Environment

'Nature-Deficit Disorder'

In this interview from Land&People, author Richard Louv discusses his research into the importance of interaction with nature in child development, and explains his concept of "nature-deficit disorder".

January 3, 2008 - Land&People

Addressing Climate Change In The Megacities

The increasing populations of the world's cities have a large impact on energy use and global warming. These populations should be a major focus of efforts to address climate change, according to this article from CNN.

January 3, 2008 - CNN

It Was a Very Good Year

Among Alternet's top 10 positive trends in 2007 are raised environmental consciousness; U.S. mayors taking the lead in climate change regulations and a "waste-free" plan for the Indian state of Kerala.

January 2, 2008 - AlterNet

Resistance Surrounds Portland's Ambitious Green Building Standard

Rules mandating higher energy efficiency in all new Portland buildings are slow to catch on in the city, but officials are hoping to gather support.

January 2, 2008 - The Oregonian

Water Woes Result In Rationing For Some Texas Communities

A string of droughts and a water-intensive invasive plant species have diminished water supplies in Northern Texas, requiring rationing for 11 cities in 2008.

January 2, 2008 - The Houston Chronicle

Green Building Requirements Proposed in Israel

Israel has announced plans to require green building standards on new constructions, but some say the requirements don't go far enough.

January 1, 2008 - Haaretz

China Abandons Yangtze Dam Plans

The dam would have forced the flooding of one of China's most visited tourist sites and displaced more than 100,000. Plans are still in the works for a hydropower dam on the river, but the exact location is uncertain.

December 31, 2007 - The Guardian

'Superferry' Takes Off, But Controversy Persists

The 866-passenger Hawaiian Superferry has begun operations despite months of controversy over its environmental consequences. With an environmental impact statement due in 18 months and plenty of opponents, the Superferry is not yet in the clear.

December 31, 2007 - The New York Times

The City of Blinding Lights is Starting To See 'Green'

The first thermal plant in 16 years opened this summer in southern Nevada. And America's most expensive private development - a new hotel and casino complex on the Strip - is getting LEED certified.

December 30, 2007 - The Christian Science Monitor

Is New Urbanism The Way To A Green Future?

This article from Time discusses the burden development places on the environment and how New Urbanism seeks to mitigate this burden.

December 30, 2007 - Time

America's Global Warming-Fighting Attorney General

California Attorney General (and former governor) Jerry Brown may be to global warming what former NY Attorney General (now Governor) Elliot Spitzer was to corporate reform, as his widely watched lawsuits, and threats of lawsuits, have gained fame.

December 29, 2007 - ASSOCIATED PRESS via San Diego Union-Tribune

Is LEED Way Behind?

Flaws in LEED's rating system make it much too easy to get certified, which begs the question: Does LEED really succeed in making our buildings any greener?

December 28, 2007 - Slate

Ohio Growth Posing Environmental Threats

Growth and urban development are posing significant threats to air quality in Northeast Ohio, and many planners are looking at ways to reduce the threats.

December 28, 2007 - The Plain Dealer

Introducing The Ecopolitan

National Geographic launches a new green cities blog called The Ecopolitan, written by Jay Walljasper, Senior Fellow of the Project for Public Spaces, and Executive Editor of Ode magazine.

December 26, 2007 - National Geographic

A 'Green' Manifesto From L.A.'s Mayor

Under the leadership of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the city of L.A., long infamous for its smog and traffic, has become a leader in many aspects of sustainable urban living.

December 25, 2007 - The Planning Report

Treating Wastewater Closer To Home

Treating wastewater at the neighborhood level can save money on public infrastructure while providing environmental benefits.

December 24, 2007 - Ecoworld

New Urbanism Examined By Time Magazine, Andrés Duany

Time's environmental reporter examines the American neighborhood with help from New Urbanist founder Andres Duany, who comments on suburbia and its carbon footprint, the role of the car, home size, public space, and ratings of green building.

December 24, 2007 - Time Magazine

Lack Of Foresight Hung Atlanta Up To Dry

Poor planning has put Atlanta in the drought-stricken position it's in now, and there are few signs that anything is changing on that front, according to this editorial from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

December 23, 2007 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty Challenged By Mexican Farmers

A 1944 international treaty that requires the transfer of millions of gallons of water from Mexico to the U.S. from the Rio Grande is being challenged by Mexican farmers who are routinely deprived of water every five years when the transfer occurs.

December 21, 2007 - Planet Ark

Boise Within Air Quality Standards... For Now

Idaho's Treasure Valley has garnered 150 days of air quality alerts in 2007, but is still considered safe by federal air quality standards. With further growth expected, many are concerned that air quality will not be so safe next year.

December 19, 2007 - The Idaho Statesman

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.

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA

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.