The global stage is as complex as it is interesting and as beautiful as it is concerning. And it is often difficult to filter out the larger, momentous issues with those that affect us on a more personal, day-to-day level. And even more difficult yet to determine just how much the larger issues ultimately do affect us.
From the UN's sustainable development goals and the outbreak of the coronavirus, to the practical methods of installing a well pump, we've covered relevant and interesting articles from various sources.
The following articles cover topics related to water crisis, sustainability, contagion awareness, aquaponics, well water systems, permaculture, rainwater harvesting, environment, and water technology.
Water Crisis
World Resources Institute / January 21, 2020
Credit: Global Commissions on Adaptation, World Bank 2019
"The solutions to world’s water crises, though, cost far less than you might think. New WRI research found that securing water for our societies by 2030 could cost just over 1% of global GDP —about 29 cents per person, per day from 2015-2030."
A study done by the World Resources Institute suggests that in order to reach “sustainable water management” – the desired end-state for achieving water security – it would cost just 1% of the world’s GDP. The study takes into careful consideration the unique challenges each country faces and factors them into its calculations.
Sustainable water management involves goals such as the delivery of safe drinking water to all populations, the delivery of safe sanitation services, and treating all industrial wastewater. Matching the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal #6, WRI hopes to achieve sustainable water management by 2030.
Read full article here.
Sustainability
Futurity / January 30, 2020
Credit: Getty Images
"The specially designed photovoltaic cell could generate up to 50 watts of power per square meter (about 10.75 square feet) under ideal conditions at night, about a quarter of what a conventional solar panel can generate in daytime, according to a concept paper in ACS Photonics."
This new type of material, researched by Jeremy Munday of the University of California, Davis, operates in the same way as normal solar cells, but in reverse.
Once fully developed, these "night" cells can work around the clock, creating a very intriguing option in sustainable energy. Those invested in solar energy may find this new discovery quite useful.
Read full article here.
Contagion Awareness
Think Global Health / January 31, 2020
Credit: REUTERS/cnsphoto
"Launched on January 21, 2020, our editorial team has been monitoring the unfolding coronavirus outbreak and its economic and social consequences. We will be updating this timeline frequently as new developments are reported. You can access all of Think Global Health’s coronavirus coverage here."
Think Global Health publishes a continually updated timeline of the progression of the coronavirus outbreak starting from its earliest discovered case on December 1st, 2019. The website includes information on the number of confirmed cases in each country as well as current travel bans and border restrictions.
Be sure to check the site regularly for updates on how to keep you and your family safe.
Read full article here.
Aquaponics
Credit: Pixabay
"One reason for high food miles is because most food requires a large amount of open land and arable soil, and requires a specific climate to be grown at a large scale. Only certain parts of the country meet this criteria, and these areas must transport food long distances to reach all U.S. consumers. The map to the right shows the nine counties in the U.S. (highlighted in red) from which most food originates."
Aquaponics, the farming system which incorporates live fish with hydroponics, is a sustainable idea that is quickly gaining popularity among the permaculture community. Because aquaponics allows for the harvesting of fresh vegetables at a rapid growth rate, it has the potential for reducing the need for food transportation.
This article, published by the Aquaponics Association, illustrates how aquaponics may ultimately reduce unnecessary food miles. Aquaponics, as self-sufficient as it is for individuals and small-scale farming, may have much larger implications in terms of sustainability.
Read full article here.
Well Water Systems
Water Right Group / January 2, 2020
Credit: Water Right Group
"Well water is untreated groundwater stored in aquifers (underground layers of porous rock). Wells get drilled as far down as 1,000 feet into the rock to access the water. Pipe casing gets installed into the hole, and a concrete or clay sealant surrounds it to protect against contaminants. Water travels through this casing via a well pump. The well system gets capped off above ground. The water then enters your home from a pipe connected between the casing and a pressure tank (generally located in your home’s basement). From there, it gets distributed to faucets throughout your home."
The Water Right Group, a leader in the well water pumping industry, published an article which discusses the basics of a private well system. The article includes important information on all the components involved in a well system and troubleshooting tips.
Well systems are a key component of self-sufficient, sustainable living. For those interested in starting a private well system, this article may provide good foundational knowledge.
Read full article here.
Permaculture
Permaculture News / January 6, 2020
Credit: Pixabay
"The question “Where to start” reared its head once again. All this space on the farm, so many opportunities. With my permaculture design tools in my pocket I got to work. I worked with what plants and knowledge and goals I had, read the landscape, and picked a small place to start."
Jonathan Bates, of the Permaculture Research Institute, shares how he upscaled his small farm into a full-blown growing-garden.
For those interested in having a more self-sufficient existence, this article may be helpful in providing the knowledge base for transitioning.
Read full article here.
Rainwater Harvesting
The Hindu / December 27, 2019
Credit: The Hindu
"As part of the initiative, Madurai Corporation has installed a new model of rainwater harvesting structure on a pilot basis along roadsides at two places in the city. This advanced model is an addition to the existing rainwater harvesting structures built recently by the civic body at 153 low-lying spots. According to Corporation officials, the new model with ‘eco bloc,’ made of plastic, will help in faster percolation of rainwater, compared to the existing model."
In a particular state in India, where groundwater levels are rapidly depleting, officials are looking to incorporate more efficient methods of capturing rainwater.
A new model, invented by the Madurai Corporation, incorporates an “eco-bloc” system, allowing to hold 3 times as much rainwater than their previous catchment system.
For those involved with domestic rainwater harvesting, incorporating new ideas for more efficient catchment systems is always helpful.
Read full article here.
Climate and Environment
Science Alert/ January 30, 2020
Credit: Aremac/Getty Images
"During a 2017 expedition around the Gulf, researchers at the Max Plank Institute for Chemistry noticed that levels of ethane and propane in the air above the Northern Red Sea were up to 40 times higher than predicted, even accounting for regional manmade emissions."
The Middle East holds over half of the entire world’s gas reserves in its oceans, releasing large amounts of pollutants into the air. In 2017, researchers at the Max Plank Institute for Chemistry observed that levels of ethane and propane in the air above the Red Sea were 40 times higher than normal. This presents another source of fossil fuel exploitation but also presents dangerous implications for the greater region’s atmosphere.
Read full article here.
Water Tech
Water Online / January 21, 2020
Credit: Pixabay
"As real-time monitoring continues to infiltrate the water industry, it’s time to apply such instrumentation to detect the other type of infiltration — along with inflow, snow and ice melt, etc."
The efficiency of a water system is directly dependent on the infrastructure that allows it to be collected, distributed, and disposed of. Collection systems are historically one of the least technologically advanced aspects of the water industry.
Ron Toten, senior project manager at SmartCover, proposes solutions for a better future for water collection systems.
Read full article here.
This concludes this round-up edition. Be sure to sign up for our mailing list to receive the next round-up article. We'll keep you updated with news on water security, self-sufficiency, environmental issues, permaculture, and everything you'd need for sustainable, safe living.
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Comments
Surely well water is something that may be available depending on the fracking companies (they are everywhere) determination to destroy it