Kaid Benfield highlights nine low-tech steps that he recommends can help communities prepare for the coming changes in global climate.
With average global temperature climbing at record rates and scientists speculating that average US temperatures could be 3 to 9 degrees higher by the end of the century, climate resilience has become a concern for researchers, planners, academics, and authorities.
Although large-scale coordinated efforts to diminish the warming trajectory will take time, investment, and leadership, there are several low-tech initiatives that individuals and groups can implement in their own communities to prepare for rising temperatures, notes Benfield.
His list includes:
- Bringing more vegetation into neighborhoods
- Planting city-scaled community gardens
- Using drought-resistant landscaping
- Using light-colored roofing and pavement
- Getting serious about sea level rise and storm surges
- Saving older buildings
- When building new, following "original green" practices
- Keeping the regional footprint small and well-connected
- Updating zoning and building codes to facilitate resilience
Read the full story: Nine low-tech steps for community resilience in a warming climate
How to Fight Climate Change and Increase Resiliency, Naturally
Five actions governments could take quickly to reduce emissions and restore ecosystems.
Washington Says Seven-Degree Increase Is Coming, Doesn’t Outline Solutions
A federal evaluation of fuel-efficiency standards says that while drastic climate change is imminent, there is little reason to do anything about it.
If You Can't Stand the Heat....Stay Out of Phoenix
Already the hottest major American city, Peter O'Dowd describes how planners in Phoenix are preparing for the increased sizzle brought on by global warming.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet
Get ready for that new train smell and more seats. But they won’t go faster or run more frequently on the Cascades route in Washington and Oregon.
Trump administration unlawfully slashed $7 billion in clean energy grants, judge rules
The Environmental Protection Agency ended the Solar For All program, which provided the grants, after President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Record-breaking wildlife overpass in Colorado brings 91% reduction in animal collisions
Prior to the overpass, vehicles were hitting one deer per day on Colorado’s Interstate 25.
California lawmakers approve just 5% of much-needed LA28 transportation funding
State legislators appear just as unwilling as Trump to pay for Olympics-related transportation projects.
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
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello