January 27, 2023
by Building The World
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Smart phones are common but so-called “earths” that power these devices are rare. In fact, 17 elements termed rare earth elements or REEs supply everything from phones to electric vehicles, wind turbines, and military systems. That glowing light on your … Continue reading
November 14, 2022
by Building The World
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Significant engineering, scientific, and technical achievements shaped the course of civilization. In their day and at their time, these achievements were breakthroughs, and advanced progress. But now older energy grids are inadequate to current needs; water systems leak; bridges and … Continue reading
July 29, 2022
by Building The World
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The largest energy investment in United States history just made history. Climate and energy policy, worth $369 billion, has been agreed. Incentives and actions in the bill are estimated to lower American carbon emissions by 40% by 2030. It’s … Continue reading
June 2, 2022
by Building The World
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Aloha means both hello and goodbye. It’s a fitting word for transitions. Here are two case examples of solar policy changes in Hawaii and in Australia. Hawaii is a perfect location for renewable energy: sunshine and wind are abundant. … Continue reading
May 28, 2022
by Building The World
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On Memorial Day weekend, 34 million Americans will travel by car. It’s the first long weekend of spring: a time of flowers, especially wildflowers. Parks play a role, and so do household and campus lawns participating in No Mow May. … Continue reading
May 12, 2022
by Building The World
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Cities are known for fast food: the drive-through, the grab and go, the snack stop, pop-up restaurants, food trucks, street cafes and food stalls. Fast food can also be found on shelves of urban convenience and grocery stores. One of … Continue reading
February 10, 2022
by Building The World
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Plastic: it is the convenience – and scourge – of our Anthropocene era. Most of it lives in cities, and then landfills. Diplomats are now turning their collective attention to plastic pollution. Modeled on the 2015 Paris Agreement, developed in … Continue reading
January 29, 2022
by Building The World
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Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Ariana Grande, Tyler Perry and others star in the science fiction noir comedy “Don’t Look Up” by Adam McKay. It’s an allegory about climate change, government, politics, and media. The film set … Continue reading
December 15, 2021
by Building The World
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Recent tornadoes, storms, floods caused loss of life and damage of property. While warmer temperatures are known to fuel and intensify tornadoes, scientists are uncertain if tornadoes that swept across four U.S. states were caused by climate change. What is … Continue reading
November 23, 2021
by Building The World
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Giving thanks can take many forms including exchanges to strengthen friendships between nations. American presidents sit at the Resolute Desk, given by Britain to the United States in 1880 as a gesture of thanks for rescuing the HMS Resolute from … Continue reading