Asia-Pacific
Your senses (or lack thereof) aren't deceiving you. Some cities really are worse for seasonal allergies than others, and some of the reasons are entirely preventable.
The Guardian
Depending on the type of bicycle for sale, the price may jump 25 percent due to new tariffs paid by importers and consumers (not China as the president would have you think) if it arrives in the United States after June 1.
Bicycle Retailer and Industry News
A new study says that huge amounts of water are moved from rural areas to cities to support rapidly growing urban populations.
The Straits Times
Japan's system of zoning appears highly capable of fostering mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods. How does Japanese zoning differ from our own, and what factors caused those differences?
Market Urbanism
Last month, the Paris-based International Energy Agency released its annual "Global Energy & CO2 Status Report." Energy consumption grew 2.3 percent with fossil fuels accounting for 70 percent on the increase. CO2 emissions jumped 1.7 percent.
The Washington Post
More than 900 Chinese cities are continuing to plan for growth even as their populations shrink.
South China Morning Post
Today's Google Doodle celebrates an important component of accessibility and mobility for the visually impaired.
Google
As the world becomes more encased in concrete, the detrimental effects of its widespread use are increasing in scale and severity.
The Guardian
Singapore has ambitious plans for an autonomous public transportation system. New full-sized buses and an upcoming trial run will put the country closer to its goals.
Bloomberg
An incredibly detailed bird's eye view of Shanghai.
Dezeen
Markets for residential property income of East Asia's most expensive cities are slowing down. The U.S.-China trade war is one factor, along with local controls and a mainland Chinese economy applying the brakes.
The Vancouver Sun
Due to an aging populace, lackluster construction quality, and other factors, Japan is facing a glut of abandoned homes. For those with the ability to live there, these homes can be had for next to nothing.
Fast Company
Touring Japan for strange but beautiful buildings.
Architizer
A key ring route in Tokyo's massive collection of rail lines, the JR Yamanote Line is a public transit aficionado's wildest dream. Reece Martin offers a guided tour of the line, available from the comfort of any YouTube-enabled screen.
YouTube
Data visualizations illustrate the catastrophic consequences of single-digit global temperature increases.
The City Fix
A 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Sept. 25, followed by a massive tsunami. Soil liquefaction caused by the tremor resulted in 1,700 homes being "swallowed" as the soil shifted. Deaths exceeded 1,400 on Oct. 3.
The Independent
Transit ridership has surged in other countries but lags here in the United States. The possible reasons for this are varied as are proposed solutions for improving American transit systems.
Vox
Seoul simplified its routes and kept its key bus lanes clear of traffic to revitalize it's transit system.
Mobility Lab
Homes are getting more expensive in New Zealand, so they're making it illegal for foreigners to buy homes in the country.
The Spaces
The Brookings Institution released the Global Metro Monitor 2018 report this week.
Brookings
