Environment
Atlanta Weighs 'Midtown Connector' Freeway Cap
The billion-dollar project would create a 25-acre park and 3.5 miles of new bike and pedestrian routes.
Blaming ERCOT
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the nonprofit, independent power grid operator for 90 percent of the nation's second-largest state, has become the convenient fall guy for the epic power failure caused by an extreme weather event.
U.S. Officially Rejoins the Paris Climate Accord
Rejoining the international climate accord is the first step into a long journey back into the good faith of the international community working to curb emissions and prevent the worst effects of climate change.
Where the Ground Sinks Under the Weight of Development
New research documents how the weight of buildings causes the ground to sink underneath developments in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Watch: Electric Cars and the Grid
The YouTube channel Engineering Explained takes on one of the big questions in a post-fossil-fuel transportation future.
Sharpsburg Ecodistrict the World's Third EcoDistricts Certified Community
The Sharpsburg Ecodistrict in Pennsylvania has been recognized with EcoDistrict Certification, joining Millvale and Etna to become the third certified community in Southwestern Pennsylvania's Triboro Ecodistrict—and the world.
California-Style Rolling Blackouts Come to Texas
As bad as the power outages are in Texas, they would be much worse if the independent energy grid operator hadn't initiated rolling blackouts. In an extensive interview with CBS Austin, Bill Magness, the head of ERCOT, explains what went wrong.
Haves and Have Nots: Planning and the Deep Divides of the Pandemic
The latest in a series of compendia gathering news and analysis about the effects of the COVID-19 on the built and natural environments—now and long into the future.
How Cities Are Using Wastewater to Test for COVID-19
Some scientists and city officials are moving ahead with a different way to track the virus’s spread: wastewater testing.
New Zealand's Climate Change Commission Provides Comprehensive Solutions
New Zealand’s Climate Change Commission, He Pou a Rangi ("a Pillar of the Sky"), recently released a Draft Advice for Consultation Report that describes necessary steps to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.
For the Birds: Why Designing for Birds is Good for Everyone
A new book spotlights how bird-friendly design makes for healthier and more pleasant cities for all species.
Cities' Self-Reported Emissions Numbers are Way Off, Study Finds
New research shows that the voluntary emissions measurements conducted by many cities vastly undercount their greenhouse gas production.
Seattle Limits Natural Gas in New Construction
More cities are banning the use of natural gas in new buildings. Seattle is the latest example.
How Far, How Fast, Will Electric Car Policies Go?
The federal government, and even some automakers, seemed poised to nudge the country toward a future of electric vehicles. But the American preference for large trucks will be an obstacle to those plans.
An Environmental Justice Agenda for 2021
Michael Méndez, assistant professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy at the University of California, Irvine opines on California's continued struggle to implement ambitious climate goals.
Paradise Was Prepared for the Camp Fire, Report Says. It Wasn't Enough.
Sobering findings from a thorough examination of the causes of the 2018 Camp Fire.
New Climate Leadership in Transportation at the California Assembly
California Assembly Transportation Committee Chair Laura Friedman shares policy priorities for reducing emissions, eliminating traffic fatalities, and improving the connectivity of urban regional light rail in Southern California.
Biden's Climate Plan Centers Environmental Justice
The Biden administration's climate plan calls for sweeping reform in the country's energy policy and places new focus on addressing racial and economic disparities.
The Importance of Regional Parks
Regional parks like Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in Southern California offers something for everyone and are more important than ever in the midst of a pandemic.
Thank Indigenous Activists for the Keystone XL Pipeline's Demise
President Biden's executive order may put the final nail in the coffin of the controversial pipeline project, but it was unwavering local activists who kept the pressure on for a decade.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
