Innovation without Balance: Urban Flood and the Sustainability Crisis in china and Beyond

Photo by Ryan Woo and Joe Cash According to the International Monetary Fund, the People’s Republic of China is a global superpower and the world's second-largest economy, with a projected GDP of $19.23 trillion in 2025. (IMF, July 2025) Over the last decade, this country has had a tremendous influence on geopolitics, global trade, and technology. However, amid the symbols of its high-tech and industrial supremacy, shiny city skyscrapers, high-speed rail, and overseas bridges,

Earth & Ecology

Alkuma Rumi

Nov 137 min read

What does the encroachment of the Buriganga river say about Dhaka city’s trajectory into consumerism?

Around the turn of the 16th century, the royal Mughals were worried about maintaining control of the region’s waterways against foreign forces. In an attempt to that, they would go on to develop what is now Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, centering their settlements around the Buriganga river, which was connected to the Bay of Bengal. After the Mughals had greater control of the waterways, the demand for Muslin consequently rose. The Muslin fabric trade flourished, and thus

Earth & Ecology

Rahmin Bari

Nov 133 min read

Edinburgh as a Model for Urban Standard of Living: Balancing Progress with Environment

Photographed by the Author Edinburgh’s urban design reflects centuries of careful planning that balances built environments with natural landscapes. Central Edinburgh is divided into two major parts: the Old Town and the New Town, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exemplifying architectural heritage while integrating public parks and green spaces. Modern urban planning in Edinburgh continues this tradition, ensuring that new developments do not encroach on natural habitats. Z

Earth & Ecology

Era Robbani

Oct 245 min read

Roots of Well-Being: Aligning Standard of Living with Culture and Nature

But what does it mean to live well? Decades of the world exercising the same doctrine have taught people that the high quality of life means economic expansion, larger houses, faster vehicles, and additional things. However, behind the glitter of consumerism trails an increasing discomfort - increase in inequality, environmental devastation, and the feeling that he or she is no longer a part of nature or community. Had prosperity depended on wealth and consumption alone, how

Earth & Ecology

Najifa Alam Torsa

Oct 245 min read