“I Have A Dream” Martin Luther King Jr. address from Lincoln Memorial, 1963. Courtesy: US Marine Corps, public domain.
When Martin Luther King delivered a speech that would ring throughout history, “I Have a Dream,” he did so on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, in the nation’s capital. King’s words echoed those of Abraham Lincoln, who proposed and signed the Emancipation Proclamation. All joining Reverend King assembled in a gathering that stretched from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument. It was exactly the kind of public gathering envisioned by the founders who supported demonstrations and assembly in a city perhaps based on the wide spaces of Paris.
L’Enfant’s map of 1791 for the new capital of Washington, DC. Image: Norman B. Leventhal Map Center. Creative Commons 2.0.
There is a connection between the cities of Washington, DC, US and Paris, France. When George Washington engaged engineer Pierre Charles L’Enfant in 1791 to map out a new city, the plan was based on the open boulevards of Paris, L’Enfant’s original home before he left to join the US Continental Army’s Corps of Engineers. However, by 1792, a problem erupted and L’Enfant fled town, with the drawings.
Benjamin Banneker’s statue at National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington, DC. By photographer Frank Schulenburg. Creative Commons 4.0.
Enter Benjamin Banneker, mathematician, astronomer, almanac author, and surveyor with an apparently photographic memory. Banneker had been engaged by Major Andrew Ellicott to survey the land intended for the new capital. Banneker recalled every aspect of L’Enfant’s design, particularly the location of monuments, public art, and common ground for gatherings between the official buildings of government. It can be noted that Banneker and King shared a vision, and some background: both hailed from African-American heritage. Both are honored in the National Museum of African American History and Culture – in Washington.
Brasilia, new capital in the shape of an airplane, is the first city designed to be seen from the air. Photo of drawing: Uri Rosenheck. With appreciation. Creative Commons 3.0
Cities, especially capitals, have a unique role: they are more than an urban conglomerate. In fact, capitals are living public art. For example, when Brazil moved its capital from coastal Rio de Janeiro to the center of the country, the nation gave a new name, Brasilia, to its new heart. Recognizing a new era in global perspective and transport, Brasilia was build in the shape of an airplane, the first city designed to be viewed from the air.
Ganges Delta, world’s largest. The confluence of rivers Ganges and Brahmaputra makes Bangladesh one of the world’s capitals most vulnerable to sea rise. Image: NASA, 2020. Public Domain.
With rising seas, we may see the rebuilding of coastal cities. Many ancient centers were ports. Indonesia is moving its capital from Jakarta to Borneo to become Nusantara. Nigeria moved its capital from coastal Lagos to central Abuja. Important cities like Bangkok, threatened by subsidence increased by heavy skyscrapers and a burgeoning population consuming groundwater resources, might strengthen the Thailand Ground Water Act of 1977. Dhaka, Bangladesh, sinking at a rate of 0.55 inches (1.4 centimeters) might need to take actions. Boston, Massachusetts, is one of many coastal cities from Miami to New Orleans, that might change the architecture of the US coastline.
Will Sea Level Rise prompt the redesign of coastal cities? Image: “Boston and Boston Harbor” by photographer Nick Allen, 2015. Creative commons 4.0. With appreciation.
If you could redesign Boston, or a city of your choice ready for a new vision, how would you create a city that is both landscape and – in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. – dreamscape?
Time to reshape the carbon legacy. Image: “Transformation” by TED-43, 2018. Creative Commons 3.0. With appreciation.
New year, new vision. While some countries are doubling down on fossil fuels, most of the world is be moving away from carbon energy. The energy revolution is reshaping the world. There are three reasons.
Supply is running out. Image: “Hourglass” by Strongbad1982, dedicated in 2016 to the public domain. With appreciation.
Supply – we will run out of fossil fuels. For example, coal. The world has about 1 trillion metric tons of proven coal reserves. If we continue to burn coal at our present rate of consumption, that’s about 150 years – tops. Oil? 56 years. Natural gas? 52 years. (Energy Institute 2025)
“Global Warming and Extreme Weather” by Efbrazil, 2021. Creative Commons 4.0. With appreciation.
Climate Change – no one intended to cause droughts and wildfires, storms and floods, health care problems, and economic pain. When the first miners dug coal or pioneering drillers discovered oil gushers so powerful they spewed “liquid gold” for nine days straight before tapering to a steady flow, the intention was progress and energy for all. But in the year just completed, global warming increased to 1.48C above pre-industrial levels, greenhouse gas emissions rose to record highs, and, in the US, climate-related weather disasters caused over $115 billion in damage. The last decade, 2015-2025, recorded the warmest years in historical observational record.
