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Next-Generation Emergency Alerts — What's Working Where?

David Raths

February 01, 2019 |

Government Technology |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Sonoma, California

As natural disasters become more prevalent - and more destructive - government at all levels is doing more to ensure that emergency alerts can reach everyone with mobile phones in the event of an evacuation or safety alerts. Solutions include state-wide systems, where counties collaborate with each other, as opposed to the old system where many counties were on their own, as well as layered systems to ensure a more accurate list of people to contact.

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Fixing Oakland's Death Traps

Clara Hogan

January 30, 2019 |

East Bay Express |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Oakland, California

The question is not if, but when the next major earthquake will hit the Bay Area of California. To prepare for the impact of the natural disaster, Oakland if following in the footsteps of neighboring San Francisco by implementing a process to retrofit vulnerable buildings.

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The Feat in Hojancha, the Town that Lost its Forest

Noelia Esquivel

January 21, 2019 |

La Voz de Guanacaste |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Costa Rica, Hojancha, Guanacaste

In 1976, the Costa Rican city Hojancha preserved only 2% of its land as forest, and as a result their water supply (the Río Nosara river basin) dried up from the lack of vegetation. Sixteen years into the crisis, two friends conceived and ran an initiative to reforest the land by asking every family in the city to donate ¢1,000 a month until they could buy back the land in full from the ranchers who owned it. Now, the land is thriving again, though the project of regrowing the forest continues still today.

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These Scouts Are Prepared For Dirty Dishes — And Keeping The Peace

Simon Allison

January 19, 2019 |

NPR |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Central African Republic

The Central African Republic is rife with political problems including the lack of a health system, proving problematic for a country where Ebola runs a constant risk. Despite the challenges, the Catholic Scouts Association has stepped up to create and implement programs that aim to "promote vaccination, check out rumors about Ebola, carry messages between rival military factions and more."

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After Hurricane Sandy, Hoboken rebuilt itself for climate change

Jesse Nichols

January 17, 2019 |

Grist |

Video |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Hoboken, New Jersey

After Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on the city, Hoboken, New Jersey decided to rebuild the city with climate change and increased flood risks in mind, rather than returning to "normal." With the help of federal funding - and their relatively well-off tax base - Hoboken is joining other East Coast cities in building climate resilient cities.

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The Mapping Technology Reshaping Public Policy

Katherine Barrett Richard Greene

January 15, 2019 |

Governing |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Cincinnati, Ohio

States and localities are moving beyond traditional uses of geographic information systems, also known as GIS, and into a wide array of smart, dynamic uses of the burgeoning technology. In Cincinatti, city analysts examined fire department and EMS call data to optimize emergency vehicle allocation. And in Oakland County, Michigan, officials are using GIS mapping to present complex data around treatment centers and drug disposal areas in an accessible way for all parties involved.

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My hometown is going to burn. Here's how my neighbors are preparing

Nathanael Johnson

January 14, 2019 |

Grist |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Nevada City, California

In wildfire-prone Nevada County, California, community squads that do controlled burns are on the rise. According to the Nevada County fire council, some 23 associations are active, while about 50 more are forming. By reducing wildfire "ladder fuel," these local groups can reduce the severity of future wildfires, all while protecting their homes.

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After A Run Of Tainted Food Scandals, Women In This Country Took Control Of The System

Daniel Hurst

January 08, 2019 |

The Huffington Post |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Japan, Koriyama City, Fukushima

Following the nuclear disaster in Fukushima, a group of women took the initiative to ensure that the food they consume meets radiation standards twice as strict as the government's. The Seikatsu Club formed in 1965 and has since built itself up to 400,000 members (about 90% of whom are women) and works with 200 producers. The group is highly productive: they run their own milk factory, join with worker collectives to sell goods like jam or cookies, operate a fund for farmers whose products are tainted, offer child and elder care, and much more. Seikatsu is a success due to its local citizens' control.

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A year of disaster relief shows how important cash is in helping to rebuild

Ben Paynter

January 04, 2019 |

FastCompany |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Puerto Rico

Nonprofit organization Direct Relief is providing financial assistance to organizations and communities struck by natural disasters or extreme poverty, in addition to traditional goods like medicines, vaccines, and equipment. Realizing the sustainability of cash over goods, Direct Relief's funding has helped organizations staff up in times of crisis, or install long-term solutions like converting to solar energy.

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Health departments are on climate change's front lines

Dave Levitan

January 02, 2019 |

Ensia |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

Climate change is proving to have a significant impact on more than just the weather. From an influx of diseases due to more natural disasters to extreme heat, climate change is taking a toll on the health of many worldwide. In response, public health departments are taking steps to implement programs to lessen the impact while also learning from one another about what works and what limitations exist.

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