How Arizonas Cities are Becoming a Sustainable Green Oasis in the Desert - GREENING THE DESERT

<div>How Tucson is Becoming the Most Sustainable Desert City in the World<br><br></div><div>As the world continues to face the consequences of climate change, cities are finding ways to adapt and become more sustainable. One such city is Tucson, Arizona, which is fast becoming the most sustainable desert city in the world. In this article, we will explore the efforts made by Tucson to combat the urban heat island effect, reduce water consumption, and become a carbon-neutral city by 2030.<br><br></div><div><br>Part 1: The Urban Heat Island Effect<br><br></div><div><br>Arizona has experienced exponential growth over the last few years, attracting people from all over the world seeking new economic opportunities. This has led to the development of large sprawling suburban areas, which has increased the urban heat island effect. This effect occurs when urbanized areas experience higher temperatures than outlying natural surrounding areas due to structures such as buildings, roads, and other infrastructure absorbing and readmitting more of the sun's heat than natural landscapes such as forests and water bodies.<br><br></div><div><br>The use of air conditioning exacerbates the urban heat island effect by releasing ambient heat into cities, increasing the demand to cool down even further. The heat island effect can produce secondary effects on local meteorology, including the altering of local wind patterns, the development of clouds and fog, and the rates of precipitation.<br><br></div><div><br>To combat the heat island effect, the city of Tucson is making incredible green infrastructure innovations. Using simple and cost-effective techniques, they aim to become the leading carbon-neutral city by 2030. This would be a major accomplishment for any city, especially one that only receives approximately 12 inches of rainfall per year.<br><br></div><div><br>Part 2: Water Conservation<br><br></div><div><br>Arizona is a drought-prone state that requires careful water management. Unfortunately, some of the most sought after and popular green neighborhoods in the state have extensive lawns, which need vast amounts of watering to stay green. This is not sustainable since the water used to keep the grass green is the same water people use to drink. The water used to irrigate lawns has been treated and filtered, which is costly and uses resources.<br><br></div><div><br>To reduce water consumption, the city of Tucson has implemented water harvesting techniques. Water harvesting is not a new innovation; humans have been capturing water for millennia. However, in our modern life, we have water harvesting amnesia. Tucson started requiring new developers of commercial properties to irrigate the landscape with 50% water harvesting in 2010. In 2012, the city began a rebate program to encourage water harvesting practices, and in 2017, Tucson launched a grant for funding stormwater harvesting.<br><br></div><div><br>One such resident from Tucson who decided to do something about water conservation is Brad Lancaster. Brad has become an innovator in green infrastructure, and his innovations are helping the desert become green again. He envisioned a sustainable landscape for harvesting rainwater, but it meant he had to do something illegal. Brad started cutting sidewalks and curbs in his neighborhood to route storm runoff into roadside ecosystems planted with native drought-hardy trees. Some of these trees even provide food as well as a much-needed cooling effect and shade. These ecosystems also help with recharging the groundwater, protecting the soil from being exposed from the sun and heat, and creating a filtering effect for the water that lands on the topsoil.<br><br></div><div><br>Part 3: Becoming a Carbon-Neutral City<br><br></div><div><br>To become a carbon-neutral city by 2030, Tucson plans to plant one million native trees, which will totally transform the city's infrastructure to suit water harvesting practices in the urban environment. These efforts will help Tucson become a green carbon-neutral city and, in turn, create a healthier environment for future generations.<br><br></div><div><br>Each one of us is capable of making a difference, and Brad's philosophy is that we need to switch our mindset from commodifying water into communifying water by working together to enhance our local water supply. In addition to the implementation of water harvesting techniques, Tucson is also making efforts to promote sustainable transportation options. The city has established bike lanes, expanded public transportation routes, and encouraged the use of electric vehicles. The Tucson Electric Power Company has also made significant investments in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.<br><br></div><div><br>Furthermore, Tucson has made strides in promoting sustainable agriculture practices. The city has a number of community gardens and supports local farmers markets, which offer locally-grown produce and support the local economy. Additionally, Tucson has implemented policies to reduce food waste and encourage composting.<br><br></div><div><br>Tucson's efforts towards sustainability have not gone unnoticed. The city has been recognized as a leader in sustainability and has received numerous awards, including the National Climate Action Planning Award and the American Planning Association's Sustainable Communities Division Award.<br><br></div><div><br>Overall, Tucson's commitment to sustainability serves as a model for other cities to follow. By implementing sustainable practices, Tucson is not only mitigating the effects of climate change, but also creating a healthier and more livable environment for its residents. As the effects of climate change continue to be felt around the world, it is imperative that cities take action to address the issue and promote sustainability.<br><br></div><div><br>Header: The Importance of Individual Action<br><br></div><div><br>While the efforts of cities like Tucson are crucial in the fight against climate change, it is important to remember that individual actions can also make a significant impact. By making simple changes in our daily lives, such as reducing our use of single-use plastics, conserving water, and choosing sustainable transportation options, we can contribute to a more sustainable future.<br><br></div><div><br>One way individuals can make a difference is by reducing their carbon footprint. This can be achieved by reducing energy consumption, using energy-efficient appliances, and choosing renewable energy sources whenever possible. Additionally, individuals can make conscious choices when it comes to transportation, such as walking, biking, or using public transportation instead of driving alone.<br><br></div><div><br>Header: The Role of Education<br><br></div><div><br>Education also plays a vital role in promoting sustainability. By educating individuals about the impacts of climate change and the importance of sustainable practices, we can inspire a culture of sustainability that will benefit future generations.<br><br></div><div><br>Schools and universities can play a key role in this effort by incorporating sustainability into their curriculums and promoting sustainable practices on their campuses. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and community events can help educate individuals and raise awareness about sustainability issues.<br><br></div><div><br>Header: The Need for Global Cooperation<br><br></div><div><br>While individual actions and local efforts are important, addressing climate change requires global cooperation. The effects of climate change are felt around the world, and no single country or region can address the issue on their own. International cooperation and agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, are crucial in promoting sustainable practices and mitigating the effects of climate change.<br><br></div><div><br>Furthermore, developed countries have a responsibility to support developing countries in their efforts towards sustainability. This can be achieved through financial and technological assistance, as well as sharing knowledge and best practices.<br><br></div><div><br>Conclusion:<br><br></div><div><br>In conclusion, the issue of climate change requires collective action and cooperation from individuals, cities, and countries around the world. Tucson serves as a model for cities seeking to promote sustainability and mitigate the effects of climate change. By implementing sustainable practices and promoting education and awareness, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.</div>