“Renewable Energy Collage” by OI-B-i.fernandez02, 2010. Creative Commons 3.0. With appreciation.
Renewable Energy Innovations – in response to the above factors, renewable energy technologies have surged in innovation and optimization. Now, 91% of all renewable energy projects are cheaper than fossil fuel options. For example, solar power: 41% cheaper than fossil fuels; onshore wind, 53% cheaper, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA 2025).
“Trans-Alaska Pipeline,” US Department of Interior, 2007. Public Domain. With appreciation.
What will happen to all those old coal mines, drilled oil and gas wells, pipelines, fossil-fuel power plants? Could there be economic benefit in reshaping, reusing, and repurposing carbon infrastructure? Yes. Reusing a coal mine, for gravity-based energy generation and storage, could yield five times more economic benefit than simply incurring the costs to close and remediate the land. Decommissioning a coal mine: $206 million in COST. Repurposing: $1,180 billion in BENEFIT.
Carbon infrastructure can move from closing expense to repurposing benefit with revenue. Image: “Unbalanced scales” by Chris Martin, 2006. Public Domain. With appreciation.
In this new series, we’ll take a look at innovations for reshaping, repurposing, and cashing in on the carbon legacy. First up, coal…
Kwanzaa calls us to light a candle to dedicate each day to a principle, preparing for the New Year. Graphic by Nesnad, 2008, dedicated to the public domain. With appreciation.
Time system dedications are a hallmark of human culture. Ancient names for days of the week may remind us that Sunday was originally honored the sun (and Monday, the moon). Now, a more recent sequence invites practice of seven principles for a good life through community. Kwanzaa, observed from December 26 to January 1 calls us to a special cultural celebration.
Pan African Flag created 13 August, 1920 by Marcus Garvey and UNIA, first displayed in Madison Square Garden, NY, USA. Public Domain, with appreciation.
Developed by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is named for a Swahili phrase “Matunda ya kwanza” after first fruit celebrations, a part of both ancient and modern African culture. Honored by candles, gifts, and display of the colors of the Pan-African flag in red, black, and green, seven principles (Nguzo Saba) mark seven days:
UMOJA (Unity)
KUJICHAGUIA (Self-Determination)
UJIMA (Collective Work and Responsibility)
UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics)
NIA (Purpose)
KUUMBA (Creativity)
IMANI (Faith)
“Seven” by sculptor Robert Indiana, now located at the Portland Museum of Art. Photography by losmininos, 2006, Creative Commons 2.0; with appreciation.
As 2025 turns our collective gaze towards the future, how can you dedicate the next seven days to the seven Kwanzaa principles, leading to a better 2026?
Karenga, Maulana. The African American Holiday of Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community & Culture. Los Angeles: University of Sankore Press, 2018. ISBN-10: 0943412099
Space debris in low earth orbit by NASA, 2005. Public Domain.
Want to talk trash? Look up. More than 25,000 pieces of defunct satellites, odd parts lost in extra-vehicular activity, bolts that floated off while repairing the International Space Station (ISS), are circling the Earth. And those are just the larger chunks (more than 4 inches in diameter). Go small and you go big: with 100,000,000 tiny but powerful bits flying at 17,000 mph (28,000 km). At that speed, even a paint chip could shatter a satellite – there are more than 8,000 of those in orbit, with 100,000 more planned by 2030.
More space objects, more danger of damage. Graphic: “Debris Object Evolution” by European Space Agency (ESA: A290134), 2017. Creative Commons 3.0.
Not long after the first satellite was launched in 1957 and COMSAT soon developed, the Kessler Syndrome, suggested by NASA scientists Donald J. Kessler and Burton G. Cour-Palais, reminded us that the more space objects we send into orbit, the more likely collisions will not just occur but pile up – the way a highway collision can create a multi-vehicle traffic jam. In space, such an event could cause outages of essential terrestrial communication systems.
Kessler Syndrome Image by NASA, Orbital Debris Program Office, Public Domain.
On Earth, we have become familiar with the “reuse-repurpose-recycle” paradigm. But in space, we tend to shoot stuff up there and leave it to eventually degrade. Enter Astroscale and other space repair and debris removal businesses that offer a new paradigm: “inspect-service-remove.” Think of it as orbital road-service.
The 1967 Outer Space Treaty began the legal framework for space. Image: “Signing Outer Space Treaty 27 January 1967,” courtesy of ITU. Creative Commons 2.0.
