ASLA Commits to Profession-Wide Climate Action

The American Society of Landscape Architects has assembled a task force to create an action plan focused on climate change and biodiversity.

1 minute read

August 10, 2022, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Rendering of Memorial Park land bridge

Memorial Park Conservancy / Rendering of Memorial Park land bridge

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has begun the process of preparing a profession-wide Climate Action Plan, according to an article by Jared Green for ASLA publication The Dirt.

“The ambitious plan seeks to transform the practice of landscape architecture by 2040 through actions taken by ASLA and its members focused on climate mitigation and adaptation, ecological restoration, biodiversity, equity, and economic development,” according to Green.

To craft the action plan, the ASLA has appointed five members to its Climate Action Plan Task Force, to be chaired by Pamela Conrad, ASLA, founder of Climate Positive Design and Principal at CMG Landscape Architecture. A Climate Action Plan Advisory Group of 16 will also advise on the plan. The ASLA expects to publish the Climate Action Plan at its November national conference in San Francisco.

Thursday, July 28, 2022 in ASLA The Dirt

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

A pencil rendering of Foundry Park, which shows skyscrapers and public green spaces.

Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment

The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.

October 23, 2026 - Chicago Sun Times

A rendering of a high speed rain station in California, with wide platforms and a sleep train with yellow highlights.

California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal

Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.

October 30 - Cal Matters

 A bridge stretches across the Missouri River at Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states

Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.

October 30 - South Dakota Searchlight

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30 - Yale Environment 360