Environment
California's Debate Over What Constitutes Renewable Energy
The goal is to increase California's use of clean, renewable sources of electricity so as to meet the state's climate protection goal. Two bills are being debated that will require that 33% of electricity sources be composed of renewables by 2020.
New EcoVillages: Not Just For Hippies
The Whole Village in Ontario, Canada is an environmentally sustainable co-op made up of architects, doctors and teachers instead of draft dodgers and dropouts.
Seattle's Green Mayor Ousted In Primary
Stunning many even outside Seattle, the two-term incumbent mayor came in third in a 'top two' primary despite outspending his six competitors. Voters will choose between two political newcomers, including an activist who goes by "Mike Bikes".
Creating 'Eco-Districts'
Green buildings are great, but don't do too much if they're located in grossly un-green places. The city of Portland is trying to address the issue by creating "eco-districts".
Brooklyn's Warehouse Roof Garden
This video from Reuters looks at a new rooftop garden in Brooklyn. Covering 6,000 square feet, the flourishing garden provides fresh produce to local restaurants.
Water Cops
Los Angeles' Department of Water and Power's enforcement officers have received mixed reviews, but have found overall success with tighter water-use restrictions implemented this year.
Global Warming Could Increase Deserts 34% in Next Century
A new report estimates that desertification will expand up to 34% during the next century, enveloping an area the size of the United States.
New Poll Finds Increased Usage of Urban Parks
A new report issued by The Trust for Public Land details the park and recreation system acres and facilities of the nation's largest 77 cities. The report shows that Americans are flocking to their city parks more in a down economy.
St. Joe Company's Big Plans and Drastic Impacts on Florida's Panhandle
The construction of a new airport and industrial district on Florida's panhandle characterizes the impact of the St. Joe Company, the state's biggest landowner and one in the midst of drastically changing the area's landscape.
Feeding the World in 2050
Growing populations and diminishing land will make feeding people a challenge in the near future. This piece from Popular Science looks at eight strategies to keep the world fed.
First Small-Scale Urban Wind Turbines Rising
Developers in Portland has begun installation of a set of wind turbines atop a new tower in downtown Portland.
The Problem With Coal
In his new book, Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America’s Energy Future, author Jeff Goodell uncovers the damage the coal industry has done to America's landscape.
Greenwich Bans Clotheslines in Public Housing
Greenwich cites concerns over aesthetics and liability.
Wild Manhattan in Pictures
Matt Jensen's photographs reveal views of a natural Manhattan that are a little hard to believe. [Slideshow]
Creating a 'Carbon-Positive' City
Mayor Yu Qun has transformed the city of Baoding, China into what some are calling the world's first "carbon-positive" city -- mainly by shifting away from polluting industries to the renewable energy industry.
Urban Apiarism Made Easier
Raising bees, that is. In England, a British government conservation agency is encouraging city dwellers to keep bees on their roofs, and have introduced a new hive design to make the pursuit easier.
Living A No-Impact Lifestyle in Manhattan
Writer Colin Beavan set a goal for his family to live a year in New York with no impact on the environment. A new documentary film follows their travails as meat, cosmetics, and trash bags get packed away.
Turf Troubles
When mandatory water conservation rules took effect in Glendale, California, homeowner David Wood installed artificial turf to maintain the green front yard emblematic of the American Dream. But his new fake lawn is against the law.
Calcutta Removes Old Cars to Clean Air
In order to clean the air in Calcutta, officials have begun enforcing a rule that removes all vehicles manufactured before 1993, mandated by the city's High Court.
Learning Water Conservation on the Golf Course
As water resources dwindle, golf course managers are becoming go-to experts on conservation.
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
