Historically, green initiatives come about as responses to energy crises, but are abandoned when oil prices drop and the economy busts. This time around, though, that's less likely to happen.
"Some proponents of renewable energy believe the time is right, regardless of the economy or the price of gas. And they believe that forces are in place - domestic and global pressures - that will lead at last to greater energy independence."
"The wind, solar and geothermal industries 'are growing by leaps and bounds' around the world, says Lester Brown of the Earth Policy Institute, a nonprofit Washington-based organization dedicated to a sustainable future.
'This transition we are seeing,' Brown says, 'is going to keep going. Sure, it will be slowed by economic situations, including the drop in oil prices. But when we get a new president, there will be a need for jobs. And this is where jobs are going to be - in alternative energy, everywhere from smart grids to wind farms.'
Energy technology, he says, is labor intensive. 'It's going to be what information technology was when it was booming." Brown believes that the U.S. will be able to export the goods and services created by the green boom.
He adds, 'Whereas in the past, alternative energy was viewed as a temporary phenomenon, I don't think most people now see it as temporary.'"
Read the full story: Can U.S. Go 'Green' Even When Oil Prices Drop?
Beyond the Backyard Garden: Urban Agriculture
Thanks to industrialized agriculture, there’s a wide gulf between those who produce food and those who consume it. Too many city-dwellers lack access to nutritious, non-processed foods. Dave Steel thinks that urban agriculture is the key.
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An EV repays the 'carbon debt' caused by building it after 4,400 miles.
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan
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Mamdani sent nearly 6,000 pied-à-terre tax warnings to homes that didn’t qualify
A judge has ordered the administration to cancel thousands of pied-à-terre tax notices after it sent 35% of them erroneously.
One of nation’s poorest counties to receive $6 billion data center
The developers estimate the project will create 200 permanent jobs and 1,000 temporary construction jobs.
MTA expects Trump’s tariffs to increase new NYC transit costs by $1 billion
The Metropolitan Transit Authority said the cost of new subway cars has risen by 30% since Trump began his second term as president.
Alaska takes public comment on new long-term plan for roads, bridges and more
Alaska's draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program includes over $1 billion for the Alaska Marine Highway System.
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 Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello