The Active Living approach, promoting activity by changing physical space, is not enough to combat the obesity epidemic, Laura Tolkoff writes. Though the urban planner's role in reducing obesity is unclear, Tolkoff presents some possibilities.
In 2010, each state's population had at least 20% percent that were obese, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. "Patterns of settlement and (in)activity in the places we live, work and play are to blame for the obesity epidemic," Laura Tolkoff wrote.
Here are Tolkoff's main points, while the full article elaborates on each point:
"Planners need to look more closely at the fundamental causes of disease and disregard any policies or design proposals that solve only one disease."
"Planning to promote health needs to be sensitive to, and embedded in, its cultural contexts."
"Planning to promote health must be linked to efforts to preserve undeveloped land in the urban fringe and vacant land in the city."
"To carry the current momentum around active living into permanence, planners, researchers and program managers must evaluate the cost savings associated with active living and healthy planning at the city and county level."
"Economic development must be a central component of Active Living and healthy urban planning."
FULL STORY: Addressing the Obesity Epidemic: A New Role for Urban Planners
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.