Despite the ups and downs, there are reasons to feel optimistic.
In an article for CNN, Sophie Tanno outlines five positive developments in the renewable energy world in 2023. “Renewable energy records have been set, the world celebrated one of its greatest environmental wins and countries made a cautious but historic step towards a fossil fuel-free future.”
According to Tanno, “The year 2023 is on track to see the biggest increase in renewable energy capacity to date,” and the COP28 summit led to an “unprecedented commitment” to shift away from fossil fuels worldwide. “How impactful this deal ultimately is will depend on what countries do next to implement it,” Tanno adds, “But that a deal was struck at all on fossil fuels was widely welcomed seen as a breakthrough.”
Deforestation in Brazil is down by 22.3 percent, while the ozone layer, damaged by CFCs, is recovering steadily. On the transportation side, electric vehicles saw a surge in popularity as more models became available and affordable, but sellers expect demand to drop off as consumers wait for cheaper models with longer range.
Read the full story: After a terrible year of climate news, here are 5 reasons to feel positive
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An EV repays the 'carbon debt' caused by building it after 4,400 miles.
Uber Abandons Climate Commitments, Kills EV Incentive for Drivers
The company is dropping its pledge to fully electrify its fleet by 2030 and eliminating a monthly bonus for drivers who switch to EVs.
10 States Follow Through on Promise to Put 3.3 Million EVs on the Road
Rebate programs are at the heart of collaborative success.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
Satanic Place Names
From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.
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.
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.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority