"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Urban Systems
Why Dangerous Chemicals Need to Be Stored in Earthquake-Proof Containers
03/12/23
“Why do dangerous chemicals need to be stored in earthquake-proof containers?”
Dangerous chemicals are an ever-present hazard to keep. If an earthquake happens and the chemicals spill, then they can cause great damage and even threaten lives. But if there are earthquake-proof containers, then this can be prevented from occurring. This is Why Dangerous Chemicals Need to Be Stored in Earthquake-Proof Containers.
The 2023 East Palestine Ohio Train Derailment Disaster
03/11/23
“What happened in the 2023 East Palestine Ohio train derailment disaster?”
On February 3rd, 2023, 08:55 pm Eastern Standard Time, 38 cars of a train belonging to Norfolk Southern carrying hazardous materials derailed in the town of East Palestine, Ohio, USA. Multiple of these cars burned for days, releasing dangerous chemicals into the atmosphere. All residents within a 1.6 km radius were evacuated and the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia declared emergencies. The 2023 East Palestine Ohio Train Derailment Disaster has sparked debate around the nation and will be in the public’s eye for quite some time.
The People of East Palestine Ohio need to seek shelter. One family, the Velezes, need assistance. Your money will go a long way.
Image credit static01.nyt.com
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.
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
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.
Corporate Taxes For Wildfire Buffer Zones
03/05/23
“What are corporate taxes for wildfire buffer zones?”
Wildfire buffer zones can be effective at building wildfire resilience. However, these projects will also need funding. This can come in the form of Corporate Taxes For Wildfire Buffer Zones paid for by corporations.
Municipal Taxes For Wildfire Buffer Zones
03/04/23
“What are municipal taxes for wildfire buffer zones?”
Wildfire buffer zones can be effective at building wildfire resilience. However, these projects will also need funding. This can come in the form of Municipal Taxes For Wildfire Buffer Zones paid for by residents.
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
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.
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