Environment
Invasive Beetles Threaten California's Oak Trees
Goldspotted oak borers are damaging California's oak trees, increasing wildfire risks and causing ecological and economic losses, with mitigation focused on local firewood sourcing and tree management.
Revitalizing Toxic Sites Using Fungi and Plants
Fungi and plants are being used to detoxify polluted sites, turning hazardous brownfields into vibrant meadows and empowering communities with eco-friendly remediation skills.
Phoenix Nonprofit Offers Medical Services to Unhoused Residents
The mobile medical units are administering IV fluids and treating heat-related illnesses as extreme heat blankets the Southwest.
LA County Releases Funding for Parkland Acquisition in Underserved Communities
Los Angeles County has released $14.5 million in Measure A grant funds to support parkland acquisition in high-need areas, aiming to create additional green spaces and advance environmental justice and equity.
Climate Change Putting Coastal Infrastructure at Risk
More than 1,000 coastal facilities could flood as often as once a month as sea levels rise, according to a study from the Union of Concerned Scientists.
California’s 2024 Drinking Water Needs Assessment Reveals Critical Issues in Public Water Systems
The assessment identifies 385 failing public water systems and highlights significant funding gaps and affordability challenges in ensuring safe drinking water for disadvantaged communities.
From Academia to Action: An Indigenous Reforestation Effort in Los Angeles
Ary Amaya, a UCLA graduate student, leads an Indigenous-led reforestation effort in Los Angeles, integrating cultural practices and ecological restoration across 27 acres to promote Indigenous sovereignty and sustainable land management.
California's Struggle to End Neighborhood Oil Drilling Faces Fierce Industry Opposition
Assembly Bill 1866 aims to address the health hazards caused by idle oil wells in low-income communities by enforcing stricter regulations on oil companies to accelerate well cleanup, despite significant opposition from the oil industry.
Youth Activists Secure Landmark Climate Agreement for Zero Emissions in Hawaii
The unprecedented climate settlement compels the state's transportation department to achieve zero emissions by 2045, marking a significant victory for climate justice and constitutional rights.
North Dakota Tribe Reclaims Agricultural Heritage with Massive Greenhouse Project
The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation in North Dakota is launching a massive greenhouse project to regain their agricultural heritage and achieve food sovereignty.
California Voters to Decide on Major Climate Funding in November
Californians will determine whether to approve a $10 billion bond for climate and environmental projects, which seeks to address critical issues such as wildfire prevention, safe drinking water, and protection of disadvantaged communities.
Predicting Toxic Algae Blooms with AI Modeling
Scientists hope to use AI and machine learning models to forecast water quality issues caused by toxic blue-green algae blooms.
EPA Report Highlights Dire Impacts of Climate Change
The latest edition of the “Climate Change Indicators in the United States” report highlights the severe and widespread impacts of climate change on health and the environment, emphasizing the urgent need for action to mitigate these effects.
California Using AI to Get Ahead of Wildfires
The state is pioneering the use of technology to identify wildfire risks and alert firefighters before blazes get out of control.
California Faces Intense Heat Wave, Power Shutoffs
The state is bracing for a heat dome that will bring temperatures into the 120s and little nighttime relief.
Cities Replacing Fireworks With Drone Shows
Fireworks shows often lead to lost pets, disruptions for local wildlife, polluted water, and wildfires. Drone shows offer a safer celebration.
Minnesota Law Calls for Climate Impact Assessment for Highway Projects
The state’s department of transportation will have to consider potential greenhouse gas emissions and alter projects that don’t meet emissions reduction targets.
Will the Supreme Court’s Chevron Decision Impact Environmental Regulations?
By overturning the Chevron doctrine, the Supreme Court stripped federal agencies like the EPA of final say when interpreting ambiguous legislative policies, leaving future decisions up to judges.
Oil Industry Withdraws Ballot Measure, Shifts to Legal Fight Over California Well Restrictions
California's oil industry has withdrawn its ballot measure challenging a law that restricts oil and gas wells near homes and schools, opting to contest the law in court.
LA County Parks Celebrates 80 Years with Free Summer Programs
The department has launched the ‘Let’s Play Outside’ campaign as part of its celebration of eight decades of fostering connections between LA County residents and the great outdoors.
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