One of the most sustainable desert cities on earth is Tucson which is situated in the Western United States in Southern Arizona known for its desert climate, with very hot summers and mild winters.

The climate has meant Arizona has been a hub for agricultural growth for thousands of years which has  attracted people from all over the world seeking new economic opportunities.

Since the invention of the portable air conditioner in the 1950s the population and economy of Arizona has increased dramatically.

As a result The cities of Phoenix and Tucson have developed large, sprawling suburban areas which have increased the heat island effect. 

The heat island effect is when urbanized areas experience higher temperatures than outlying natural surrounding areas. Structures such as buildings, roads, and other infrastructure absorb and 
re-emit the sun's heat more than natural landscapes such as forests and water bodies.

This research paper: Anthropogenic heating of the urban environment due to air conditioning, from the Arizona university showed that: during the night, heat emitted from AC systems increased the mean 2 m-air temperature by more than 1 °C for some urban locations.

Some of the most sort after and popular green neighborhoods in the state have extensive lawns and unfortunately these grass lawns need vast amounts of watering to stay green, and in such a drought prone state, this is not sustainable.

Since the water used to keep grasses green all year around, is the same water people used to drink, the water has been treated and filtered, which is costly and uses resources, the water is over extracted from wells, or dammed and this diverted water from rivers and springs is used faster than rainfall can replenish them.

These non native grasses often require pesticides and need to be managed with petrol driven gardening tools, which pollute the watershed around the home.

The urban environment also prevents ground water from recharging, water rapidly runs off paved surfaces, instead of being absorbed into the aquifers.
As we keep consuming the ancient groundwater, without it being replenished, water tables drop and rivers start to dry up

In response the city of Tucson is going to be making some incredible green infrastructure innovations to combat the heat island effect, using very simple and cost effective techniques to become the leading green carbon neutral city by 2030 this can be considered a major accomplishment for any city, especially one that only receives approximately 12 inches of rainfall per year.

