This column from The San Francisco Examiner describes how "urban planning can save the world", and identifies transit-oriented development as a major solution to global warming.
"The solutions to global warming are found in modern urban planning and zoning and three little words: Transit Oriented Development. Build well-designed, affordable housing within walking distance of efficient mass transit, and the air-fouling traffic jams will unclog themselves. Better yet, build well-designed, affordable housing within walking distance of jobs, schools and retail, and car use will plummet."
"As individuals, as residents, as voters, we must support TOD efforts, especially as the Peninsula's population increases and commute patterns continue shifting. Single-use zoning and other urban planning practices dating back to the 1930s have become environmentally unsound and detrimental to a family's quality-of-life; just ask the parents in Pittsburg or San Rafael traveling to jobs in San Francisco, Alameda and San Jose."
"Transit or not, a 15-minute walk to the office is better than an hour on BART."
Read the full story: Viewpoint: Urban planning can save the earth
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Harvard University Graduate School of Design
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University of Cincinnati Online
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