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
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.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)