In this video we are going to show you how Brad Lancaster has helped Tucson Arizona to become the most sustainable desert city in the world…

More about Brad Lancaster here: https://youtube.com/c/HarvestingRainwater



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How Sahara Fog Nets are Making Abundant Water in the Desert - GREENING THE DESERT PROJECT

The sahara desert is one of the most extreme and harshest environments on earth. 60 percent of people in southwest morocco do not have running water in their homes. Around 40 percent of the world's population faces water shortages. A new innovative technology is. turning water scarcity around. It's bringing safe drinking water to the. saHara  region in southwest  morOCco in. this video. We will show you how. water abundance is being created in the desert using the. largest water capturing system. of its kind to provide  drinking. water to hundreds of thousands of people. in 16 remote villages. The video will also show how they have. managed to irrigate  agricultural land back into a. farmland oasis. We hope you will enjoy the video as much as we did. Back to Mail Online home.Back to the page you came from. Click here to read the rest of the article.. The saharan desert is the  largest  hot  desert  in the world spanning  across  11 million. kilometers squared. It covers  a  surface. area  larger  than  the australian. continent. It has a vast topographical diversity from  altitudes  below sea level. to mountains of 3000 metres. resulting in a varied  climate. The anti-atlas  mountains receive. less than  5.2  inches  of rainfall a year. This  makes this  one  of the driest  places in. moroccos and  prone  to severe droughts. The region is a hot spot for endemic biodiversity due to its unique climate. It gets  extremely dry  and. arid  in  the summer  and  over the  over  the  desert. However  since  this area is in the transitional  zone  of  thesahara  desert it gets extremely  dry  in. the  summer and  arid in the winter. It is also a hot  spot  for. endemic  biodiversity  due  to  its  unique climate which  naturally borders. the atlantic ocean which  brings  a cold front of wind and fog. This video will show  you  how  they have managed  to turn  desertified  land  back  into  a farmland  oasis  so stick with us  as  we dive  into the video. The  video  will be available on Monday, November 14th at 9pm GMT. Click  here to see the full video and to watch it again on Tuesday, November 15th at 10pm GMT and Wednesday, November 16th at 11am GMT and Thursday, November 17th at 12pm GMT (GMT - 1pm BST) The video  is available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, and Arabic. The. video is also available in the UK and the U.S. on the BBC iPlayer, and on the iTunes App Store and the Google Play Store. Click HERE to watch the video and the BBC TV version of this article in its entirety. The Video is available to download for free on the Apple Store and Google Play, as well as the PC and the Mac and Mac OS versions of the video, and the Windows Store. The  video is available on the iPlayer and the Android and the PC Store. CLICK HERE to view the video in its full version and the Apple and the iPad versions of this video are available for the same price and more than a limited number of countries. The videos are available in UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, the UK, Australia and the Netherlands. The UK and Germany are among the countries where the technology is being used to create water abundance in the Sahara Desert. The technology is available at a number of locations around the world, including in 16 villages in the south of the country and in the northern part of Morocco. The world's largest water capture system  is located in the region of southwestern moroc co. and is being trialled in the town of al-Hussein.

The Sahara is one of the most extreme and harshest environments on earth. Its the largest hot desert in the world spanning across 11 million km2  covering a greater surface than the Australian continent. 

It has a vast topographical diversity from altitudes below sea level to mountains of 3,000 m resulting in a varied climate. 

On the edge of the Sahara in South Western Morocco, the Anti-Atlas mountains receive less than 5.2 inches of rainfall a year, barely 10 percent of the global average, which makes this one of the driest place in morocco and is prone to severe droughts.

In this region 60% of people do not have running water in their homes, and the water may not be safe for drinking. 

The lack of water and severe drought have made farming unpredictable, as a result men are forced to search for work in the cities, whilst women remain in the villages and walk for 3 miles a day to wells to access safe drinking water. Unfortunately these Wells are now drying up because ground water levels are plummeting 

Currently around 40 percent of the world’s population faces water shortages. That includes some two billion without safe drinking water, despite the fact the planet is covered by 70% water bodies
Only 3% of the world’s water is actually freshwater and two-thirds of this is unavailable for us to access because it is tucked away in frozen glaciers.

However a new innovative technology is turning water scarcity around bringing safe drinking water to the Sahara region in south west Morocco.

In this video we will show you how water abundance is being created in the desert, using the largest water capturing system of its kind, to provide safe drinking water to hundreds of thousands of people, in 16 remote villages and how they have managed to irrigate agricultural fields, turning desertified land back into a farmland oasis.

T hanks to Aissa Derhem the president of the Moroccan NGO Dar Si Hmad, fertility in the western Sahara is being restored.

Aissa Derhem is mathematician and businessman whose parents were originally from Mount Boutmezguida in the anti atlas mountains near the coastal town of Sidi Ifni. where the slopes are covered in mist on average 130 days a year. Despite the lack of rain Aissa Derhem knew that he could create water from the fog.