Space debris collisions could damage key satellite systems including GPS. Image: “Constellation Global Positioning System (GPS)” by El Pak, 2007. Public Domain, with appreciation.
Case Example: Astroscale. Founded in 2013 by Nobu Okada, Astroscale Holdings Inc (listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange as 186A) can service satellites in orbit, detecting potential problems and servicing devices while still operational. Beyond repair, the ADRAS-J can carry space junk safely out of orbit and return it to earth, where materials recycling may prove valuable. To make servicing easier, Astroscale manufactures a docking plate that enables in-orbit servicing and controlled removal, when needed.
Space and orbital break-ups can occur when satellites may explode. Image: “Space Break Up ESA375611,” European Space Agency (ESA) 2017. Creative Commons 3.0.
In 2027, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and India’s Department of Space will launch In-situ Space Situational Awareness–Japan1 from the Satish Dhawan Space Center. The mission will inspect two large space debris objects now in orbit. In 2025, Astroscale received US Patent number 12,234,043 B2 for “Method and System for Multi-Object Space Debris Removal.”
Space Services and Debris Removal will be a profitable new field. Image: “New” b Neji, 2009. Creative Commons 3.0
NEW LEADERS in SPACE DEBRIS SERVICES include these companies. Some financial professionals note that while the satellite businesses has many entrants, space servicing and debris removal is an emerging market that will grow. Many of these new enterprises are at the private investment stage; when public, stock information is listed below:
New materials for space may help to avoid future space debris. For example, satellites made of wood. Enter LIGNOSAT by JAXA and NASA. Image NASA, 2024. Public Domain.
While space traffic management enterprises address already orbiting older designs, aerospace engineers are calling for more recyclable materials and devices. SpaceX pioneered reusable launch rockets. Now, more entrants are offering options.
JAXA’s LignoSat is made from Japanese Magnolia wood. Image: “LignoSat Detail” by Koichi Wakata, JAXA. Public Domain with appreciation.
JAXA/NASA astronaut Dr. Takao Doi, now a professor at Kyoto University, developed a satellite made of wood. LignoSat, biodegradable, can bypass the danger stage when re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. LignoSat is an example of a growing movement towards better materials for space.
The International Space Station (ISS) was built from 1998 to 2011: the process of its construction is summarized in this video. Plans are to retire, and let ISS splash down in the Pacific. But, why not use ISS for new purposes in space? Image: NASA, 2011. Public Domain.
But for larger space installations, there may be possibilities for reuse. Why not repurpose outdated space stations? The International Space Station will close in 2030. It took from 1998 to 2011 to construct and refine (see above video). The current plan is to let ISS crash into the Pacific Ocean. Any better ideas?
Kessler, Donald J. and Burton G. Cour-Palais. “Collision frequency of artificial satellites: The creation of a debris belt.” June 1978. Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 83, Issue A6, pages 2637-2646. http://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1978JGR….83.2637K/abstract
Critical minerals are driving geopolitics, and they are also driving right in your car or cellphone. Recycle your rechargeable batteries. Image: Patrhoue, true-world.com, 2009. Public Domain, with appreciation.
Drive your EV straight into the future. Answer the call to renew energy with your cellphone. Mind, don’t mine.
Between a rock, and a hard place. Do we need mining to obtain critical – renewable – minerals? Image: “Rock/Mineral” by SemiletovaOlga, 2015. Creative Commons 4.0. With appreciation.
C0balt, copper, lithium, nickel – critical minerals are driving destructive mining (including impending deep seabed mining that may damage the marine environment). But what if we didn’t need to destroy land (and sea) with explosives? Or pollute groundwater with leaching chemicals? Or deal with toxic mine tailings? Or pressure sketchy trade agreements for critical minerals?
Critical minerals could transform energy, just as did the Hoover Dam. Photograph by Ansel Adams, 1941. National Archives #519837. Public domain, with appreciation.
One answer may be in the desert of Nevada, not far from the earlier energy innovation of the Hoover Dam, where a small company has a big idea. Strategic mission? Supply critical minerals needed for renewable energy by recycling batteries that power everything from cellphones to electric vehicles.
Original CTO at Tesla, Straubel founded Redwood to harvest critical minerals used in batteries. Photo by Rudolf Simon, 2013. Creative Commons 3.0, with appreciation.
Tesla co-founder Jeffrey B. Straubel opened Redwood Materials in 2017 with a belief that all those electric vehicles (EV) would soon need battery replacement. That would mean a new market for end-of-service batteries. While Redwood currently recycles many lithium-ion batteries that make up 90% of its business, and also old cellphones and e-waste, the prize is an EV battery because of its size. EV batteries yield $2,000 of value in metals – all in one convenient big package.
