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Building Knowledge-Based Systems for Natural Resource Management
by Daniel L. Schmoldt H. Michael RauscherIf one were forced to use a single key word to describe the decade of the 1980's, a very prominent one would be "technology. " Leading the forefront of tech nology advancement were breakthroughs in electronics. Devices that were uncommon or unknown in 1980 became commonplace, and almost indispens able, by 1989. This trend has continued into the 1990's and it does not seem to be abating in any way. Microwave ovens, video recorders, telephone answer ing machines, compact disc players, computers, and a host of smaller or less sophisticated devices now appear in most households. The development of small and inexpensive computers, i. e. , personal computers, has placed computing resources within reach of many more people. In addition, many traditional, and largely mechanical devices, have been enhanced by electronics. For example, specialized microprocessors are combined with arrays of electronic sensors to control and monitor sophisticated engineering components in most new auto mobiles. In this and many other ways, we are touched by the new electronics in almost every aspect of our daily lives. Initially, personal computers were little more than toys. They contained only a small fraction of the computing power of their immediate ancestors, the mini computers and mainframe computers. However, rapid improvements in integ rated circuit design and chip manufacture produced regular reductions in size and cost of computer components. During the same time, processor speed and sophistication increased.
Building Knowledge for Geohazard Assessment and Management in the Caucasus and other Orogenic Regions (NATO Science for Peace and Security Series C: Environmental Security)
by Fabio Luca Bonali Federico Pasquaré Mariotto Nino TsereteliThis volume is aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the state of art of research related to geo-related hazards in the Caucasus and other orogenic regions; it is also devoted to shedding light on a broad array of geological phenomena as well as discussing innovative tools and strategies for geohazard assessment. Additional emphasis is placed on preventive and mitigation measures, which might be helpful in tackling seismic, volcanic and landslide risks affecting major lifelines and infrastructures. The innovative, multidisciplinary methodologies illustrated in this volume may be successfully applied to other orogenic regions across the globe. The book features major scientific contributions from experts working on different Earth Science topics, such as seismology, structural geology, applied geology and volcanology. Its chapters describe a wide gamut of cutting-edge research methodologies and are thus intended to be read and shared by the worldwide Earth Science community. In particular, the readers will have a chance to gain a thorough knowledge of a number of key geological features that can be observed across both the Greater and Lesser Caucasus. Moreover, the volume provides a thorough description of the techniques employed to assess seismic hazard in major cities - such as microzonation - and an overview of the efforts taken to monitor and prevent seismic and landslide hazard posed to vital energy infrastructures in the Caucasus region.
Building Lean, Building BIM: Improving Construction the Tidhar Way
by Rafael Sacks Samuel Korb Ronen BarakBuilding Lean, Building BIM is the essential guide for any construction company that wants to implement Lean Construction and Building Information Modelling (BIM) to gain a strategic edge over their competition. The first of its kind, the book outlines the principles of Lean, the functionality of BIM, and the interactions between the two, illustrating them through the story of how Tidhar Construction has implemented Lean Construction and BIM in a concerted effort over four years. Tidhar is a small-to-medium-sized construction company that pioneered a way of working that gave it a profit margin unheard of in its market. The company's story serves as a case study for explanation of the various facets of Lean Construction and BIM. Each chapter defines a principle of Lean and/or BIM, describes the achievements and failures in Tidhar's implementation based on the experiences of the key people involved, and reviews the relevant background and theory. The implementation at Tidhar has not been a pure success, but by examining their motives alongside their achievements and failures, readers will learn about what pitfalls and pinnacles to expect. A number of chapters also compare the experience of Tidhar with those of other companies who are leaders in their fields, such as Skanska and DPR. This book is highly relevant and useful to a wide range of readers from the construction industry, especially those who are frustrated with the inefficiencies in their companies and construction projects. It is also essential reading for Lean and BIM enthusiasts, researchers and students from a variety of industries and backgrounds.
