Pope Francis, sticking to his job description, is out to save the world and all its creatures. Maybe we can help in our own little universes, where we can influence planning and design that makes for swell places and for reduced contributions to GHG.
"Even before last week’s official release of Pope Francis’s encyclical on climate change, advocates and defenders were honing their talking points. The pontiff promotes the potential of a 'communitarian salvation' that 'generates creative ideas for the improvement of a building or a neighbourhood.' And he reminds us of the interconnections between the built and natural environments, between all living things. He calls it 'an integral ecology, one which clearly respects its human and social dimensions.'”
Ben Brown goes on to review the encyclical from a city planning perspective, and ties it into several other urbanism reports and concludes:
"Movement to urbanized areas that offer more choices for living, working, playing and getting around without a car is driven by economic and demographic trends that seem irreversible. And whether people migrating to such places are motivated by reducing their carbon footprint or not, that’s the bonus they, their community and the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions get from their decisions."
FULL STORY: Pope Goes Global: Let’s talk local
In the U.S., Climate Politics Trump the Pope's Message
The encyclical "Laudato si: On the Care of Our Common Home" might have scored public relations points among environmentalists last year, but according to a new study, it didn't score any points with Catholics or the broader U.S. population.
No Papal Blessing for Cap-And-Trade
Governments must take correction actions to address climate change, warned Pope Francis in his June 18 encyclical, but cap-and-trade, which places a price on carbon emissions but can lead to speculation, is not one of them.
Pope Francis Taps Planners to Help Solve Climate Change
Pope Francis's unprecedented focus on climate change and the environment includes strong messages for planners and designers of the built environment.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
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NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
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Opinion: Federal Government Must Continue Supporting Rural Housing Program
The incoming Congress will have a say in bolstering — or harming — the only federal housing program focused on affordable housing in rural areas.
Chicago Budget Fails to Include Snow Plowing Program
Disability rights advocates say the “Plow the Sidewalks” program is a necessity for Chicagoans with limited mobility in winter months.
Indy Bike Share Sees Sharp Growth Thanks to Free Pass Program
A new fleet of e-bikes and free access for Marion County residents are getting more people on bikes.
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