China is leading in recycling critical minerals, as well as their refining: keys to renewable energy. Image: Chinese Hall by Marroyo12. Creative Commons 2.0. With appreciation.
China, with leadership in critical minerals and renewable energy products like solar panels and wind turbines, is also first in battery recycling to yield minerals. With 50 plants devoted just to battery recycling, China currently recycles 20% of cobalt and nickel, 10% of lithium with a goal of 100% recycled battery materials by 2042. China also leads the world in EVs. Since the Grand Canal (still under expansion as world’s longest construction project), China has innovated transport. EVs are the latest.
Worldwide, if battery recycling advances, 30% of cobalt, lithium, and nickel could be obtained for new batteries by 2040, as gauged by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, a London research firm covering markets for cobalt, copper, graphite, nickel, and lithium. Where does this leave climate deniers like the present US administration? Behind. Redwood Materials is growing, but many American battery recyclers still ship retrieved minerals to Asia for insertion into new batteries.
Investors and environmentalists, take note. By 2027, the battery recycling market is predicted to grow to $17 billion. Key battery recyclers include:
American Battery Technology Company https://americanbatterytechnology.com
Is mining for minerals obsolete? It should be. Recycling batteries for minerals emits 58% less carbon and uses 72% less water than mining. Yes, it is inconvenient and expensive, but that’s an area for innovation with a big pay-off.
Driving renewal. Image: “NonUK Roundabout 8 Cars” by Mintguy/Fredrik et al. Creative Commons 3.0. With appreciation.
If you are an investor, explore battery recycling companies. If you have devices with rechargeable batteries, when your technology is ready for replacement, please recycle: some companies above provide website drop-off information. Use your power to drive a better future through battery recycling to reuse critical minerals and renew the world.
Zhang, Ben, et al., “Lithium-ion battery recycling relieves the threat to material scarcity amid China’s electric vehicle ambitions.” Nature Communications 16, article number 6661 (2025). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-61481-y
Building the World Blog by Kathleen Lusk Brooke and Zoe G. Quinn is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 U
Coral by Erin Rod. Creative Commons 4.0. With appreciation.
Our blue commons is in crisis, and coral may be among the first victims. Reports produced by 160 scientists confirm that 84% of the world’s coral reefs have suffered the worst bleaching event in history.
Coral Bleaching; NOAA. Public Domain, with appreciation.
Since 1998, there have been four major global bleaching events. In the period 2014-2017, two-thirds of all reefs were devastated. Now, the most recent bleaching event, begun in 2023, has damaged 84%, confirmed by the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI).
Public Domain: Fair Use, 2023.
ICRI) launched at the 1994 Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity now leads scientists from 100 countries in the quest to save coral. Why is coral so important?
Trigger Fish at coral reef, by Jan Dirk. Public domain, with appreciation.
Did you know that 25% of all marine species live on or near coral reefs? Some refer to coral reefs as ‘rainforests of the sea’ because of their role as habitat for diverse species. Because of the number of fish that visit coral reefs, these areas draw larger fish, helping to nourish marine species. Fishing industry economics depend upon coral environments.
Another economic benefit of coral reefs? Eco-tourism. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia contributes tourism revenues of A$6 billion annually. Moreover the reef and its associated activities employ 64,000 people welcoming over 2 million visits annually. There are some concerns about overtourism: there are now regulations governing anchoring, boat charters, and tourism platforms.
Finally, coral reefs protect coastlines, acting as buffers and breakwaters from storms. Waves wash over these living structures and dissipate, reducing the impact on nearby coastal areas.
The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network reports that this coral bleaching event, the worst in history, is directly related to warming ocean waters. Algae that live inside coral, and give the reefs their spectacular colors, are a food source of coral. Sustained warmth triggers algae’s release of toxins. Corals then reject the algae, with with nothing to eat, soon wither and die. The present global bleaching event is so severe that the Coral Reef Watch program, a department within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), had to add new levels to its measurement system.
But, in the midst of all this bad news, there is a ray of hope. Coral can regenerate. Here are some spots of hope, to reference Dr. Sylvia Earle who advocates saving the ocean environment by preserving “hope spots.” Similarly, the High Seas Treaty contains provisions for marine protected areas (MPA). Can coral be saved, and in turn help to renew our blue commons?