Building Lean, Building BIM: Improving Construction the Tidhar Way
by Rafael Sacks Samuel Korb Ronen BarakBuilding Lean, Building BIM is the essential guide for any construction company that wants to implement Lean Construction and Building Information Modelling (BIM) to gain a strategic edge over their competition. The first of its kind, the book outlines the principles of Lean, the functionality of BIM, and the interactions between the two, illustrating them through the story of how Tidhar Construction has implemented Lean Construction and BIM in a concerted effort over four years. Tidhar is a small-to-medium-sized construction company that pioneered a way of working that gave it a profit margin unheard of in its market. The company's story serves as a case study for explanation of the various facets of Lean Construction and BIM. Each chapter defines a principle of Lean and/or BIM, describes the achievements and failures in Tidhar's implementation based on the experiences of the key people involved, and reviews the relevant background and theory. The implementation at Tidhar has not been a pure success, but by examining their motives alongside their achievements and failures, readers will learn about what pitfalls and pinnacles to expect. A number of chapters also compare the experience of Tidhar with those of other companies who are leaders in their fields, such as Skanska and DPR. This book is highly relevant and useful to a wide range of readers from the construction industry, especially those who are frustrated with the inefficiencies in their companies and construction projects. It is also essential reading for Lean and BIM enthusiasts, researchers and students from a variety of industries and backgrounds.
Building Materials for Sustainable and Ecological Environment
by Varenyam Achal Chee Seong ChinThis book uses theories, hypotheses, policies, practical insights and case studies to introduce and elucidate green building materials for sustainable construction. Cement is the most widely used building material in construction; however, it is not sustainable, being responsible for 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions and consuming huge quantities of energy. In order to limit the ecological damage, sustainable building materials are needed. Ecosystems are a source of important lessons and models for transitioning the built environment onto a sustainable path that opens options for sustainable building material in construction. The book provides a guide for readers seeking knowledge on sustainable building materials with the potential to lower environmental impact by reducing CO2 emission throughout the building’s lifecycle. The book is motivated by recent rapid advances in sustainable building materials production, including green building materials made of industrial by-products and recycled wastes, earth materials, plant-based materials, microbial-based materials or supplementary cementitious materials, to reduce the environmental impacts of traditional building materials. Discussing the development and applications of various sustainable building materials, including related case studies, and addressing the environmental issue with a holistic and systematic approach that creates an ecology of construction for sustainability in infrastructures, it offers promising solutions to achieve renewable and sustainable building materials for the future.
Building Materials, Health and Indoor Air Quality: Volume 2
by Tom WoolleyIn Building Materials, Health and Indoor Air Quality: Volume 2 Tom Woolley uses new research to continue to advocate for limiting the use of hazardous materials in construction and raise awareness of the links between pollutants found in building materials, poor indoor air quality and health problems. Chapters in this volume reinforce previous arguments and present new ones covering: Further evidence of the health impacts of hazardous emissions from materials Hazardous materials to be avoided and why Fire and smoke toxicity – the Lakanal House and Grenfell Tower legacy Sub-standard retrofits leading to damp and mould in previously sound houses A critical review of recent reports from UK Government and others on air quality and health problems including policy changes on flame retardants Growing evidence of cancer risks and the failure of cancer research organisations to address these issues A critical review of recent climate change and zero carbon policies and a discussion on whether extreme energy efficiency is a good thing This book asks some important and, for some, uncomfortable questions, but in doing so it brings to light important areas for research and provides much needed guidance for architects, engineers, construction professionals, students and researchers on hazardous materials and how to reduce their use and design and build healthier buildings for all occupants.
