Much of the world’s infrastructure — its architecture, energy and transportation systems and other vital elements of the built environment — has been designed to withstand climate conditions of the past, but not the dramatic climate changes occurring today. That is especially the case in regard to the significant rise in heat around much of the world. Mikhail Chester, a Fulton Schools professor of civil, environmental and sustainable engineering, warns about the serious challenges to keep coal, nuclear, electric and natural gas power plants operating smoothly in extreme heat conditions. When temperatures soar on a regular basis, “Everything just breaks more frequently,” Chester says.