Whilst living in Canada in the 1980s Aissa Derhem was studying for his PhD. 
He learned about fog collection in Chile’s Atacama Desert one of the first projects in the world to collect water from nets. However it would have to be using slightly new technology that could withstand the strong winds that come off the Atlantic oceans

The German Water Foundation known as Wasserstiftung, have created a new innovative technology known as Aqualonis, formally known as CloudFisher, to catch safe drinking water with fog nets that can withstand 120km and have higher water yields than other types of fog nets.
             
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Is Mycelium Fungus the Plastic of the Future?

About 91% of. plasticisn’t recycled and we consume about 5 grams of micro plastic waste in our food. every week. Fungi are important in ecosystems due to theirability to recycle nutrients, allowing previously locked away nutrients to become available to other organisms. Mycelium technology might be the nextbig. boom... like this mycelium brick... a plastic-like replacement with many uses andnew opportunities for products … maybe even wearable technology. Let's explore mycelialtechnology and how it can help us achieve a more renewable and cleaner future. I'm Matt Ferrell … welcome to Undecided. The next episode of CuriosityStream will be at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 14. The episode will be hosted by Matt Ferrel and will be followed by John Sutter from The Nature Conservancy. The series, which airs on PBS stations, will continue through the end of the year on December 21. For more information on CuriosityStream, go to www.psu.org/CuriosityStream. The show will also be available on CNN.com/Impact and on CNN iReport. The final episode of the series will be aired on December 22 at 9 p.M. ET. The program will be presented by Sutter and Sutter, followed by CNN’s John Defterios on December 23 at 10 p. M.E. and December 24 at 10 a.m., respectively. For the full episode, visit CNN.co.uk/Impacted. The first episode of Undecided will be on Monday, December 15 at 10:30 p.e. and 10:45 p.a. for the second and final episode, on Tuesday, December 21 at 9:30p.m.-10:30pm for the first and Wednesday, respectively. The third and final installment, on Wednesday, will be the Wednesday, December 22, at 9 a. m. and 9:50p. ET for the third and Thursday, November 23 for the finale, ‘Impact’ and ‘Thursday, November 24 for the show. The fourth and last episode is “Impact,” which airs at 8:30 and 9pm ET on Wednesday. The sixth and final chapter, “The Last Episode,’ will be released on Friday, November 25. The seventh and finalepisode, ”The Next Episode’, airs on November 26 at 9pm and 10pm ET for both the U.S. and the UK. It will be available in the UK on the BBC iPlayer and in the US on the 7th and 8th of November for £7.99. For. the UK, visit the BBC.com website for more details on the “Mycelium” project. The project is based on the underground,. root-likebody for fungi that produce mushrooms. The mushrooms that we eat are only a small, visiblepart of a much larger organism. And thisis where we can tap into its potential. Rather than letting a. mushroom pop up, humanscan create forms around the my Celium. This organism is the root and the mushroom is the flower. And they’re surprisingly robust and ableto spread easily under the right conditions. All it. takes is a few spores to germinate. As it grows it releases enzymes to digest the. surroundings and absorb the nutrients. And it’ll continue to grow. to build a vastMycelialnetwork, and it�s only when it�’S fully built that mushrooms begin to grow. The problem is that they can hang around in the environment for hundredsof years, and. burning plastics releases toxic chemicals that can harm plants and animals. Plastics have become one of the most wide-spread, harmful substances aroundthe world. In America, 100 billion plastic bags are thrownaway every year, not to mention all other packaging materials made of plastics thatare discarded. But it turns out that we may have a robust, sustainable alternative to replace plastic: mycelIUM.

Is Fungus the Plastic of the Future? Use the code "Undecided" to get CuriosityStream for less than $15 a year! https://curiositystream.com/Undecided.  Plastic changed the course of manufacturing forever, but came at a cost. Mycelium technology might be the solution and the next big boom ... a plastic-like replacement with so many uses and new opportunities for products, companies, and profits. Let's explore mycelium technology and how it can help us achieve a more renewable and cleaner future.

Watch "Why the Airship May Be the Future of Air Travel" https://youtu.be/_phicOPoQT8?list=PLnTSM-ORSgi4dFnLD9622FK77atWtQVv7

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How Arizonas Cities are Becoming a Sustainable Green Oasis in the Desert - GREENING THE DESERT

How Sahara Fog Nets are Making Abundant Water in the Desert - GREENING THE DESERT PROJECT