Building Materials, Health and Indoor Air Quality: Volume 2
by Tom WoolleyIn Building Materials, Health and Indoor Air Quality: Volume 2 Tom Woolley uses new research to continue to advocate for limiting the use of hazardous materials in construction and raise awareness of the links between pollutants found in building materials, poor indoor air quality and health problems. Chapters in this volume reinforce previous arguments and present new ones covering: Further evidence of the health impacts of hazardous emissions from materials Hazardous materials to be avoided and why Fire and smoke toxicity – the Lakanal House and Grenfell Tower legacy Sub-standard retrofits leading to damp and mould in previously sound houses A critical review of recent reports from UK Government and others on air quality and health problems including policy changes on flame retardants Growing evidence of cancer risks and the failure of cancer research organisations to address these issues A critical review of recent climate change and zero carbon policies and a discussion on whether extreme energy efficiency is a good thing This book asks some important and, for some, uncomfortable questions, but in doing so it brings to light important areas for research and provides much needed guidance for architects, engineers, construction professionals, students and researchers on hazardous materials and how to reduce their use and design and build healthier buildings for all occupants.
Building Materials, Health and Indoor Air Quality: Volume 2
by Tom WoolleyIn Building Materials, Health and Indoor Air Quality: Volume 2 Tom Woolley uses new research to continue to advocate for limiting the use of hazardous materials in construction and raise awareness of the links between pollutants found in building materials, poor indoor air quality and health problems. Chapters in this volume reinforce previous arguments and present new ones covering: Further evidence of the health impacts of hazardous emissions from materials Hazardous materials to be avoided and why Fire and smoke toxicity – the Lakanal House and Grenfell Tower legacy Sub-standard retrofits leading to damp and mould in previously sound houses A critical review of recent reports from UK Government and others on air quality and health problems including policy changes on flame retardants Growing evidence of cancer risks and the failure of cancer research organisations to address these issues A critical review of recent climate change and zero carbon policies and a discussion on whether extreme energy efficiency is a good thing This book asks some important and, for some, uncomfortable questions, but in doing so it brings to light important areas for research and provides much needed guidance for architects, engineers, construction professionals, students and researchers on hazardous materials and how to reduce their use and design and build healthier buildings for all occupants.
Building Materials, Health and Indoor Air Quality: Volume 2
by Tom WoolleyIn Building Materials, Health and Indoor Air Quality: Volume 2 Tom Woolley uses new research to continue to advocate for limiting the use of hazardous materials in construction and raise awareness of the links between pollutants found in building materials, poor indoor air quality and health problems. Chapters in this volume reinforce previous arguments and present new ones covering: Further evidence of the health impacts of hazardous emissions from materials Hazardous materials to be avoided and why Fire and smoke toxicity – the Lakanal House and Grenfell Tower legacy Sub-standard retrofits leading to damp and mould in previously sound houses A critical review of recent reports from UK Government and others on air quality and health problems including policy changes on flame retardants Growing evidence of cancer risks and the failure of cancer research organisations to address these issues A critical review of recent climate change and zero carbon policies and a discussion on whether extreme energy efficiency is a good thing This book asks some important and, for some, uncomfortable questions, but in doing so it brings to light important areas for research and provides much needed guidance for architects, engineers, construction professionals, students and researchers on hazardous materials and how to reduce their use and design and build healthier buildings for all occupants.
Building New Bridges Between Business and Society: Recent Research and New Cases in CSR, Sustainability, Ethics and Governance (CSR, Sustainability, Ethics & Governance)
by Hualiang Lu René Schmidpeter Nicholas Capaldi Liangrong ZuThis book provides a comprehensive understanding of the linkages between business and society by addressing key issues in corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability, ethics and governance. Thanks to the different visions and perspectives offered by a global group of authors with a broad range of expertise, the book offers a full spectrum of theoretical and practical approaches. Further, it combines the latest theoretical thinking with reviews of frameworks, cases and best practices from various industries and nations. In particular, the book offers a historical perspective on the origins of CSR and discusses CSR in relation to sustainability and management, with a special focus on CSR in Asia.
