After a record 22 billion-dollar disasters in 2020, it's time to overhaul US disaster policy – here's how

NOAA released its list of climate and weather disasters that cost the nation more than $1 billion each. Like many climate and weather events this past year, it shattered the record.

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After a record 22 billion-dollar disasters in 2020, it's time to make US disaster policy more effective and equitable – here's how

NOAA released its list of climate and weather disasters that cost the nation more than $1 billion each. Like many climate and weather events this past year, it shattered the record.

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policy construction floods hurricanes storms natural-disasters wildfires government disaster-risk fema building disaster-management land-use building-codes 2020

Why do different countries have different electric outlet plugs?

There are 15 different kinds of electrical outlets around the world. One standard would be more convenient, but no one wants to change theirs.

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With campus as a test bed, climate action starts and continues at MIT

MIT serves as a laboratory for a multifaceted approach to address the Institute’s own contributions to climate change.

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sustainability climate-change energy energy-efficiency emissions research renewable-energy community mechanical-engineering urban-studies-and-planning campus-buildings-and-architecture facilities campus-services

We’ll see more fire seasons like 2020 - here’s a strategy for managing our nation’s flammable landscapes

A fire scientists offers a six-point strategy for preventing wildfires and living safely in flammable landscapes.

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When COVID-19 superspreaders are talking, where you sit in the room matters

Experiments in college classrooms show how tiny respiratory droplets known as aerosols can spread, even with good ventilation. The risk isn't the same in every seat.

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health covid-19 coronavirus pandemic classrooms viruses buildings aerosols students universities college children-and-coronavirus

Catching COVID-19: Why where you sit in a classroom matters, and how ventilation can help

Experiments in college classrooms show how tiny respiratory droplets known as aerosols can spread, even with good ventilation. The risk isn't the same in every seat.

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health covid-19 coronavirus pandemic classrooms viruses buildings aerosols students universities college

Wildfires can leave toxic drinking water behind – here's how to protect the public

Two environmental engineers say governments need to do more to protect people from possible water contamination after wildfires.

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Dangerous bacteria is showing up in school water systems, reminding all buildings reopening amid COVID-19 to check the pipes

When water stagnates in pipes, harmful metals and bacteria can accumulate and make people sick. Buildings that were shut down for weeks during the pandemic may be at risk.

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Several schools find harmful bacteria in water systems, reminding all reopening buildings to check the pipes

When water stagnates in pipes, harmful metals and bacteria can accumulate and make people sick. Buildings that were shut down for weeks during the pandemic may be at risk.

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health children public-health bacteria covid-19 coronavirus schools pandemic water coronavirus-2020 viruses buildings legionella legionnaires-disease plumbing