With the imminent threat of increased flooding and erosion, some are wondering if Venice, Italy will be able to sustain itself as a habitable place.
"For centuries the hub of a fabled maritime empire, Venice today has lost half its population and relies on strangers for survival. For the estimated 12 million tourists who visit annually, a sloshy St. Mark's Square may seem part of the fluid city's charm. But for residents and those who want to preserve Venice as a living city, the floods are disastrous....Between rising sea levels and dropping land levels, the city has lost more ground in the last century than in the previous millennium. Now, a debate over how to save the city once again surges, pitting environmentalists against big business against engineers, with the only agreement being that something must be done, and soon....Children can't get to school, adults can't go to work. If the water rises above a certain level, Venice's sleek, black gondolas -- and more important, its fireboats, ambulances, and water taxis -- cannot reach destinations because they can't pass under bridges."
Thanks to Connie Chung
FULL STORY: In Venice, a struggle to stay above water
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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