Building Pathology, Durability and Service Life (Building Pathology and Rehabilitation #12)
by J. M. P. Q. DelgadoThis book provides a collection of recent research works, helping contribute to the systematization and dissemination of the latest findings on building pathologies (structural and hygrothermal), salt attack and corrosion, durability and service-life prediction. It reflects a number of recent advances concerning the above-mentioned topics, particularly in concrete structures. Intended as an overview of the current state of knowledge, the book will benefit scientists, students, practitioners, lecturers and other interested parties. At the same time, the topics covered are relevant to a variety of scientific and engineering disciplines, including civil, materials and mechanical engineering.
Building Physics: Heat, Ventilation, Moisture, Light, Sound, Fire, and Urban Microclimate (Springer Tracts in Civil Engineering)
by Sašo MedvedThe book presents the theoretical background of building physics, dealing with the evaluation of physical phenomena related to heat transfer and energy use in buildings, water and water vapour transfer in building structures, daylighting and electric lighting of buildings, sound transmission in building structures and protection against noise, the occurrence and spread of fires in buildings and the thermal response of cities. It contains numerical and computational evaluation methods, numerous computational case studies and examples of experimental analyses. The book demonstrates that the considered physical processes affect the quality of living and working comfort in indoor and outdoor environment.
Building Physics: From physical principles to international standards
by Marko PinterićThis book offers a comprehensive presentation of the most important phenomena in building physics: heat transfer, moisture/humidity, sound/acoustics and illumination. As the book is primarily aimed at engineers, it addresses technical issues with the necessary pragmatism and incorporates many practical examples and related international standards. In order to ensure a complete understanding, it also explains the underlying physical principles and relates them to practical aspects in a simple and clear manner. The relationships between the various phenomena of building physics are clarified through consistent cross-referencing of formulas and ideas. The second edition features both new and revised sections on topics such as energy balance, solar gain, ventilation, road traffic and daylighting and takes into account new developments in international standards. It newly features almost 200 illustrations and 21 videos worth of supplementary material. The book is primarily aimed at students of civil engineering and architecture, as well as scientists and practitioners in these fields who wish to deepen or broaden their knowledge of topics within building physics.
Building Physics - Heat, Air and Moisture: Fundamentals and Engineering Methods with Examples and Exercises
by Hugo S. HensBad experiences with construction quality, the energy crises of 1973 and 1979, complaints about "sick buildings", thermal, acoustical, visual and olfactory discomfort, the need for good air quality, the move towards more sustainability - all these have accelerated the development of a field that, for a long time, was hardly more than an academic exercise: building physics (in English speaking countries sometimes referred to as building science). The discipline embraces domains such as heat and mass transfer, building acoustics, lighting, indoor environmental quality and energy efficiency. In some countries, fire safety is also included. Through the application of physical knowledge and its combination with information coming from other disciplines, the field helps to understand the physical phenomena governing building parts, building envelope, whole buildings and built environment performance, although for the last the wording "urban physics" is used. Today, building physics has become a key player on the road to a performance based building design. The book deals with the description, analysis and modeling of heat, air and moisture transport in building assemblies and whole buildings with main emphasis on the building engineering applications, including examples. The physical transport processes determine the performance of the building envelope and may influence the serviceability of the structure and the whole building. Compared to the second edition, in this third edition the text has partially been revised and extended.
Building Physics - Heat, Air and Moisture: Fundamentals and Engineering Methods with Examples and Exercises
by Hugo S. HensBad experiences with construction quality, the energy crises of 1973 and 1979, complaints about "sick buildings", thermal, acoustical, visual and olfactory discomfort, the need for good air quality, the move towards more sustainability - all these have accelerated the development of a field that, for a long time, was hardly more than an academic exercise: building physics (in English speaking countries sometimes referred to as building science). The discipline embraces domains such as heat and mass transfer, building acoustics, lighting, indoor environmental quality and energy efficiency. In some countries, fire safety is also included. Through the application of physical knowledge and its combination with information coming from other disciplines, the field helps to understand the physical phenomena governing building parts, building envelope, whole buildings and built environment performance, although for the last the wording "urban physics" is used. Today, building physics has become a key player on the road to a performance based building design. The book deals with the description, analysis and modeling of heat, air and moisture transport in building assemblies and whole buildings with main emphasis on the building engineering applications, including examples. The physical transport processes determine the performance of the building envelope and may influence the serviceability of the structure and the whole building. Compared to the second edition, in this third edition the text has partially been revised and extended.
