Environment
How To Integrate Projects With The Ecosystem
A list of more than 200 ways designers, architects and planners can improve the integration of projects with their surrounding ecosystems has been released by the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Understanding Rachel Carson
Rachel Carson is credited with launching the modern environmental movement with her landmark book "Silent Spring". Her work was attacked by the chemical industry. One hundred years after her birth, her critics are back.
Water Waste Turns Deadly
An elderly man watering his lawn in drought-stricken Australia was recently berated by a passerby for wasting water. A fight then broke out and the man was beaten to death.
Corps Plan Will Reduce Water Flow Out Of Georgia
The states of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida have come to an agreement that will reduce the flow of river water out of Georgia as droughts have turned the three states against each other in a battle over limited water resources.
Greening China's 'SuperBlocks'
Rapid economic and physical development are posing problems for China's environment. But a new eco-friendly development model may soon replace the heavily resource-reliant "SuperBlock" development pattern.
Connecting The Dots In Coastal Planning And Design
Climate change and rising sea levels will greatly threaten many of the world's cities and should be considered when planning and designing for coastal areas. But this article argues that planners and designers haven't yet "connected the dots".
The Fire Last Time...And The Time Before That And The Time Before That...
In this reprinted excerpt from his 1999 book The Ecology of Fear, Mike Davis recounts the fire-prone history of Malibu and shows that development there has succumbed to repeated disastrous fires.
Is Carbon Trading Just Corporate Greenwashing?
Proponents say carbon trading is an essential market-based strategy for combating global warming while critics argue that it provides cover for corporate polluters.
Neighbor Of Thirsty Georgia Faces No Water Restrictions
Droughts are causing many Georgia municipalities to tightly restrict water use, but just across the border in Alabama is a city that has plenty of water to spare.
Seattle Hits Kyoto Targets
Seattle has shown that Kyoto Protocol-level reductions in greenhouse gases are practical and achievable, and won't hurt the economy. But with car use rising, much more needs to be done.
Think About Site And Climate Before Approving Projects
In response to the latest Southern California wildfires, site locations and climate must be more carefully considered by the people who build and approve subdivisions, writes Christopher Hawthorne.
Lake Superior Threatened By Development
The health of Lake Superior is facing a serious threat from pollution and runoff caused by development along its shores, according to a panel of scientists.
Water Limits Northeast Florida Growth Beyond 2030
Groundwater supplies in Northeast Florida may only be able to support growth until 2030, when demands on water will overshoot available resources.
Report Claims More Transit Means Fewer Emissions
A government report claims that greatly expanding Britain's transportation infrastructure will not work against its goal of reducing carbon emissions, but will actually help push transit technology to be more environmentally-friendly.
Analysis of LEED for Neighborhood Development Pilot Projects
Criteron Planners, a certification reviewer for the LEED for Neighborhood Development program, offers its analysis of LEED-ND pilot project locations and areas.
Survey Reveals Americans Preference For Transit Development
A new survey from Smart Growth America notes that three-fourths of Americans think improving public transportation is a better long term solution than building roads.
Earth Headed For Environmental 'Tipping Point'
A recent 540-page report from the United Nations outlines the mega-problem of climate change, warning that failure to act may cause irreversible damage.
Making Communities 'Fire Smart'
Canada has already seen devastating urban forest fires, and some communities are preparing for the worst by adopting "FireSmart" principles into their bylaws.
The Sustainability Century
Leading climate change scientist Tim Flannery talks about impact of global warming, the silencing of science, micro wind turbines, geothermal energy, compressed-air cars and what the California fires have in common with those in Greece and Australia.
Tackling Climate Change With Land Use
This opinion piece looks at how technology alone can't be depended on to solve the environmental threats of climate change. Land use and development patterns must also be addressed.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