Coral Restoration Foundation – planting and nurturing coral species in underwater nurseries allows coral to grow in ideal conditions. Using a breakthrough method called asexual reproduction, coral technologists can start with tiny pieces and nurture them to grow as big as a soccer pitch or football field in just one year. CRF calls the nursery facility the “Coral Tree.” Then, 75% of the new coral is harvested to replant in distressed reefs to spur the renewal process. The other 25% remans in the nursery to begin the process again. Located in Florida in Tavernier, near Key Largo, the Coral Restoration Foundation grew and restored 20,000 corals in 2024. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is the third largest barrier reef in the world. There are now over 1000 “Coral Trees” in three designs: Acroporid, Spiral, and Mega. Soon, CRF will launch nurseries in Barbados, Bonaire, Curacao, Jamaica, Mustique, and St. Lucia.
CRF collaborates with The Reef Institute in West Palm Beach and the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, USA. Other coral protection and regeneration centers may include the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Australian Institute of Marine Science, Reef Research Centre, Great Barrier Reef Foundation, and Queensland’s “Reef 2050 Plan.”
Great Barrier Reef, courtesy of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Public Domain, with appreciation.
But just because coral can regenerate does not solve the problem. If new coral are planted in a distressed reef, no magic renewal will be sustainable unless the conditions causing the problem are also relieved. That means taking actions on ocean acidification and climate warming that is raising ocean temperatures. But coral larvae can help and ultimately may hold the answers we seek to save the oceans.
As the High Seas Treaty states, biological diversity is the key to preserving our blue commons. Because coral reefs are the foundation of marine ecosystems, they determine the state of the ocean and the state of life on the entire planet, which depends upon the ocean. Preserving, and regenerating, coral should be our first step in protecting marine health and renewing the world. See below, as observed by Copernicus satellite system, regenerating coral on the Great Barrier Reef. It is possible: can we act in time?
“High Seas Trader” image from video game box. Creative Commons Fair Use. Included with appreciation.
What are the “high seas?” The expression came into being around 1350 ce, deriving from Old English heahflod or “deep water.” The high seas were out of reach, and often a place of maritime adventure, piracy, and danger. Later, the term defined the ocean area not within territory of any nation.
Ocean beyond 200 nautical miles is considered the “high seas” of international waters and belongs to everyone. It is our blue commons. Image: Kvasir, Creative Commons 3.0. With appreciation.
Ocean waters beyond 200 nautical miles, not subject to national jurisdiction and legally categorized as international waters, belong to every country, even those that are landlocked. This is our blue commons.
Wave graphic by NASA. Public Domain. With appreciation.
This month, September 2025, a new agreement, formally known as the “United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction,” is the first legally binding agreement for sustaining marine fauna and flora, sharing of scientific data , access to marine genetic resources, and creating marine protected areas (MPA).
“Marine Protected Areas” as of 2022. Will the High Seas Treaty create more MPA spots of hope? Image by Yo Russmo from MP Atlas. Creative Commons 4.0. With appreciation.
Marine protected areas (MPAs) provide sources with ecosystems intact, in circularity, so that nature is balanced and able to renew. Dr Sylvia Earle, founder of Mission Blue and sometimes called “Her Deepness,” proposed what she called “hope spots” that would serve to keep and potentially renew the ocean habitat. Rena Lee, President of the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity, who captained 36 hours of negotiation that led to the “30 x 30” pledge to protect 30% of Earth’s land and sea by 2030, made the High Seas Treaty text ready for ratification in 2023: it took two years to ratify. Lewis William Gordon Pugh, often referred to as “Sir Edmund Hillary in a swim suit” swam every ocean on the globe to promote Marine Protected Areas.
Lewis Pugh, 2007. Creative Commons 3.0. With appreciation.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) has approved “Areas of Particular Environmental Interest” or (APEI). This is good news. But the ISA is also preparing to decide whether (or when) to mine the deep seabed. Therein lie buried treasure deposits of critical minerals. ISA keeps a database “Deep Data” that identifies marine mineral resources.
International Seabed Authority (ISA) logo. Image by Rballeiro and ISA. Public Domain. With appreciation.
Cobalt, nickel, and other minerals important for electronics and smart devices are in high demand. Mining on land has thus far provided these resources, but mines are getting tapped out. The same minerals and metals are present in the deep seabed – in untapped abundance. For example, gold in the deep seabed is estimated to be worth $150 trillion.
Gold of El Dorado, Gold Museum of Bogotá. Photograph by Pedro Szekely. Creative Commons 2.0. With appreciation.
