Environment
Look into the Crystal Ball
Next American City asked prominent urban thinkers for their opinions on what 2010 will hold for the world. Here are their responses.
Easements Gone Wrong
When a nonprofit conservancy dissolves, their land trusts go into limbo, calling the restrictions on development into question.
Worst-Case Tsunami Scenario Mapped
The event of a huge earthquake off the Aleutian Islands could send a devastating tsunami towards the West coast of the U.S. Researchers have released maps of what a worst-case scenario might look like for coastal communities.
Water Standards Out of Touch With Reality
American drinking water meets federal safety standards, but some say it's only because those standards are far too low and don't accurately reflect the potential for contamination.
Vast Changes Along the Mekong River
Dam and development projects are in the works along the Mekong River, which runs through six Asian countries. Some say the river and the economies that rely on it are being threatened.
Filling in the City
As climate talks start and stop in Copenhagen, Anthony Flint argues for local action by affecting the built environment. He calls for more infill redevelopment, saying "we need more city".
Most Polluted City in the World
The World Bank named Linfen, China the most polluted city in the world a couple of years ago. Since then, the government claims to have made significant strides, but a thick smog still blankets the town.
Brazil's New Dam Opens Shipping Doors But Hurts Green Image
A new $7.7 billion dam is being built in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil, a piece of infrastructure expected to ease the shipment of goods between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. But its environmental impact may hurt Brazil's green credibility.
Watching Water Loss Via Satellite
NASA satellites have tracked the loss of water in California's Central Valley over the past few years, and finds that drought coupled with over-irrigation are stressing the state's supplies.
From Brothel to Floodplain
A floodplain on the Truckee River -- the original site of a famous Nevada brothel -- is being restored to its natural state.
The City Solution to Climate Change
In this commentary from the UN climate talks in Copenhagen, Worldchanging's Alex Steffen looks beyond the quick fixes and geoengineering and notes that making cities more sustainable will help fight climate change.
Rivers Reworked in South Korea
South Korean officials have begun work on a $19.2 billion effort to remake the country's four largest rivers. The project would slightly reshape the rivers and add towns and bike trails to their waterfronts.
Is Riding Transit Necessarily Better For The Environment Than Driving?
In the third of a 5-part "Rethinking Green" series, the National Post casts doubt on public transit's ability to reduce global warming while praising driving; applying similar scrutiny to recycling and aquaculture in the first and second installments
Green Retrofits Required in New York City
The New York City Council has passed a suite of bills hat require green retrofits on the city's buildings.
The Role of City Parks in Creating Climate Friendly Communities
Parks and trails can be used to create low carbon cities.
Green Roofs Also Capture Carbon
A new report shows that green roofs not only help by cooling the sun's rays, they also are effective for carbon sequestration.
Scandinavian Cities Top European Green City Index
In a study released by Siemens AG and The Economist Intelligence Unit, Copenhagen tops the list of the greenest cities in Europe (out of a pool of 30 cities that were considered).
Let It Snow (But Not in Russia)!
Citing street sweeping costs, Moscow's mayor has said the city may start seeding the clouds to reduce snowfall.
Wind Woes
A North Dakota man says he'll fight his city to keep his wind turbine.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
