Covering the roof of a building with soil and vegetation can look beautiful, but that’s not why cities across America are having green roofs installed on their buildings. As climate change continues to create more intense storms, green roofs are a good way to prevent flooding by stopping storm water from reaching the ground in the first place. The soil acts as a sponge to rainfall, with one study estimating that a green roof can absorb as much as 61 percent of annual rainfall on a building. And by reducing runoff, you stop less water from picking up oil, trash and other pollutants from roadways, which then get pushed into sewers.
Green rooftops are helping U.S cities prevent floods
More of Today's Solutions
California’s first eight-hour grid battery just came online
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The California grid has a timing problem. Solar runs from mid-morning through early evening. Demand peaks later. Batteries ...
Read MoreThese four small habits reduce the risk of stroke
Our small daily actions all contribute to our long-term health, especially when it comes to strokes. 80 percent of strokes are preventable, so lifestyle ...
Read MoreAnd the healthiest way to cook broccoli is…
We’ve previously reported on why broccoli is so great. Full of nutrients and antioxidants, it can help invigorate so many parts of our bodies. ...
Read MoreFriendships across income lines boost social mobility, study shows
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A new study has found that friendships bridging economic divides can meaningfully improve social mobility—and even boost future ...
Read More
