An historic agreement between Israel, Jordan and the Palestinians aims to slow the disappearance of the Dead Sea and stabilize the supply of drinking water for all three groups.
A memorandum of understanding signed at the World Bank headquarters in Washington this week, "will help save the Dead Sea; supply water and later electricity; and bring about 'strategic, economic and political cooperation,' said [Silvan Shalom, Israel’s water and energy minister], who said he hoped it would serve as a 'window for regional peace.'"
Under the agreement, drinking water provided by a new desalination facility on the Red Sea in Aqaba, Jordan will be shared by Israel and Jordan. "In addition to the desalination facility, a 112-mile pipeline would convey brine from the Aqaba plant to partially replenish the shrinking Dead Sea, a hyper-saline body of water," reports Batsheva Sobelman.
“This is a historic agreement that realizes a dream of many years,” said Shalom. “The agreement is of the highest diplomatic, economic, environmental and strategic importance.”
FULL STORY: Israel, Jordan and Palestinians sign accord on water cooperation
Will Israel Show Us the Way Out of the Pandemic?
If vaccinations are key to ending the pandemic, Israel may get there first as it has the highest rate by far of any nation. Paradoxically, it also has the world's second-highest rate of daily new COVID-19 cases.
Illegal Palestinian Solar Installations Set For Demolition
Over the past two years, German funding and Israeli philanthropy led to the construction of solar installations for Palestinians living in "Area C" in the West Bank. Now Israel says the panels are illegal and wants them demolished.
Bridge Planned Between Egypt and Saudi Arabia
A proposed 20-mile bridge would span the Red Sea to connect Egypt and Saudi Arabia -- connecting Arab states and reducing reliance on land passage through Israel.
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.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions