The McHarg Center's "The 2100 Project: An Atlas for the Green New Deal" provides a series of maps an infographics to illustrate the way the United States uses land.
Iman Gosh shares a set of maps recently published by the McHarg Center that puts U.S. land use in perspective.
"The '2100 Project: An Atlas for the Green New Deal' provides a snapshot of U.S. land use (as of 2017), aimed at managing resources to support this future," explains Gosh. Here's how the maps break down the country's land use by type:
- Forests (27%)
- Shrubland (24%)
- Agriculture (17%)
- Grasslands and Pasture (17%)
- Wetlands (5%)
- Other (3%)
- Urban Areas (2%)
A few of Gosh's takeaways from the map include the outsized influence of urban areas, the vast footprint of forests, and some specifics about where the country grows its food.
"The U.S. population is set to grow by 100 million more people over the coming decades, raising the pressure on limited U.S. land and natural resources. This pressure will be felt everywhere, from dense urban land to agricultural farmland," concludes Gosh, with a message about the future of land use.
FULL STORY: Mapped: The Anatomy of Land Use in America
Pop Quiz: Can You Identify Cities By Density Alone?
A Planetizen editor failed this quiz.
Mapping the LGBTQ-Friendliness of the World's Cities
A colorful data visualization tool maps information about which cities have the most protections for LGBTQ people in place. The tool is intended as a resource for LGBTQ travelers.
Poverty in the United States Explained
The Brookings Institution has provided a data-driven examination of the subject of poverty in the United States, to provide the kind of policy nuance and detail missing from the 2016 presidential campaign.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Phoenix Light Rail Extension Opens
The South Central line extends 5.5 miles of rail into South Phoenix neighborhoods, bringing the city’s total light rail network to 35 miles.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Children
As summers get hotter and more dangerous, parents can take steps to protect kids from heat-related illnesses.
‘Quiet Parks’ Highlight Importance of Silence for Public Health
The initiative recognizes parks and other areas that preserve natural quiet in a world full of noise pollution.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)