do whether for children playing or a couple walking. But if we place this by a river, then the greenery will be able to absorb flood waters. This is Why Green Park Space Around a River Can Act as a Natural Flood Barrier. Landscape architects should look into how this can be applied into their own designs.

Why Technology-Based Stormwater Management Practices Can Backfire

Why Technology-Based Stormwater Management Practices Can Backfire

01/20/23

“Why can grey stormwater management practices backfire?”

Grey (technology-based) stormwater practices are the most common approach in the world. However, being too reliant on them can backfire. For example, levees can be breached and lead to rapid filling of nearby areas. Dykes can lead to more intense water flow further downstream. These are just some of the ways that show Why Technology-Based Stormwater Management Practices Can Backfire.

Blue Green Infrastructure

Blue Green Infrastructure

01/17/24

“How can we use environmental systems to work on flood mitigation?”

Stormwater management is usually accomplished by using grey infrastructure, or technological systems to channel water into places safer for humans. However, sometimes this can lead to more issues, such as water overflows when a levee is breached. But what if we were to use more nature-based solutions such as bioswales or green roofs to accomplish stormwater management? These interventions are categorized as Blue Green Infrastructure and represent a more calming way to approach flood controls.

How Water Squares are Designed

How Water Squares are Designed

01/16/24

“How are water squares designed?”

Water squares are marvelous pieces of urbanism. Their dual-use purpose allows them to function as flood mitigation and public space. But how are they designed? Well, first a low-lying area is set up to act as a bed. During dry seasons this usually has recreational functions such as a swimming pool or a basketball court. This bed is surrounded by slanted walls that keep water in during heavy rain storms. Connected to these walls will be an inlet to a drainage system to clear the water when the time is ready. This is How Water Squares are Designed.

Image credit stormwater.wef.org

Why Developing Photography Skills Helps Make You a Better Urban Planner

Why Developing Photography Skills Helps Make You a Better Urban Planner

01/15/24

“Why does developing better photography skills help make you a better urban planner?”

Visualization and site documentation skills are key to becoming a successful urban planner. So is being able to see cities in multiple ways and present your work to the public. Photography builds expertise in all of these avenues. This is Why Developing Photography Skills Helps Make You a Better Urban Planner.

Why Increasing the Number of Wars in the World Leads to Increased Carbon Emissions

Why Increasing the Number of Wars in the World Leads to Increased Carbon Emissions

01/13/24

“Why does increasing the number of wars in the world lead to increased climate emissions?”

War operates on moving machinery. This machinery emits CO2 during operation. This can be from airplanes flying, weapon manufacturing, or shipping arms across ocean vessels. Increasing the number of wars will increase these operations. This is Why Increasing the Number of Wars in the World Leads to Increased Carbon Emissions.

Why Disinformation Can Tilt Elections

Why Disinformation Can Tilt Elections

01/12/24

“Why can disinformation tilt elections?”

Election marketing is one of the primary ways candidates and parties sway voters. But when disinformation takes hold, people may be manipulated to support a political force they otherwise wouldn’t have. This is Why Disinformation Can Tilt Elections.

Why Housing in Informal Settlements is Often More Prone to Collapse During Flooding

Why Housing in Informal Settlements is Often More Prone to Collapse During Flooding

01/11/24

“Why is housing in informal settlements more prone to collapse during flooding?”

Housing in informal settlements is built without respect to codes. Some of these codes include provisions for protection against flood events. This means that when floods occur the homes often collapse from the might of the water. This is Why Housing in Informal Settlements is Often More Prone to Collapse During Flooding.