The Salmon Canon

Description:  Dams provide hydroelectric power and recreation to much of the Pacific Northwest. However these dams block the normal migration of salmon upstream to spawn. Whoosh Systems has created a "salmon cannon" that may the problem of salmon migration. Salmon are moved up a vacuum tube and launched into the water above the dam.

Web Resources:  Meet the Salmon Cannon - Geek Wire, Whooshh Innovations  

Scientists from PNNL are testing a fish transportation system developed by Whooshh Innovations. The Whooshh system uses a flexible tube that works a bit like a vacuum, guiding fish over hydroelectric dams or other structures. Compared to methods used today, this system could save money while granting fish quicker, safer passage through dams and hatcheries.

The Mystery Of The Missing Bees

Description:  The specific cause (or causes) of colony collapse disorder has not been found but the fact that a number of bees are dying is clear. This will have massive economic impacts since many of the foods we eat are pollinated by bees. Since humans are both impacting and being impacted by this problem it can be used as an engineering problem in need of a solution.

Web Resource:  Colony Collapse Disorder - Wikipedia

In 2015 the bees are still dying in masses. Which at first seems not very important until you realize that one third of all food humans consume would disappear with them. Millions could starve. The foes bees face are truly horrifying - some are a direct consequence of human greed.

Towing An Iceberg To The United Arab Emirates

Description:  The National Advisor Bureau Limited plans to tow icebergs to the UAE for a source of freshwater. The majority of freshwater on the planet is frozen in glaciers and ice caps. This solution would provide adequate freshwater to the UAE but it would present many engineering challenges. The smaller icebergs would melt along the way and the larger ice bergs would be pushed by the large currents in the ocean.

Web Resource:  Science Alert Article  

جبال جليد الإمارات تقلب موازين المناخ في المنطقة , وتحول الربع الخالي ربعاً عامراً ومروج تجري من تحتها الأنهار خلال عشر سنوات فقط ! كشف مكتب المستشار الوطني المحدودة ( التي تخطط لسحب جبال جليدية إلى سواحل إمارة الفجيرة من القطب الجنوبي , ليكون مصدر جديدا للمياه العذبة في المنطقة ) , أن يكون لوجود الجبال الجليدية المستجلبة أثراً كبيراً في إحداث تغيير جذري للمناخ في المنطقة.

Google Maps Timelapse

Description: The Google Maps Timelapse engine allows you to see the impacts of humans on local environments over the last three decades. Use the search box to find local human impacts. 
Local phenomenon (e.g. housing developments, logging, shrinking water reservoirs, etc.) can lead to local solutions to human impacts on the land and water.

Web Resource: Google Maps Timelapse

Go back as far as 1984 and see how the world looked above, using Google Earth's Timelapse feature. See how it works! Get more handy Tech guides and tips: http://www.bt.com/technology

Easter Island Deforestation

Description:  The island of Rapa Nui once supported a large community of Polynesians that are best known for the massive statues (moai) pictured below.  However when sailors arrived on the island in the 18th century the people were barely hanging on.  What is not pictured below are any trees.  Deforestation led to the collapse of this culture.

Web Resource:  How Easter Island Works - How Stuff Works

By Aurbina - Own work, Public Domain, Link