Building Physics - Heat, Air and Moisture: Fundamentals, Engineering Methods, Material Properties and Exercises
by Hugo S. HensBad experiences with construction quality, the energy crises of 1973 and 1979, complaints about "sick buildings", thermal, acoustical, visual and olfactory discomfort, the need for good air quality, the move towards energy efficiency, decarbonization and sustainability ? all these have accelerated the development of a discipline that, for a long time, was hardly more than an academic exercise: building physics. The discipline embraces domains such as heat and mass transfer, building acoustics, lighting, indoor environmental quality, energy efficiency, and, in some countries, fire safety. Through the application of physical knowledge and its combination with information coming from other disciplines, building physics helps to under-stand the physical phenomena governing building parts, building envelope, whole building and built environment performance ? called urban physics. Today, building physics has be-come a key player on the road to highly performing new buildings and renovations. This book deals with heat, air and moisture transport in building parts or assemblies and whole buildings with emphasis on the building engineering applications. Compared to the third edition, this fourth edition has been expanded in chapter 1 to include the physical determination of the thermal conductivity of materials, together with an in-depth discussion of all the effects of thicker insulation layers. In chapter 2, additional information has been added on wind pressure and the evaluation of condensation inside the building com-ponents, while a new chapter 4 on material properties has been included. The whole book, including the figures, has been revised and restructured where necessary.
Building Physics - Heat, Air and Moisture: Fundamentals, Engineering Methods, Material Properties and Exercises
by Hugo S. HensBad experiences with construction quality, the energy crises of 1973 and 1979, complaints about "sick buildings", thermal, acoustical, visual and olfactory discomfort, the need for good air quality, the move towards energy efficiency, decarbonization and sustainability ? all these have accelerated the development of a discipline that, for a long time, was hardly more than an academic exercise: building physics. The discipline embraces domains such as heat and mass transfer, building acoustics, lighting, indoor environmental quality, energy efficiency, and, in some countries, fire safety. Through the application of physical knowledge and its combination with information coming from other disciplines, building physics helps to under-stand the physical phenomena governing building parts, building envelope, whole building and built environment performance ? called urban physics. Today, building physics has be-come a key player on the road to highly performing new buildings and renovations. This book deals with heat, air and moisture transport in building parts or assemblies and whole buildings with emphasis on the building engineering applications. Compared to the third edition, this fourth edition has been expanded in chapter 1 to include the physical determination of the thermal conductivity of materials, together with an in-depth discussion of all the effects of thicker insulation layers. In chapter 2, additional information has been added on wind pressure and the evaluation of condensation inside the building com-ponents, while a new chapter 4 on material properties has been included. The whole book, including the figures, has been revised and restructured where necessary.
Building Renovation: How to Retrofit and Reuse Existing Buildings to Save Energy and Respond to New Needs (SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology)
by Manuela GrecchiThis book reviews the building renovation process by systematizing the phases of analysis and prior knowledge through a project that not only considers energy savings but also thoroughly examines complex issues, such as defining the correct new functions and answers to new needs. The urgency of climate change and the many problems associated with the excessive use of energy are forcing a reorganization of the renovation process with an interest in reusing existing buildings with a more sustainable approach. The adaptive transformation of old buildings has become a dominant theme in many urban renewal projects. It must necessarily include strategies for energy efficiency, reduced pollutant emissions, improved environmental performance, economic sustainability and cultural identity. The examples selected are intended to provide evidence of good practices in the review and transformation of old buildings.
