May 2, 2023
by Building The World
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It’s obvious that sea level rise will threaten low-lying coastal areas. But more than 50% of all Earth’s coasts are cliff-lined. Are these higher elevations safe? Not really. Climate scientists and city planners worrying about sea level rise have mostly … Continue reading
February 3, 2023
by Building The World
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Sharing water is one of the oldest bonds of community. Ancient villages centered around the well; urban settlements like Rome were built near rivers; great cities and civilizations began as ports. But when neighboring communities are seven large states, the … 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 18, 2022
by Building The World
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Cities are the largest depositories of plastic products. Plastic was the largest category of waste disposal in Singapore in 2020 – 763,000 tons. Singapore recycles only 4% of its plastic waste. Other cities may do a bit better: San Francisco … Continue reading
June 17, 2021
by Building The World
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The history of civilization may be measured by connection. First it was the Silk Road that connected cities; then it was the age of ships that created ports from Singapore to Suez. Canals threaded connection through waterways, making one route … Continue reading
September 4, 2020
by Building The World
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Labor Day 2020: for many it’s a beach weekend in flip flops. Too often, beaches are strewn with broken or discarded flip flops that litter the sand and pollute the water. Enter an innovation: biodegradable flip flops from the University … Continue reading
July 15, 2020
by Building The World
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During the virus pandemic, opening the windows of a building can help. But urban denizens often keep windows closed to block out city noise. Singapore, a city built on innovation, has developed a solution. A team of scientists including Masaharu … Continue reading
April 3, 2020
by Building The World
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Bridges can be rebuilt, but what about the water they span? There may be good news: oceans could return to vitality if we rebuild supportive habitats and conditions, according to a new study citing Sustainable Development Goal 14 of the … Continue reading
July 14, 2019
by Building The World
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New Orleans, Louisiana, USA: it’s an unprecedented situation. New Orleans, a city on the Mississippi River Delta, is under threat. The river, normally about 7 feet high in the summertime, sits presently at 16 feet, the result of spring flooding … Continue reading
March 26, 2019
by Building The World
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Singapore will mark its bicentennial this year, 2019, after celebrating its golden anniversary of independence in 2015. It was 200 years ago that two visitors rowed ashore to visit with a certain Sultan; Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles may not be … Continue reading