Sustainable Urban Development
With cities expected to host about 70 percent of the world's population, sustainable urban development is key to making communities worldwide more resilient against the growing threat of climate change. Find out about the latest urban practices from across the world aiming to make our cities more sustainable and inclusive in these good-news stories from The Optimist Daily.
What are green roofs and should you consider one? The history and benefits of green roofs
Green roofs, a millennia-old notion, have grown from ancient customs into modern marvels of sustainable construction. These living roofs, which combine plants and shelter, have a rich history that inspires architectural creativity even now. Green roofs at the roots: from ancient practices to Read More...
The electric bus fleet of Modesto City Schools is igniting a greener future in education
With the introduction of 30 brand-new electric buses in this Northern California school district, Modesto City Schools is embarking on a groundbreaking road toward sustainability. This bold step represents a watershed point in the district's commitment to establishing a greener, more Read More...
Innovative nanomaterial inspired by butterfly wings offers colorful cooling solution
In a society plagued by increasing temperatures and concerns about the environment, biomimicry offers a game-changing solution to keeping cool. Scientists from Shenzhen University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University were inspired by the beautiful patterns found on butterfly wings and peacock feathers Read More...
Empowering women in the electrical industry— A labor and wage gap solution
The demand for trained electricians has reached critical levels as the United States strives to shift away from fossil fuels and toward sustainable energy alternatives. Unfortunately, the electrical industry is still mainly male, with women accounting for a mere two percent of all electricians. Read More...
What is eco-grazing? Ancient horses and bison battle Spain and Portugal's wildfires
The Iberian Peninsula experienced a tremendous collaboration of old breeds, the Garrano horse and the European bison, working together to combat the risk of wildfires that threaten the region in a revolutionary experiment. By clearing scrubland and vegetation that serves as fuel for wildfires, Read More...
The world's largest offshore wind turbine provides clean energy to thousands in China
In an incredible feat of engineering, Three Gorges Energy successfully connected the world's first 16-megawatt offshore wind turbine to the power grid. The MingYang Smart Energy MySE 16-260 towers over the skyline with its 260-meter (853-ft) rotor diameter, ready to offer renewable energy to about Read More...
New York fossil fuel plant pivots to offshore wind energy and takes employees with them
The move away from fossil fuels is becoming increasingly important as the pressure to tackle climate change intensifies. However, the displacement of employees in the fossil fuel industry has been a major source of concern. Labor union members at New York's Ravenswood Generating Station are slated Read More...
Extending conservation across 1% of the planet: A crucial strategy for biodiversity preservation
In an important breakthrough, a recent study conducted by esteemed scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS), Durham University, and Princeton University reveals a powerful solution to preserve Earth's biodiversity. According to a press release from Durham University, the study Read More...
Puerto Rico's revolutionary community-led solar microgrid
In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017, the Puerto Rican municipality of Adjuntas was plunged into darkness, with no power for weeks. Despite the enormous hurdles, one business, Lucy’s Pizza, stood as a beacon of hope in the midst of the mayhem. The restaurant was powered by a noisy and Read More...
Solar-(em)powered: These streetlights illuminate a path towards climate resilience
The necessity for climate-resilient infrastructure is increasingly evident to prepare for the future. Solar-powered streetlights are one such innovation with enormous promise. These lights provide a stable and independent source of illumination by harnessing the sun's energy, even during power Read More...