Building Resilience and Planning for Extreme Water-Related Events (Palgrave Studies in Climate Resilient Societies)
by Teresa Sprague Kathrin Prenger-BerninghoffThis book discusses what it means for cities to work toward and achieve resilience in the face of climate change. The content takes an urban planning perspective with a water-related focus, exploring the continued global and local efforts in improving disaster risk management within the water sphere. Chapters examine four cities in the US and Germany - San Francisco, San Diego, Solingen and Wuppertal - as the core case studies of the discussion. The chapters for each case delve into the current status of the cities and issues resilience must overcome, and then explore solutions and key takeaways learned from the implementation of various resilience approaches. The book concludes with a summary of cross-cutting themes, best-practice examples and a reflection on the relevance of the approaches to cases in the wider developing world. This book engages both practitioners and scientific audiences alike, particularly those interested in issues addressed by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the recent Water Action Decade 2018-2028 and the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities.
Building Resilience for Flood Disaster in Malaka-Timor, Indonesia: Risk Perception from Human Geography (Springer Natural Hazards)
by Apolonia Diana da CostaThis book provides a new and different perspective on human geography as an umbrella understanding of the social science of disaster management, but it is simple to understand, where disaster-affected communities anywhere, for example in this study in disaster communities in Malacca-Timor, eastern Indonesia (female/customary land) can respond to flood disasters with the resilience capacity they have day after day. What is presented in this book is very relevant and indicates the concept of resilience to flood disasters from the perspective of the community (human geography) through the use of applied science along with practical social methods or approaches combined with applied GIS data in the form of nine spatial distribution maps of each resilience capacity/asset that flood-affected communities have in coping with disaster impacts or risks. In the relevance of human geography, natural disasters, and spatial studies, we as readers jointly find a bright spot in this book, that natural vulnerability has an impact on physical, social, cultural, economic, religious, legal, and political vulnerabilities, where communities experiencing flood hazards need to learn to deal with and/or practice the resources they have. The resources they have in the scientific trajectory of human geography, disaster management, and spatial studies are specialized in understanding how effective, efficient, and adequate the resilience they have in the study of sustainable livelihood development, is based on the lens of social-ecological integrity. This book provides a clear and digestible understanding for all readers from interdisciplinary scientific backgrounds.
Building Resilience for Uncertain Water Futures
by Patricia GoberThis book describes the existential threats facing the global water systems from population growth and economic development, unsustainable use, environmental change, and weak and fragmented governance. It argues that ‘business-as-usual’ water science and management cannot solve global water problems because today’s water systems are increasingly complex and face uncertain future conditions. Instead, a more holistic, strategic, agile and publically engaged process of water decision making is needed.Building Resilience for Uncertain Water Futures emphasises the importance of adaptation through a series of case studies of cities, regions, and communities that have experimented with anticipatory policy-making, scenario development, and public engagement. By shifting perspective from an emphasis on management to one of adaptation, the book emphasizes the capacity to manage uncertainties, the need for cross-sector coordination, and mechanisms for engaging stakeholder with differing goals and conflict resolution. This book will be a useful resource for students and academics seeking a better understanding of sustainable water use, water policy and water resources management.
Building Resilience for Uncertain Water Futures
by Patricia GoberThis book describes the existential threats facing the global water systems from population growth and economic development, unsustainable use, environmental change, and weak and fragmented governance. It argues that ‘business-as-usual’ water science and management cannot solve global water problems because today’s water systems are increasingly complex and face uncertain future conditions. Instead, a more holistic, strategic, agile and publically engaged process of water decision making is needed.Building Resilience for Uncertain Water Futures emphasises the importance of adaptation through a series of case studies of cities, regions, and communities that have experimented with anticipatory policy-making, scenario development, and public engagement. By shifting perspective from an emphasis on management to one of adaptation, the book emphasizes the capacity to manage uncertainties, the need for cross-sector coordination, and mechanisms for engaging stakeholder with differing goals and conflict resolution. This book will be a useful resource for students and academics seeking a better understanding of sustainable water use, water policy and water resources management.
