Commemorate the 51st World Environment Day with this curated list of Planetizen articles highlighting research and projects that promote a healthier, more sustainable world.
It’s World Environment Day, a global celebration that has been held annually on June 5 since 1973. According to its official website, “World Environment Day is a global platform for inspiring positive change. People from more than 150 countries participate in this United Nations international day, which celebrates environmental action and the power of governments, businesses and individuals to create a more sustainable world.” This year the event is being hosted by Saudi Arabia with a focus on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.
In honor of this global commemorative date, Planetizen’s editors have pulled together a roundup of recent articles highlighting studies and initiatives in cities and rural communities across the United States aimed at protecting and enhancing environmental and public health.
Here’s a list of recent headlines highlighting inspiring environmental research and projects:
- Planting for the Future: The Urban Trees of Tomorrow
- WHO Resource Database Links Planning and Public Health
- Planting Trees Where They are Most Needed
- The Benefits of Trees
- Regenerating and Healing Land Through Parks
- Sibling Study Highlights Impact of Green Neighborhoods on Public Health
- The Future of Federal Funding for Green City Initiatives
- Transforming Landfills into Parks
- The Promise of Urban Food Forests
- Rewilding the Golf Course
- New Documentary Highlights Regenerative Agriculture and Climate Change
- Latest Trends in Parks and Recreation
- Rochester Updating Urban Forest Master Plan
- Planning for Trees in Los Angeles
- San Francisco's Presidio Earns Fifth 'Green Flag' Award
- Tree Folio NYC Aims to Monitor Urban Forest in Real Time
How Los Angeles' Urban Parks Battle Climate Change
An overview of how Los Angeles County’s Department of Parks and Recreation is creating projects that tackle the effects of climate change, by planner Clement Lau.
Parks: Essential Community Infrastructure — and a Smart Investment
Even during times of budget constraint, continued investment in parks is critical, as they provide proven benefits to public health, safety, climate resilience, and community well-being — particularly for under-resourced communities.
EPA Awards $267 Million to Clean Up and Reuse Contaminated Sites
The EPA is investing the funds to clean up and redevelop contaminated sites nationwide, supporting economic growth, community revitalization, and environmental restoration.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
