Public officials and scientists are starting to say that adaptation to climate change is just as important as trying to stem climate change. One way to adapt is to embrace smart growth principles that reduce energy usage, according to this article.
During two recent conferences in California, experts said adaptation is an area where land use planners and policymakers can make a real difference. And during a forum elsewhere, the leader of King County, Washington, urged adaptation to a changing climate as crucial.
"There is little question that the adaptation question will soon dominate planning and engineering discussions in beach towns and river towns throughout California. The threat of rising water levels is probably going to lead to new and very expensive engineering solutions such as levees and sea walls – and, in some cases, calls to move buildings, people, and communities from harm's way."
Meanwhile, smart growth principles such as higher densities, transit and mixed-uses are being promoted as adaptations because they reduce energy usage and protect natural areas for carbon absorption and resource management.
FULL STORY: Forget About Emissions Reductions — It's Time To Adapt
Climate Change May Prompt Revolution In Transportation Planning
Transportation planners and public officials have begun to consider ways to reconfigure cities and alter driving patterns in order to reduce vehicle miles traveled and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
California County Approves Underground Carbon Storage Project
Kern County supervisors voted to support a carbon storage project that will inject climate-warming gases into a former oil and gas field.
Providence Could Ban New Gas Stations
The city could prohibit the construction of new fueling stations within city limits to discourage driving and pave the way for more renewable transportation infrastructure.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie