"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Urban Systems
Infrastructure Negotiation
07/28/21
“Why is infrastructure negotiation so important?”
Infrastructure is just as political as it is physical. The funding, construction, and maintenance of it is governed by a wide variety of actors with power. For this reason, Infrastructure Negotiation is highly important. By deciding on all of the factors that govern what must happen, we can try to work together to build a bridge forward.
How Rooftop Gardens Can Build Climate Resilience
07/27/21
“How can rooftop gardens build climate resilience?”
Rooftop gardens are a great way for people to grow their own food. But could they have another purpose? Well, let’s think about it. We know that the soil used for plants is able to absorb water well. And we also know that climate change will bring more rain to rainy places. So couldn’t these systems prevent water runoff by absorbing all the impacts? This is How Rooftop Gardens Can Build Climate Resilience.
Why Purchasing a Home in a Hot Climate Is a Risky Financial Decision
07/25/21
“Why is purchasing a home in a hot climate a risky financial decision?”
A home’s price is based on a number of externalities, one of them being climate. If the climate is too extreme, people are driven away and the prices go down. With the advent of climate change, hot areas are going to become more hot, so much so that many areas will probably be extremely uncomfortable to live in. Prices will reflect this, and home values may go down with each passing year in those zones. This is Why Purchasing a Home in a Hot Climate Is a Risky Financial Decision.
Why Having More People Live in Temperate Climate Could Reduce Carbon Emissions
07/23/21
“Why could having more people live in temperate climates reduce carbon emissions?”
People who live in very hot or cold areas have to use HVAC systems more often to keep their homes habitable. However, if a greater share of the world’s population were to live in temperate areas, then this need would lessen. This is Why Having More People Live in Temperate Climate Could Reduce Carbon Emissions.
Why Flood Infrastructure Adaptation Spending Will Have to Rapidly Increase
07/22/21
“Why will flood infrastructure spending have to rapidly increase in the wake of recent climate impacts?”
Flooding impacts from climate change are already greatly apparent, whether it be in Detroit, Germany, or China. To prevent further loss of life and well-being, funding for protective measures is going to have to rapidly expand. This is Why Flood Infrastructure Adaptation Spending Will Have to Rapidly Increase.
Utility Pipe Replacement
07/17/21
“Why do utilities have to replace their pipes?”
Pipes are the veins for water utilities. However, due to age, use, and external impacts they become damaged. Because of this, Utility Pipe Replacement may have to occur. This can be a complex process because utility pipes may be underground and have to be dug up.
Why Housing Markets in Areas Less Prone to Extreme Heat Waves May Become More Expensive Because of Climate Change
07/15/21
“Why will places with cooler climates become more expensive to live in?”
Temperatures all over the world are going to become hotter because of climate change. However, places with cooler climates will be less drastically-affected on a year-round basis. Even though these areas will still be subject to deadly heat waves, their perception of safety will drive demand to live there and therefore increase prices. This is Why Housing Markets in Areas Less Prone to Extreme Heat Waves May Become More Expensive Because of Climate Change.
Retrofit Programs for Heat Resilience
07/12/21
“Why will retrofit programs be so necessary in the face of climate change?”
It’s a scientific fact that nowhere is going to be safe from climate change. Buildings all over the world are going to need to be changed-out to accommodate for the rise in global temperatures. So how can we solve this? Well, what if we were to use public-sector action to invest in Retrofit Programs for Heat Resilience? That way, we can ensure the safety of our community and prepare ourselves to live in the new climate paradigm.
Redesigning Cities for Extreme Heat
07/10/21
“How can we redesign cities for extreme heat?”
No matter where in the world you live, whether it be Portland or Peshawar, climate change is going to exacerbate extreme heat. As such, we need to focus on Redesigning Cities for Extreme Heat, whether it be planting trees in public spaces, using less heat-absorbing materials for roads, or putting heat-flow channels in cities.
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