Rising global temperatures are leading to a significant increase in the use of air conditioning around the world. Although air conditioning is effective, it cannot be the only solution we have to deal with our warming planet. In Part 2 of our series Extreme Heat – Building Differently, we discuss the lessons learned across place and time and examine some of the passive cooling techniques upon which our ancestors relied to stay cool before air conditioning.

Our building choices affect urban warming, but they also impact how we experience the heat. Learn how cool and green building options may be used to help lower urban temperatures and increase our ability to cope with, adapt to, and survive extreme heat events.

On January 19, 2026, a collapse in the Potomac Interceptor sewer line caused more than 250 million gallons of untreated wastewater to pour directly into the Potomac River. While the direct flow into the Potomac has been diverted and the Potomac River Interceptor is being repaired, more can be done to improve water quality within the river and protect Southern Maryland’s critical fisheries.

Learn about the nature-based, engineering-oriented, and policy-focused strategies used to protect coastal areas from disasters like flooding, storm surges, erosion, tsunamis, and more.