Stormwater runoff from roads and parking lots that is directed to catch basins and sewer systems can bring with it oil, fuel, debris, sand, animal waste, and other pollutants. This stormwater may go a treatment facility, which is costly, but more commonly goes directly into rivers, lakes, and oceans untreated. When stormwater runoff is directed …
Mental and physical health issues cause suffering worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that over 300 million people suffer from depression. More than 15 million deaths have been due to heart disease and stroke. People who are smokers, overweight and physically inactive are at risk of these health issues. Nature-based solutions (NBS) such as urban …
According to the United Nations, an estimated 54.5% of people live in cities worldwide, which is expected to increase to 60% by 2030. The area of public green space in a city can be as low as 2%, as in Dubai, and as high as 54%, as in Moscow. For many, the only option for …
With land subsidence and rising sea levels, coastal flooding is increasingly threatening communities. Grey infrastructure solutions like seawalls and levees can be used to prevent coastal flooding, but these options are expensive and can lead to other problems. Beaches are natural, dynamic systems and when these walls are introduced, natural habitats in the intertidal zone …
Erosion is the loss of soil when it is unprotected and exposed to wind and water. Surfaces disturbed by human activity are at risk of eroding. Deforestation, coral reef damage, mangrove destruction, land use alteration, poor agriculture practices, urbanization, stream alterations, and desertification are all serious contributors to erosion. The consequences of erosion include loss …