ISA is presently developing its Mining Code. Countries that are signatory to the Law of the Sea have the right to apply for mining access. So far, all the ISA contracts for cobalt and other materials are only for the first phase of Exploration. The next phase is Exploitation. Nauru triggered the Two Year rule, so mining decisions may be forthcoming.
Nauru. Image: Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program (ARM), US Department of Energy, 2002. Public Domain. With appreciation.
Our blue commons is the greatest portion of our planet, and also the origin of what we are now. We all came from the sea. And, it is the sea that will sustain us. As Rachel Carson warned: “No blue, no green.”
“No blue, no green.” Water may be the key to climate and environmental sustainability. Image: DipoleRadiation by Geoemyda, 2006. Creative Commons 3.0. With appreciation.
Once the High Seas Treaty is in effect, on 17 January 2026, there will soon be a Conference of the Parties (COP) to set the strategic agency and goals. What are your views? How can the High Seas Treaty protect, sustain, and renew our blue commons?
Brooke, K. Lusk. “Speedo Diplomacy.” pages 56-67. Renewing the World: Casebook for Leadership in Water. 2024. ISBN: 9798985035957. See also: https://renewing theworld.com
United Nations. “Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.” Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, CBD/COP/DEC/15/4,19 December 2022. Official Text: https://www.cbd.int/doc/decisions/cop-15/cop-15-dec-04-en.pdf
Washburn, Travis, et al., “Environmental Heterogeneity Throughout the Clarion-Clipperton Zone and the Potential Representativity of the APEI Network.” 30 March 2021. Frontiers in Marine Science, Volume 8, 2021. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.661685
Building the World Blog by Kathleen Lusk Brooke and Zoe G. Quinn is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 U
Cities provide water to residents and businesses, and may lead the way to renewing water in the era of climate change. “Animation of water drop on a faucet,” by Chris 73. Creative Commons 3.0. Included with appreciation.
Ever since humans began to gather in settlements, water use has been key to successful communities. The Code of Hammurabi, 1750 bce, detailed regulations on, among other things, irrigation and water use. Roman Aqueducts supplied water to a growing city; China’s Grand Canal brought water from the south to the capital Beijing, and still does today.
Where does Beijing get its water? The Grand Canal was built to carry water from the south to the north. Today, the purpose remains. The city also gets water from the Kunming Reservoir. Beijing channels reclaimed water for non-potable use from 300 wastewater plants serving the city. Image: “Modern Course of Grand Canal” by Ian Kiu, 2003. CC 3.0. Included with appreciation.
Water and energy are important ways cities can make a difference in climate change. In this series, we’ll take a look at how some cities are using (and reusing) these two essentials. Let’s start with water.
Cities and water are deeply intertwined. “Portland, Oregon at night” by Tabitha Mort, 2017. Creative Commons0 1.0, public domain, and included with appreciation.
Urban buildings use 14% of the world’s available potable water, but very few currently recycle and reuse this key resource. Water reuse can improve potable water availability by 25% in households and 75% in urban commercial buildings, according to the WateReuse Association and partner National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Water Systems. Drawing together agriculture, business, commercial buildings, and municipal utilities, the Recycled Water User Network (TM) connects recycled water users with innovative approaches. Looking to update your career? There’s even a job bank.
In the European Union, the Water Reuse system Wise Freshwater established innovations and programs. While more than 40,000 million m3 of wastewater is treated in the EU, less than 3% is reused. With the Water Reuse Regulation (WRR) there are now mandated approaches to water circularity.
Flag of the African Union, with 55 current member states. Image: African Union, 2010, public domain. Included with appreciation.
The African Union (AU) introduced a Water Vision for 2025 for integrated water resources management related to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6. African Water Facility notes that every dollar invested in water and sanitation produces seven dollars in benefits.
In the US, where water is a critical issue, both for drought and also in floods, five cities may lead the way to policy and innovation:
City planners often begin with water access. Image: Edwin Waller’s Layout for Austin, Texas in 1873. Creative Commons public domain, included with appreciation.
Austin, Texas launched their GoPurple water-saving program as part of the city’s 100-year plan Water Forward. By connecting mandated onsite water reuse systems (OWRS) to reclaimed water, Austin uses non-potable water for urban high-rise cooling towards, sanitation systems, and some irrigation.
Los Angeles: view of the Palisades Fire. By photographer Toasttal, 2025. Included with appreciation.
Los Angeles, California has suffered from drought and resultant wildfire. The city employs reclaimed water for industry, irrigation, and replenishing groundwater. LA developed a Green Building Code mandating that residential buildings over 25 stories have cooling towers serviced by non-potable water. Smaller buildings must reduce water use by 20%, and plumbing fixtures must use recycled water.
