Development

Moreton Bay, on Australia’s eastern coast, has lost over 95% of its oyster reefs over the past few centuries. These reefs are not just the source of a culinary delicacy, but they help filter seawater and protect shorelines from the effects of storms, sea level rise and increasing temperatures. Scientists are now studying the oysters’ resilience in the face of climate change.

In 2017, Cape Town nearly became the world’s first major city to essentially run out of municipal water. Although this was eventually avoided, water woes continue to plague South Africa and have been worsened by climate change. Now, the main economic hub, Johannesburg, is facing its own crisis, with outages becoming part of daily life.

As Japan’s population ages, cities like Yubari have to choose between finding new ways to attract more residents or focusing on managing their existing populations.

Late last year, China broke its own record for the world’s fastest train, clocking in at 281 miles per hour. But in Japan, testing is underway for another type of train — one that levitates and can top 300 miles per hour, showing that the race for the fastest train isn’t just a competition. It could revolutionize the future of travel.

Sitting at 12,000 feet above sea level, Bolivia’s La Paz has the highest altitude of any administrative capital of any country in the world. And it boasts having a world class public transportation system. There are 10 lines and 26 stations. But this is no metro — it’s the longest and highest cable car system in the world.