Environment

Flooded Houston street with half-submerged cars during Hurricane Harvey.

Migration to Disaster-Prone Areas Persists

Regions at high risk for flooding, wildfires, and other climate-fueled disasters continue to see rapid population growth.

October 14, 2024 - CBS News

Brick chimneys standing in rubble from Tubbs Fire in Northern California in 2017.

Sonoma County Bans Evictions During Disaster Recovery

Low-income renters face an increased risk of eviction after a natural disaster. Most cities and states don’t offer any protection.

October 13, 2024 - Bloomberg CityLab

Trailhead for Appalachian Trail approach at Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, Georgia.

Hikers Take Solace: The Appalachian Trail Will Survive Hurricane Helene

Despite concerns and closures in the wake of Hurricane Helene, most of the trail appears to have suffered minor damage.

October 11, 2024 - Outside Magazine

"FEMA - STATE disaster recovery center" banner on brick building.

Proposed Bill Would Expand Federal Disaster Relief

The legislation acknowledges the impact of cumulative damage and expands access to funds for communities adjacent to storm-hit states.

October 10, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

A line of workers in yellow shirts and yellow hard hards work with hoe-like tools in a pine forest, clearing dead brush.

US Forest Service Announces Hiring Freeze for 2025 Fiscal Year

A looming budget cut has led the Forest service to hit pause on seasonal staff hires and hiring external candidates for permanent agency positions, prompting concerns about the agency’s ability to achieve its mission.

October 10, 2024 - High Country News

Close-up of lead water pipe with mineral crusts

President Sets New Deadline for Replacing Lead Pipes

U.S. cities are charged with replacing dangerous lead pipes and improving drinking water quality within the next 13 years.

October 9, 2024 - Associated Press

Large 400-year old oak tree in Stevenson Ranch, California.

400-Year-Old Oak Tree Designated as Historic Landmark

The tree’s landmark status celebrates its deep-rooted history and symbolizes the community's dedication to preserving local ecological treasures.

October 9, 2024 - Hoodline

Tribal leaders of Gila River Indian Community at inauguration event for solar-over-canal project.

Arizona Native Community Launches First Solar-Over-Canal Project

Covering an irrigation canal with solar panels doubles its utility, producing renewable energy while protecting canal infrastructure and reducing water evaporation.

October 9, 2024 - Arizona Mirror

Empty hallway lined with white tile in subway station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

How Does Air Quality in a Philly Subway Station Compare to the Outdoors?

A team of researchers found much higher levels of particulate matter inside the City Hall subway station than on the street-level sidewalks directly above the station.

October 9, 2024 - The Conversation

Ornate Victorian home in foreground and neighborhood in Eureka, California.

Top Retirement Destinations in California: Where Affordability, Health, and Recreation Meet

These spots offer a balance of affordability, access to healthcare, and outdoor recreation opportunities that make them ideal for those seeking comfort and quality of life in their golden years.

October 8, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Rendering of aerial view of expanded Exposition Park in central Los Angeles with multiple sports stadiums and park facilities.

Exposition Park’s $351.5 Million Transformation

This revitalization will create vital green spaces, improve accessibility, and enhance connections with community, making Exposition Park a central hub for recreation and culture in Los Angeles.

October 7, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Flock of white snow geese flying and resting in water in Sacramento River delta at sunset.

California Secures $360 Million in Federal Funding for Parks, Habitat Restoration, and Clean Transportation

This funding will drive transformative projects across the state, improving access to green spaces, protecting natural ecosystems, and advancing sustainable transportation initiatives.

October 7, 2024 - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

Sheep grazing in field with solar panels in background.

Herds of Sheep Manage Vegetation Where Powered Mowers Can’t

Cities are hiring grazing sheep to keep vegetation in check in sensitive sites and uneven terrain.

October 7, 2024 - Associated Press

Cows grazing in front of vertical solar panels.

New Jersey Agrivoltaic Project Combines Solar Energy With Farming

A Rutgers University-New Brunswick demonstration farm will evaluate solar array designs to understand how they can best support grazing and agriculture on the same site.

October 7, 2024 - Rutgers University—New Brunswick

Set of black headphones attached to small tray of wheatgrass sitting on table against blue background.

Using Sound to Revive Ecosystems and Enhance Biodiversity

This innovative approach leverages the power of sound to stimulate beneficial soil microbes, offering a novel and eco-friendly tool for ecosystem restoration and biodiversity enhancement.

October 6, 2024 - The Conversation

Desert tortoise on asphalt road.

California Room to Roam Act Prioritizes Wildlife Connectivity

A new state law requires new development and infrastructure to minimize disruption to local wildlife habitats and migration patterns.

October 4, 2024 - Center for Biological Diversity

WMATA bus stop with sign and no bench or shelter in Washington, D.C.

DC’s Hottest Neighborhoods Have the Least Shade

Areas most exposed to extreme heat also tend to lack bus shelters and benches at bus stops.

October 4, 2024 - Greater Greater Washington

Wood WELCOME sign with Bureau of Land Management name and logo next to concrete stairwell outdoors in Utah.

Western Conservationists, Tribes File Legal Motion to Defend Public Lands Rule

Some states and industry groups have sued to stop the Bureau of Land Management from enforcing the new rule, which promotes the conservation and restoration of public lands and shifts focus away from extractive uses.

October 3, 2024 - WildEarth Guardians

Wildfire burning under power transmission towers and large trees at night.

Intense October Heat Wave Raises Fire Risk in California

Unusually high temperatures across the state are prompting power shutoffs and could fuel more destructive wildfires.

October 3, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Damage from flooding from HUrricane Helene in North Carolina.

‘Climate Havens’ Not Safe From Hurricane Helene’s Destruction

Parts of North Carolina previously considered immune to the impact of hurricanes experienced historic flooding in the aftermath of the storm.

October 3, 2024 - Scientific American

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.