Miami: city of beaches, rising seas, and water policy. “Miami, Florida” by photographer Diego Delso, 2008. Creative Commons 3.0. Included with appreciation.
Miami, Florida grants real estate developers a 35% bonus if units use greywater and install onsite water reuse systems in buildings with more than 25 units. In the Florida Statute 403.892, the state details incentives for greywater (sometimes spelled graywater), a term for residential or office building water from all sources – except toilets.
“Phoenix Arizona Desert Heatwave Sunrise 2023” by photographer Ray Redstone, 2023. Creative Commons 4.0, included with appreciation.
Phoenix, Arizona is one of the most arid cities in the world. The city’s Water Smart incentive program offers free consultations on water conservation, reuse, and recycling. Approaches include appliance replacement rebate programs and financial incentives for removing grass. Training a new generation for water use in the future environment, Phoenix also offers classroom materials in Spanish and English.
San Francisco as seen from Marin Highlands by photographer Paul h., 2006. Public domain and included with appreciation.
San Francisco, California passed Article 12C of the city’s health code, requiring all new development projects over 100,000 gross square feet (9,290.304) install onsite water reuse systems. The city provides an Onsite Water Reuse Program Guidebook.
Cities are faster and more efficient policy makers than nations. While in the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may be affected by decisions and programs such as the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), a federal credit program administered by the EPA offering loans for water and wastewater infrastructure projects, cities may be a more reliable action point. By 2050, 69% of the world’s population will be urban. Are cities the climate policy leaders of the future?
Taketa, Õita Prefecture, Japan, uses circular water sharing. Image by Tsutsui Mizuki, 2007. Dedicated to the public domain by the photographer; included with appreciation.
Human use affects more than 70% of the global, ice-free land surface (IPCC 2019). Water resources will continue to be a critical issue. Cities may lead the way. C40 Cities is a global network of mayors uniting in action to respond to the climate crisis. With 97 cities comprising 22% of the entire global economy, C40 offers a Knowledge Hub for all cities to find ways to improve and protect the future.
Do you live in a city, large or small? How does your city use (and reuse) water?
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Climate Change and Land: An IPCC special report on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems. P.R. Shukla, et al., editors. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009157988.001
On 20 July, in 1969, the first human to set foot upon the moon proclaimed the achievement was: “One small step for a person, one giant leap for humankind.” Since the Nasa Apollo lunar landing, advances in space have accelerated.
July 20, 1969: Buzz Aldrin standing on the moon. NASA, Apollo 11. 1969. Public domain.
Six moon landings were completed by the US between 1969 and 1972. Russia deployed the first extraterrestrial rovers up until 1976. Since then, the moon has been visited by China, European Space Agency (ESA), India, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Pakistan, Russia, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.
India’s Chandrayaan Landing Sites on the moon. Did you know the Sanskrit/Hindi word for moon is Chandra? Image by Footy2000, from Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter data, 2023. Creative Commons 3.0.
While the Outer Space Treaty prohibits countries from proclaiming ownership of the moon, or other celestial bodies, private enterprise is not forbidden. At the time the Outer Space Treaty was developed, it was thought that no commercial company could ever amass needed funding, staff, and technology. But now, governments are partnering with businesses to explore – and exploit – lunar assets.
Image of the moon illustrating the various minerals located in the lunar northern hemisphere. NASA, Galileo project. Public Domain.
The moon contains water ice (useful for rocket fuel from hydrogen), helium-3 (useful for fusion reactors), and critical minerals including rare earths. There are also deposits of aluminum, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and titanium, as well as iron and silicon.
Flag of the United Nations (UN). Image: UN, public domain.
Agreements since the UN’s Outer Space Treaty (1967) further defined and regulated lunar assets. The 1972 Convention on International Liability for Damage caused by Space Objects, and the 1979 Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies may influence lunar activities.
Ocean seabed mining is now under review by the International Seabed Authority. Environmental damage could be severe. Image: “Sea Anemones” by Giacomo Merculiano, 1893. Public Domain.
During this time of demand for critical minerals, humans are beginning to look beyond traditional land. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is considering whether to permit ocean mining: environmental damage could be severe. Would the moon be safer? What about space debris? ISA decisions might affect space mining: ocean and space are the commons that belong to everyone.
Space mining and lunar harvesting are possible. But would they be a small step, or a giant misstep? Image: Space mining painting by Denise Watt, 1977, Ames Research Center (ARC) 1977. NASA image: S78-27139. Public Domain.
