WHO Resource Database Links Planning and Public Health

The directory aims to help governments and organizations improve planning practices to build healthier, more resilient communities.

1 minute read

March 21, 2024, 9:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Paved walkway with a few people in lush green city park with large trees and benches.

Vastram / Adobe Stock

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a resource directory to help planners and officials build healthier environments and reduce air pollution in urban spaces. “The directory, comprising nearly 200 open-access resources, serves as a vital online repository which offers invaluable insights and tools to promote the creation of healthier environments and enhance the well-being of communities worldwide.”

In a press release, the WHO highlights the link between planning and public health. “The way we plan and build our cities, towns or neighborhoods plays a big role in health promotion and disease prevention. Prioritizing health in the planning and design of our living environments is crucial to reduce health risks and improve the well-being of all communities.”

The directory is designed to be a centralized repository of resources such as “tools that quantify the health and/or socioeconomic impact of planning and designing urban areas from a health perspective,” successful examples, and training materials and webinars on urban planning and health.

Monday, March 18, 2024 in World Health Organization

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

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, 2026 - Yale Environment 360

A construction crew working on SunZia.

How a Chicago-sized wind farm beat the odds and powered on

The project spanned five presidential administrations and a standoff with a U.S. military base.

45 minutes ago - Grist

A rendering of the basketball court, a green court under a blue sky.

MTA gives itself 30 days to transform pit into basketball court

The site has been under construction since 2022; the city originally estimated it would finish the court in 2024.

1 hour ago - Gothamist

A crowd of people bathed in pink light in front of a stage.

Non-stop party: Chicago voters weigh permanent festival grounds

A stable place for bleachers, stages and drainage may streamline the setup and teardown of large events.

2 hours ago - Block Club Chicago