A recent report from NASA outlined the threat solar storms pose to Earth-based electrical and communications systems, and warned that the social and economic disruptions could be catastrophic.
Back in 2008, the Committee on the Societal and Economic Impacts of Severe Space Weather Events released a report warning that severe solar storms -- of the kinds witnessed in 1859 and 1921 -- could fry electrical grids on a continent-wide scale. The Big Think blog points out that the repercussions could be huge, and that the technology already exists to protect ourselves:
"The report said something that used to be unthinkable: our own sun could have a temper tantrum that would unleash a tsunami of radiation from outer space, potentially wiping out our space satellites, wiping out power lines, and leaving entire continents without power.
[I]n 1859 there was a solar storm which paralyzed our telegraph wires and was the largest geomagnetic storm in recorded history...if that solar storm of 1859 were to hit us today it would cause (according to the report) trillions of dollars in property damage and hundreds of billions of dollars in damage for each of the countries that were affected. Transformers could get wiped out, meaning that whole continents would not have electrical power. [P]ower stations and especially transformers should be insulated and reinforced so as to be able to withstand radiation coming from outer space. This is not rocket science; we know how to do it and the technology is already there-it's just a question of political will."
FULL STORY: A Possible Solar Storm in 2012?

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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