The Innovators Behind the Water Wheel: Scientists, Engineers, and Their Impact
In the eighteenth century, a mathematician, an astronomer, and an engineer each sought to apply their expertise to improve the efficiency of water wheels. In the mid-1700s, the economies of the United Kingdom and France were flourishing. Mills throughout the region produced flour, textiles, and lumber, all powered by the flow of water using the…
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Staying Cool: Historical Tips for Beating the Heat
Republished from the original source: JSTOR Take a look back at how others have survived—and thought about—the high heat of summer. In an episode of The Twilight Zone called “The Midnight Sun,” first aired in November 1961, the apocalyptic scenario of an Earth drawing nearer to the Sun is symbolized by a thermometer shattering at…130°F.…
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Who Can Just Stop Oil?
This article is a republication from JSTOR Daily. It examines the complexities behind the call to stop oil and the broader systemic changes required for a sustainable future. Groups like Just Stop Oil are advocating for urgent action, but their demands should be viewed beyond mere slogans. Human activity is on track to raise global…
Renewable Energy and Settler Colonialism
This article is a republication from JSTOR Daily. It explores what we can learn from colonial legacies in our pursuit of sustainable futures. As Diné scholar Andrew Curley argues in his book, Carbon Sovereignty: Coal, Development, and Energy Transition in the Navajo Nation, “colonialism is a shape-shifter.” Amid the current sustainability renaissance, green technologies such…
Biofuels: Feeding the Earth or Feeding the Engine?
Biofuels, often touted as green energy sources, are stirring up significant environmental and ethical concerns globally. This article is a republication from JSTOR Daily, exploring the dual-edged impact of biofuels. Previous contributions on JSTOR Daily have highlighted the potential of biofuels to revolutionize industries—from sustainable aviation (Will You Ever Fly in a Plane Propelled by…
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The Hidden Costs of Cheap Food: Is It Really Worth It?
The supermarket revolution has made food more affordable and accessible than ever before. But are the hidden costs of cheap food feeding into false notions of justice and progress? It might not seem obvious, but food has never been more affordable and accessible globally. This shift has distanced food production from the average consumer’s daily…
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