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?

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
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