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The Canadian construction market experienced a significant decline in the first quarter of 2024, with total construction starts falling by 41.2% compared to the previous year. This decline was seen across all three construction sectors: residential, nonresidential, and civil engineering. However, there is hope for a rebound in the coming years, with ConstructConnect Chief Economist Michael Guckes predicting a 26% increase in construction starts in 2025. The nonresidential sector is expected to see a 25% jump in activity in 2026, but growth may slow down after that. Despite the overall decline, certain areas, such as industrial facilities and warehousing, are experiencing strength in the construction market. One factor contributing to the strain on infrastructure in Canada is rapid population growth, which is creating an infrastructure deficit. Rising inflation and interest rates have also impacted the construction industry, causing some building owners and developers to delay or cancel their plans. However, construction companies that are well-positioned and in the right niche can still find success even during challenging economic periods. [Extracted from the article]

The article highlights the issues when it comes to extreme weather risks and what one should do about them. These include the importance of looking at the site as a whole when looking at the natural hazards impact to one's site, the need to think about all the consequences which could arise, and important thing to consider when considering barriers for helping to mitigate risk.

The article focuses on the progress and challenges of carbon capture and storage (CCS) deployment in the power sector. Topics include the limited number of operational CCS projects globally, notable projects like SaskPower's Boundary Dam 3 and Petra Nova and the recent developments in China, specifically the launch of a 500,000 tonnes per annum carbon capture facility at the Taizhou coal-fired power plant.

"You Are the Snake" by Juliet Escoria is a collection of subtly subversive stories that explore the suffocating ennui of girlhood and early womanhood. The stories feature diverse characters who navigate themes of trauma, friendship, and identity. Escoria vividly captures her characters' worlds, even when not much happens, and the charged and often startling stories hit hard. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of proactive planning in designing infrastructure to withstand natural disasters. It highlights the threat that natural disasters pose to underground infrastructure and emphasizes the need for forward-thinking municipalities to prevent infrastructure damage. The article also mentions the role of companies like Thompson Pump and Manufacturing in assisting municipal utilities and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in emergency preparedness. Additionally, the article mentions National Trench Safety (NTS) and its innovative engineering solutions in the trench safety industry, as well as the expertise of its support team. The article concludes by providing statistics on the number and cost of weather events in the U.S. in 2023. [Extracted from the article]

"Creating a Better Climate Future: How You Can Start Solving Climate Change in 5 Minutes a Day" by Philip Kent-Hughes is a practical and encouraging guide for individuals who want to make a difference in fighting climate change. The book provides an eight-step "emergency plan" with action steps for creating change and inspiring others. While acknowledging the difficulty of change, Kent-Hughes emphasizes that individuals have the power to force companies to change their behavior through boycotts and consumer activism. The book also emphasizes the importance of community and setting achievable objectives in key areas like food and transportation. Overall, it offers inspiration and actionable steps for those eager to combat climate change. [Extracted from the article]

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of surviving and overcoming a natural disaster.

Hazards 34: Advancing Process Safety is a conference aimed at enhancing process safety management and promoting good practices in major hazards management. The conference will focus on executive leadership, addressing challenges posed by new technologies, and exploring opportunities for cross-sector learning. This year's program will have more emphasis on new technologies, carbon capture, and digitalization, with a focus on risk assessment techniques. The conference aims to address the industry's need to improve process safety management and be prepared for new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, which is being used to enhance safety protocols. It also aims to learn from past accidents and strengthen leadership, learning from incidents, developing competence, and improving process safety management. The conference is open to early career professionals, with special day tickets available for engineers aged 30 years or under. The conference will take place from November 5-7 in Manchester, UK. [Extracted from the article]

"States of Emergency" by Chris Knapp is a pensive debut novel that follows a couple's journey as they navigate the challenges of trying to conceive. The unnamed American narrator and his French wife, Ella, travel from Brooklyn to Paris for an artificial insemination procedure, but it fails. The narrator returns to the U.S. to pursue an MFA program, while Ella stays in Europe and works on films. After a brief reunion, Ella becomes pregnant using the narrator's frozen sperm without his knowledge, but unfortunately, she loses the baby. The couple then spends a summer in France attempting IVF. The novel explores the complexities of their relationship and their conflicting emotions about parenthood, while also touching on global events such as Greece's austerity measures, the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, and the 2016 U.S. presidential race. Despite some digressions, the author effectively captures the couple's experiences and offers a promising debut. [Extracted from the article]

The article delves into the aftermath of wildfires that ravaged the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles, causing extensive damage to livestock, structures, and agricultural land. It also discusses the estimated financial losses, the impact on cattle producers, and available recovery assistance programs for those affected by the wildfires.

The article offers information on discussions happening on IChemE Connect, including Maureen Hassall's request for help with research on ICI's contribution to process safety education, and Karam Ben Mohamed's query about the use of check valves in the inlet line of relief valves.

The article offers information on the meeting room in the Jim Graham Building at the 2024 Southern Farm Show including the exhibits to be presented, programs, and description of the display and sales area.