Although "two of the hottest buzzwords in urban planning" - resilience and sustainability - are often used interchangeably, in many cases they actually work against each other. David Biello examines why both are crucial for the future of our cities.
Biello uses the example of oft-polluting combined sewer outflows as one instance of a resilient system - one that "bounces back from challenges, unharmed" and can fail safely - that incorporates unsustainable actions. "Some of the most obvious ways to become more resilient are not
sustainable," observes Biello. "For example, if you are concerned about reliable
electricity, you can increase the resilience of your local grid by
buying a diesel generator, or two, or more."
"Fortunately, there are ways to think more creatively about how to
achieve the same resilience. So, instead of buying a couple big extra
generators, a thousand small generators on rooftops might be better, as
in the case of solar power on homes. Or programs that reduce the overall
demand for power-reducing the stress on the existing electrical
grid-can help avoid issues like the 2003 blackout."
"In the end," says Biello, "any enduring city must be resilient to a whole host of
challenges-from floods and fire to economic collapse-in order to last
for the long-term. And what could be more sustainable than that?"
FULL STORY: Can Cities Be "Resilient" and "Sustainable" at the Same Time?

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
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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.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)