Urbanization is the process by which a population shifts from predominantly rural and agricultural areas to urban and city environments.
Urban heat island
An urban heat island is an area within a city or urban area that experiences significantly higher temperatures than its surrounding rural areas due to human activities and urban development.
Urban farming
Urban farming is the practice of growing, cultivating, and producing food and other agricultural products within or near urban areas. It involves using limited space in cities or densely populated areas for activities such as growing vegetables, fruits, herbs, and even raising animals like chickens or fish.
Upstream solutions
Upstream solutions refer to strategies and actions that address issues at their source or origin, rather than dealing with the consequences downstream.
Upcycling
Upcycling is the process of taking old or discarded materials or items and creatively transforming them into something of higher quality or value.
Uranium
Uranium: A heavy, naturally radioactive, metallic element that is used to produce nuclear power.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation: A type of electromagnetic radiation that is produced by the sun. UV radiation is not visible to the naked eye. Most UV radiation is blocked by ozone high in the Earth's atmosphere, but some of it reaches the Earth’s surface. Being exposed to too much UV radiation can cause a sunburn, and over time it can lead to skin cancer and eye damage. Too much UV radiation can also harm plants.
Upcycling
Upcycling - The process of recycling in such a way that the new products are of higher economic value. Example: using waste PET (plastic from soda bottles) to create Terratex panel fabric.