What do you think about space mining? Who owns the assets? What environmental and other aspects might need guidelines? Should the world’s governing organizations like the United Nations further define rights for space?
Koch, Jonathan Sydney. “Institutional Framework for the Province of all Mankind: Lessons from the International Seabed Authority for the Governance of Commercial Space Mining,” 2008, Astropolitics 16: 1, pages 1-27. https://www.tandfronline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14777622.2017.1381824
Microplastics pop out of bottles when opened. Image: “An orange fountain” by Japiot, 2011. Creative Commons0.1.0
Every time you pop open a plastic bottle, a fountain of microplastics enters your beverage. While we have known about microplastics in our water supply, and are developing innovative filters to catch them, a new source of contamination has been revealed.
When you pop open the cap on a plastic bottle, microplastics pop out into the air – and into your beverage and food. Image by MKFI, 2014. Public Domain
Imagine meeting a friend on a hot summer day. The heat is intense. You turn into the closest convenience store and purchase a chilled bottle of water. Your buddy opts for a fruit drink. Returning outside, you unscrew the little cap and take a long swig. Refreshing!
Pick up a sandwich, but don’t pick up extra microplastics as an unknown condiment. Image: “Guangdong East Metro Station” by MPCROOYW GROAHMOIOE, 2024. Public Domain.
Later, you decide to pick up lunch to enjoy in a nearby park for a picnic. Eagerly, you both open your food packaging, re-open your beverages, and settle in for some prime people watching as you sip and quip.
Food Packaging Forum study revealed findings: every time you open a plastic bottle or unwrap food packaged in plastic, you release micro and nano plastics into your food. Image: Public Domain.
But – did you know that every time you unscrew the cap on plastic bottle an invisible spray of nano and micro plastics cascades into your beverage? Or that the mere act of unwrapping a sandwich sprinkles an unseen, toxic condiment? The Food Packaging Forum in Switzerland released findings of a study examining effects of repetitive uncapping bottles and unwrapping food encased in protective plastic. It’s a warning to pop once, but not repeatedly.
Early water packaging. “New River Water” by Marceluss Laroon, 1687. Creative Commons Public Domain.
Sadly, microplastics have been detected in the oceans, mountains, and some of the world’s most pristine waterways like Loch Lomond and Ullswater Lake in England’s beautiful Lake District. London’s Thames River registered 84.1 microplastic elements per liter of water. When the New River was developed in 1609 to bring fresh water to the burgeoning metropolis of London, neither King James I nor Hugh Myddleton (any relation to the Princess of Wales?) intended for the new waterway to bring anything but health and beauty. The system still supplies water to London, but now there may be a reason to refine and renew the waterway.
Microplastics that have penetrated cytoplasm of MH-22a hepatocyte cells in human body. Image by Denis Karimov and Iana Valova, 2023. Creative Commons 4.0.
Scientists have known that plastic used in dietary prep and packaging leaches toxic chemicals into food and beverages. Microplastics found in the carotid arteries of consumers made those people twice as likely to suffer heart attacks and strokes. Microplastics have also been found in human brains, maternal milk, and even some penises. Above, you can see the image of microplastics that penetrated the cytoplasm of a human cell.
The average one liter bottle contains more than just water. Image: Jusotil, 2018. Creative Commons0 1.0: public domain.
The average 1 liter plastic beverage bottle (or the same amount at two bottled waters sold at a convenience store for personal consumption) contains 240, 000 plastic particles: 90% nano and 10% micro plastic.
Carry a metal (or glass) beverage bottle. If you purchase water in a plastic bottle, open it just once – to pour into your safer container. Image: “Metal water bottles” by Amraepowell, 2012. Public Domain.
So, if plastic is ubiquitous, what can you do?
Don’t pop that top – more than once. Carry a metal (or glass) beverage container and, after opening that nice chilled drink you just purchased, pour the beverage into your vessel and recycle the plastic bottle.
Sandwich? Ask for plain paper wrapping, if available.
Never microwave anything in plastic or put it in the dishwasher: heat causes more leaching.
Bring your own utensils, neatly tucked in your bag, instead of accepting plastic cutlery when enjoying take-out.
Take-home? Bring your own container to load your leftovers.
Add your voice! Image: “Giving Voice to Values” by Sonia Melendez, Ethics Unwrapped, 2014. Creative Commons 3.0.
Marfella, Raffaele, et al., “Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events. 6 March 2024. New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 390, No. 10. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2309822