Building Resilience of Human-Natural Systems of Pastoralism in the Developing World: Interdisciplinary Perspectives
by Shikui Dong Karim-Aly S. Kassam Jean François Tourrand Randall B. BooneThis edited volume summarizes information about the situational context, threats, problems, challenges and solutions for sustainable pastoralism at a global scale. The book has four goals. The first goal is to summarize the information about the history, distribution and patterns of pastoralism and to identify the importance of pastoralism from social, economic and environmental perspectives. The results of an empirical investigation of the environmental and socio-economic implications of pastoralism in representative pastoral regions in the world are also incorporated.The second goal is to argue that breaking coupled human-natural systems of pastoralism leads to degradation of pastoral ecosystems and to create an analysis framework to assess the vulnerability of worldwide pastoralism. Our analysis framework provides approaches to help comprehensively understand the transitions and the impacts of human-natural systems in the pastoral regions in the world.The third goal is to identify the successful models in promoting coupled human-natural systems of pastoralism, and to learn lessons of breaking coupled human-cultural pastoralism systems through examining the representative cases in regions including Central Asia, Southern and Eastern Asia, Northern and Eastern Africa, the European Alps and South America.The fourth goal is to identify the strategies to build the resilience of the coupled human-natural systems of pastoralism worldwide. We hope that our book can facilitate the further examination of sustainable development of coupled human-natural systems of pastoralism by providing the summaries of existing data and information related to the pastoralism development, and by offering a framework for better understanding and analysis of their social, economic and environmental implications.
Building Resilience to Climate Change in Small Island Developing States (Environmental Contamination Remediation and Management)
by C. D. Metcalfe Erin R. BennettThis book summarizes approaches that integrate the environmental, economic, and physical domains with the values, and needs of the population are necessary to develop sustainable strategies that will enhance the resilience of small islands, within the context of inter-island differences in geology, ecology, societal attitudes, governance, and human and economic resources. The impacts of coastal damage and flooding are predicted to worsen during this century due to rising sea levels and increases in the frequency and intensity of storms. The usual approach to coastal protection in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean is to view both the hazards and the solutions from the “Ocean Side” perspective and to react with “hard” engineering solutions. These structural engineering approaches prevent damage and disruptions to services associated with predictable events but leave communities vulnerable to future events that do not follow historical trends. Furthermore, engineered structures do not adequately address the systemic nature of climate change nor account for compounding threats (e.g., coincidence of hurricane season and global pandemics). To move from this traditional strategy for managing risks from coastal hazards, we need to consider a portfolio of solutions that enhance island protection and community resilience. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are gaining attention as practical and cost-effective approaches for mitigating climate-based stressors. However, deployment of NBS strategies requires spatial coordination within the context of “ridge to reef” or integrated water resource management (IWRM) approaches that include the creation of conditions for social acceptance, equity, effective governance, and financial incentives.
Building Resilient Cities in China: Selected Papers from the 7th International Association for China Planning Conference, Shanghai, China, June 29 – July 1, 2013 (GeoJournal Library #113)
by Xueming Chen Qisheng PanThis book discusses a range of planning and management issues related to building urban resiliency. It covers such topics as urban, environmental, and transportation planning, historical preservation, emergency relief and management, geographic information systems (GIS) and other technological applications. The book includes case studies of several cities and districts in China, including Shanghai, and a number of cities in the United States of America.Urban resiliency in the face of uncertainty is a priority for planning and governance in communities worldwide. In China, which has suffered many of the world’s most devastating floods, earthquakes, and typhoons, preparing for the threat of disaster has long been an important planning objective. Recent calamities, such as the 2008 Winter Storms, the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake, and the 2012 Beijing Floods have only made planning for resiliency more urgent. As planners work to prepare for such events, interdisciplinary collaboration becomes increasingly important. Planners need the tools and insights offered by other fields, including both the natural and social sciences. At the same time, these interdisciplinary relationships help shape the identity of urban-rural planning in its new role as one of China’s primary academic disciplines. Thus, the nexus between planning and science is critically important in building resilient cities in China, and the Chinese planning experience can serve as an example to and benefit countries around the world.