Environment

California's Failed Attempts With Alternative Fuels

The state's efforts to wean itself from petroleum since the 1979 oil shock have not produced a shift away from gasoline powered cars, though regulations have proven successful in improving air quality.

August 5, 2006 - The Wall Street Journal

Building Green Has Become Mainstream

With officials demanding more sustainable development and consumer interest at an all time high, a critical mass of developers are starting to see the value in building "green".

August 5, 2006 - USA Today

Heat Wave A Brutal Test For LEED Platinum Rated Building

Software maker Adobe Systems' headquarters, the first building ever to receive a platinum rating from the U.S. Green Building Council, was pushed to the breaking point during the recent heat wave.

August 4, 2006 - San Jose Mercury News

Earth-Bermed Homes Providing Relief From Hot Summer

Earth-sheltered houses save some residents of Longmont, CO from excessive heat and cold while cutting energy bills.

August 3, 2006 - Daily Times-Call

Spending Green For Green Space

States are increasingly becoming major players of land conservation agreements between private landowners and preservation groups.

August 3, 2006 - Governing Magazine

Toronto Project LEEDs City And Developer To Green

A new green project near Toronto is fostering a LEED-ing of the city. The 243-acre development will be Canada's largest LEED-certified project yet, and though the developer hadn't planned on going green, it turned out to be more profitable.

August 3, 2006 - The Globe and Mail

Australians Reject Recycled Sewage Water Plan

Officials have been unable to convince residents that a "toilet to tumbler" recycled water scheme would provide drinking water that is safe and reliable.

August 2, 2006 - Cosmos Online

Environmental Cost Of War A Major Catastrophe For Lebanon

The Israeili bombing of fuel storage tanks, plus the attack on an Israeli warship, have released thousands of tons of oil into the coast off of Lebanon, and there are few resources available for a cleanup operation.

August 2, 2006 - Reuters

Toxic Blooms Becoming Commonplace In Many Coastal Areas

In nearly every coastal region, from New England, to California and the West Coast, to Alaska and Montreal, toxic blooms are becoming a major environmental and health threat.

August 2, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

California and Britain Sign Global Warming Accord

Sidestepping the federal government, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a historic partnership with British Prime Minister Tony Blair to address climate change.

August 2, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

U.S. National Parks At Risk From Global Warming

Report warns that Yellowstone, Yosemite, and other beloved national parks are threatened by global warming.

July 30, 2006 - National Geographic

U.S. Breathing China's Air Pollution

Airborne pollution is crossing the Pacific Ocean and depositing itself in California skies.

July 30, 2006 - Forbes

Spent Nuclear Fuel Edges Closer To Yucca

The Department of Energy has announced a timeline for the nuclear-waste site, as opposition intensifies in Nevada.

July 29, 2006 - The Christian Science Monitor

The Problem With Coastal Development

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, several leading Climatologists come out against continued development along the nation's coastlines.

July 28, 2006 - The New York Times

Will The Bay Area Make Public Transit Free?

With daily ridership up 15% during the Bay Area's recent free transit experiment, some officials are calling for the policy to be made permanent.

July 28, 2006 - The San Francisco Chronicle

In The Heat Of The Night

Urbanized areas are becoming increasingly warm during night, a time most places experience a cool-down. According to climatologists, the more development there is in an urban area, the more heat it retains throughout the day -- and night.

July 28, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Technology Helping to Encourage Sustainable Design

Three-dimensional "intelligent models" are helping to build high-profile projects around the world that embrace sustainable design.

July 28, 2006 - Forbes

Boston Adds Solar Powered Trash Cans

The City of Boston is in the process of adding solar powered trash cans in its downtown. Despite early confusion from pedestrians, Mayor Tom Menino praises them for their cleanliness and ability to save on labor costs.

July 27, 2006 - The Boston Globe

Top-Down Greening In The Urban Core

Can cities get back in touch with nature? Planners, developers, architects, and policy makers convened in Los Angeles June 7 to face the challenge and develop a plan of action to help bring life onto the rooftops of L.A.'s downtown.

July 27, 2006 - Nate Berg

Hot L.A. Nights Caused By Urban Heat Island Effect

Climatologists blame the urban 'heat island' effect for a rise in Southern California's average evening temperatures, which have hit record highs in recent days.

July 26, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

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.

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.