A new study produced by an international team of scientists focuses on efforts to reduce the production of two shorter-term pollutants, rather than carbon dioxide, that drive climate change.
Brian Vastag and Juliet Eilperin write of measures to reduce the production of methane and soot, outlined in a study appearing in the journal Science, that could slow global warming, save millions of lives and boost crop production around the world.
"Previous studies have noted the benefits of reducing methane and soot. But the new study looked at the specific effect of about 400 actions policymakers could take. Of those, just 14 interventions - such as eliminating wood-burning stoves, dampening emissions from diesel vehicles and capturing methane released from coal mines - would offer big benefits."
Brooks Yeager, executive vice president for policy for the advocacy group Clean Air-Cool Planet, gave the report's positive reception a reality check, "I think it's a little dangerous to think you can do this instead of reducing carbon dioxide," Yaeger said. "If you don't reduce carbon dioxide, the benefits of reducing these [pollutants] will recede into the background and be overwhelmed by carbon."
FULL STORY: Study: Simple measures could reduce global warming, save lives
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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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.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.