Query: Shelters in poorer countries are not repainted as often, and darker stations absorb more of the sun’s energy.

Relevant passages:
Australian residential architectural styles <=SEP=> Australian residential architectural styles have evolved significantly over time , from the early days of structures made from relatively cheap and imported corrugated iron ( which can still be seen in the roofing of historic homes ) to more sophisticated styles borrowed from other countries , such as the Victorian style from the United Kingdom , the Georgian style from North America and Europe and the Californian bungalow from the United States . A common feature of the Australian home is the use of fencing in front gardens , also common in both the UK and the USA . Climate has also influenced housing styles , with balconies and veranda spaces being more prevalent in subtropical Queensland due to the mild , generally warm winters experienced in the state . For many years , Australian homes were built with little understanding of the Australian climate and were widely dependant on European styles that were unsympathetic to Australian landscapes . In recent times , modern Australian residential architecture has reflected the climatic conditions of the country , with adaptations such as double and triple glazing on windows , coordination considerations , use of east and west shade , sufficient insulation , strongly considered to provide comfort to the dweller .   Another aspect of Australian suburbia is that the suburbs tend to have a combination of both upper class and middle class housing in the same neighbourhood . In Melbourne , for instance , one early observer noted that `` a poor house stands side by side with a good house . '' This is somewhat less common today , with home renovations , gentrification and the teardown ( `` knock down , rebuild '' ) method becoming more and more common in affluent suburbs , giving a broader distinction between wealthy and lower class areas . However , the teardown technique has led to home buyers purchasing land or older homes in poorer metropolitan areas and building extravagant McMansion style homes on the land , which look out of place and excessive , failing to match with the remaining houses in the street .   Because architectural styles have varied in the country over the years ( from villas to bungalows and brick renders ) , there is a slight inconsistency in the architectural flow of the suburban streets , with one writer noting that Australian housing styles sometimes `` co-mingle '' and `` co-exist '' awkwardly . This is less common in the United States of America and England , where most homes along a road were built around the same time , typically in similar styles .

Earth shelter <=SEP=> An earth shelter is a structure (usually a house) with earth (soil) against the walls, on the roof, or that is entirely buried underground. Earth acts as thermal mass, making it easier to maintain a steady indoor air temperature and therefore reduces energy costs for heating or cooling. Earth sheltering became relatively popular after the mid 1970s, especially among environmentalists. However, the practice has been around for nearly as long as humans have been constructing their own shelters.

Homelessness <=SEP=> Homelessness is the condition of people without a permanent dwelling , such as a house or apartment . People who are homeless are most often unable to acquire and maintain regular , safe , secure and adequate housing . The legal definition of homeless varies from country to country , or among different jurisdictions in the same country or region . The term homeless may also include people whose primary night-time residence is in a homeless shelter , a domestic violence shelter , long-term residence in a motel , a vehicle , squatting , cardboard boxes , a tent city , tarpaulins , shanty town structures made of discarded building materials or other ad hoc housing situations . According to the UK homelessness charity Crisis , a home is not just a physical space : it also provides roots , identity , security , a sense of belonging and a place of emotional wellbeing . American government homeless enumeration studies also include people who sleep in a public or private place not designed for use as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings . There are a number of organizations who provide help for the homeless .   In 2005 , an estimated 100 million ( 1 in 65 ) people worldwide were homeless and as many as 1 billion people live as squatters , refugees or in temporary shelter , all lacking adequate housing . In Western countries , the large majority of homeless are men ( 75 -- 80 % ) , with single males particularly overrepresented .   Most countries provide a variety of services to assist homeless people . These services often provide food , shelter ( beds ) and clothing and may be organized and run by community organizations ( often with the help of volunteers ) or by government departments or agencies . These programs may be supported by the government , charities , churches and individual donors . Many cities also have street newspapers , which are publications designed to provide employment opportunity to homeless people . While some homeless have jobs , some must seek other methods to make a living . Begging or panhandling is one option , but is becoming increasingly illegal in many cities . People who are homeless may have additional conditions , such as physical or mental health issues or substance addiction ; these issues make resolving homelessness a challenging policy issue .

City <=SEP=> A city is a large and permanent human settlement . Although there is no agreement on how a city is distinguished from a town in general English language meanings , many cities have special administrative , legal , or historical status based on local law .   Cities generally have complex systems for sanitation , utilities , land usage , housing , and transportation . The concentration of development greatly facilitates interaction between people and businesses , sometimes benefiting both parties in the process , but it also presents challenges to managing urban growth .   A big city or metropolis usually has associated suburbs and exurbs . Such cities are usually associated with metropolitan areas and urban areas , creating numerous business commuters traveling to urban centers for employment . Once a city expands far enough to reach another city , this region can be deemed a conurbation or megalopolis . Damascus is arguably the oldest city in the world . In terms of population , the largest city proper is Shanghai , while the fastest-growing is Dubai .