"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Urban Systems
Train Stop Signals
04/03/23
“What are train stop signals and why are they so important?”
Trains travel thousands of kilometers to complete their transportation goals. But they may need to stop along the way, whether it be to let passengers off or another train pass. To accomplish this, Train Stop Signals command the train to slow to a halt. Train stop signals can be a lifesaver in collision prevention. If they don’t work, then drastic consequences may happen.
Why Exploitation-Based Economies are Worse at Climate Mitigation
04/02/23
“Why are exploitation-based economies worse at climate mitigation?”
Climate change mitigation requires economies to stop relying on exploitation activities such as oil extraction and mining. Economies that continue to depend on such avenues are almost guaranteed to fail to transition to a greener future. This is Why Exploitation-Based Economies are Worse at Climate Mitigation.
Why Train Stop Signal Overruns Are Dangerous
04/01/23
“Why are train stop signal overruns dangerous?”
Train stop signals are meant to tell trains to slow down when it would be dangerous not to do so. This is because there could be people or other trains crossing at an intersection or it might be approaching a steep gradient. When a stop signal overrun occurs, this can lead to great damage and even death, as seen in the 2023 Greek Train Crash. This is Why Train Stop Signal Overruns Are Dangerous.
Why Forced Climate Migration Will Cause More Domestic Disputes
03/30/23
“Why will forced climate migration cause more domestic disputes?”
Domestic disputes exponentiate when there is a struggle for resources or people are enclosed in a space together for too long. Forced climate migration will only exacerbate this and make it even more common. This is Why Forced Climate Migration Will Cause More Domestic Disputes.
Why Cramped Living Spaces Allow Diseases to Spread Faster
03/29/23
“Why do cramped living spaces allow diseases to spread faster?”
Diseases often spread through close proximity. When people are forced to live together in very tight spaces, this makes it very easy for such travel to occur. This is Why Cramped Living Spaces Allows Diseases to Spread Faster.
Train Stop Signal Overruns
03/27/23
“What happens when trains overrun stop signals?”
Trains are expected to stop at stop signals. But when they don’t, it can cause great damage and can even lead to lives lost. Called Train Stop Signal Overruns in U.S. terminology, train companies will often put great efforts into preventing such occurrences.
Why Underinvestment Led to the 2023 Greek Train Crash
03/26/23
“Why did corruption lead to the 2023 Greek train crash?”
The 2023 Greek train crash has thrown the Mediterranean nation into a crisis. Dozens of people have lost their lives, and trust in government institutions has collapsed. But what exactly caused such mayhem? Well, over the past decade and a half, The Greek economy has been hit by multiple crises. After 2011 the remote surveillance and signaling system near the town of Larissa had fallen apart, and efforts to rebuild it have failed. This left the train system no way to avoid the collision rapidly. This is Why Underinvestment Led to the 2023 Greek Train Crash.
Image credit: static.politico.com
Why High-Speed Rail Can Increase National Cohesion
03/24/23
“Why can high-speed rail increase national cohesion?”
Communities being in close contact with each other can increase the cohesion felt between them. One of the ways contact is facilitated is by transport. The easier and quicker it is for communities to one another, the more together they will feel. With high-speed rail, this form of contact increases dramatically. People from Towns and cities hundreds of kilometers apart can get together in time, forming stronger bonds. This is Why High-Speed Rail Can Increase National Cohesion.
Why Tearing Down a Damaged Highway After a Disaster May Be More Financially Reasonable Than Rebuilding
03/23/23
“Why may tearing down a damaged highway after a disaster be more financially reasonable than rebuilding?”
When highways are rendered unusable from an earthquake, many peoples’ first inclination is to rebuild them. However, sometimes it might be more financially reasonable to completely tear it down. Take for example the Embarcadero Freeway. When it collapsed during the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, cost estimates found that building a boulevard in its place would be nearly $20 million USD less expensive. The removal of such a barrier has also made the neighborhood more commercially viable, with shops, housing, and new jobs lining up everywhere. This just goes to show Why Tearing Down a Damaged Highway After a Disaster May Be More Financially Reasonable Than Rebuilding.
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