Edward O. Wilson, famed for pressing for the conservation of half of the planet's land and oceans, recently turned 90 years old.
Andrew Revkin provides a biographical article about E.O. Wilson on the occasion of the famed conservationist's 90th birthday.
Describing him as "one of the great figures in biology and conservation of this, or any, century," Revkin also introduces Wilson to an audience that might not have encountered his work until now.
The gist of Wilson's worldview was expressed recently in his book, Half-Earth, summarized here by Revkin: "for humans to set aside half of our planet’s terrestrial and oceanic space for other species within the next few decades."
"Conserving this amount of space for nature, he has calculated, can safeguard some 85 percent of the world’s species, offering the prospect of a sustainable long-term human relationship with the planet once our population stabilizes and we learn how to satisfy human needs without undermining ecological health," explains Revkin.
According to the article, despite retiring "only in the technical sense," Wilson has a lot of frying pans in the fire, and fans of his work will have plenty of projects to keep track of in the near future.
FULL STORY: E.O. Wilson at 90: The conservation legend shares dreams for the future
Land Use Patterns Connected to Biodiversity Crisis
As many as 1 million species are at risk of extinction if the world, including planning professionals and politicians, doesn't make big changes.
Urban Containment: Sometimes Bad, Sometimes Not So Much
Some commentators on urban containment treat the issue as all-or-nothing: either strict limits on suburban development are good public policy everywhere, or they are good public policy nowhere. Perhaps a more nuanced view is appropriate.
When California Mountain Lions Become City Dwellers
As urban sprawl continues to encroach on what was once expansive habitat for mountain lions, the large predators have been involved in more encounters with humans in urban settings.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions