Category: Policy

Wildfire Buffer Vertical Spacing

Wildfire Buffer Vertical Spacing

Wildfire Buffer Vertical Spacing

03/09/23

“Why do we need to keep space between shrubs and trees to prevent wildfires?”

Wildfires can travel from flammable material to flammable material. This isn’t limited to one direction and can scale from the ground or shrubs to trees if they’re close enough. For this reason, it is recommended that planners implement Wildfire Buffer Vertical Spacing. This commonly comes in the form of ensuring all tree branches are at least six feet from the ground and/or four times the height of the shrubs beneath them. If done properly, this vertical spacing can make a place much more resilient to fires.

Why Abortion Access is a Fundamental Human Right

Why Abortion Access is a Fundamental Human Right

Why Abortion Access is a Fundamental Human Right

03/08/23

“Why is abortion access a fundamental human right?”

The United Nations’ Declaration of Human Rights is one of the most authoritative documents in enshrining the rights people of the world have. Article 27 of the passage states that Women, girls, and people who can become pregnant have the right to the benefits of scientific progress. This includes safe access to abortions. Furthermore, Article 18 enshrines religious freedom as a fundamental right. Given that some religions like Judaism require abortion access to necessary to protect the health, and mental or physical well-being of the woman/pregnant person, denying it would be an infringement. These are only a few of the reasons Why Abortion Access is a Fundamental Human Right.

To Celebrate International Women’s Day, please make a donation to Planned Parenthood. Abortion rights in the U.S. are under attack and need as much support as possible.

Urban Waterfronts

Urban Waterfronts

Urban Waterfronts

03/07/23

“What are urban waterfronts and how do they contribute to a city’s wellbeing?”

Many cities are built next to bodies of water, whether it be oceans, seas, rivers, or lakes. This creates a boundary that urban planners have to deal with differently than other parts of the cities. This ends up in the creation of Urban Waterfronts, or the interface between the city and a body of water. Urban waterfronts have a wide range of forms, from industrial zones to walking paths to commercial activity. Famous examples of waterfronts include Lake Merritt in Oakland, the Coney Island Theme Park in New York City, and Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro.

Image credit lakemerrittinstitute.org

Wildfire Buffer Zone Cost-Benefit Analysis

Wildfire Buffer Zone Cost-Benefit Analysis

Wildfire Buffer Zone Cost-Benefit Analysis

03/06/23

“How can we perform a cost-benefit analysis for wildfire buffer zones?”

Many municipalities in fire-prone areas are considering building a wildfire buffer zone. However, costs can limit the size, scope, and type of wildfire buffer zones feasible. Furthermore, communities might question if such a proposal is necessary at all. To solve this, municipalities can undertake Wildfire Buffer Zone Cost-Benefit Analysis to check what would be best for them. This includes studying what size buffer zones would work, how their geography would protect them from fires, and what types of funds they can raise.

Why Metro Orgs Should Hire Engineers In-House

Why Metro Orgs Should Hire Engineers In-House

Why Metro Orgs Should Hire Engineers In-House

03/01/23

“Why should metro orgs hire engineers in-house?”

Metro orgs often don’t have the engineering personnel to build their long-term projects. However, when they outsource to a consulting firm, they run the risk of being overcharged and getting much less than they asked for. If metro orgs hire in-house instead, they can more diligently check the validity of the work being performed and have a much better performance. This is Why Metro Orgs Should Hire Engineers in House.

Why the War in Syria Has Made the Country Much More Vulnerable to Earthquakes

Why the War in Syria Has Made the Country Much More Vulnerable to Earthquakes

Why the War in Syria Has Made the Country Much More Vulnerable to Earthquakes

02/28/23

“Why has the war in Syria made the country much more vulnerable to earthquakes?”

On February 6th, 2023 Northwestern Syria was shaken to its core by a colossal earthquake. While anywhere would be affected by such force, Syria’s Civil War has made it particularly vulnerable. The relentless bombings by Russia and the Assad Regime have destroyed scores of buildings and weakened many. Millions of Syrians have been displaced and forced to live in the Northwest so they won’t face Assad’s oppression. The regime and its backers have done everything in their power to make it difficult to bring aid to the area. This is Why the War in Syria Has Made the Country Much More Vulnerable to Earthquakes.

As of writing, victims of the 2023 Türkiye – Syria earthquake are continuing to face great difficulties in their daily life. To make a difference, please make a donation to organizations such as the Syrian White Helmets and the Anatolian Arts Institute Earthquake Relief Fund. My friends are also connecting donations to small municipalities and vetted organizations through the venmo account @earthquake-relief. Anything you send will go a long way.

Wildfire Buffer Zones

Wildfire Buffer Zones

Wildfire Buffer Zones

02/27/23

“How can we create plant-based defensible zones for wildfires?”

Wildfires spread quickly over dead plant materials. However, by creating zones of around human spaces of fire-resistant plants, we can create defenses to prevent such spread. These Wildfire Buffer Zones are an optimal way to increase resilience to wildfires and enhance community security.