The idea that 2016 was an unequivocally and uniformly bad year is getting thrown around very casually these days. Here are a few reasons for why that narrative is overstated.
Brady Dennis and Chris Mooney looked to the environment, of all places, to find five positive news stories from the year 2016.
That's not to say all the news was good. Raising all sorts of alarms on the environmental front: the hottest temperatures on record, failing Antarctic ice sheets, seal level rise, and more.
Thankfully there were some bright spots in the environmental news, with more details and links included in the full article:
- Global carbon emissions appear to have stopped increasing.
- Worldwide, wind and solar are booming.
- World leaders seem determined to combat global warming (well, most world leaders).
- Technology is providing a glimmer of hope.
- The oceans are finally getting the attention they deserve.
Read the full story: It wasn’t entirely bad news. Here are five positive environmental stories from 2016.
EPA erases limits on planet-warming pollution from power plants
Under Monday’s plan, power plants would still have some limits on how much mercury, arsenic and other contaminants they can emit.
Climate change is battering US water systems
The American Water Works Association estimates that roughly $2 trillion will be needed to update municipal water systems for contemporary conditions.
Maine’s booming quarry industry is sending disruptive shockwaves into homes
Climate change has caused sea level rise, flooding and erosion along the coast of Maine, leading to a trend of coastal residents erecting or repairing stone walls.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
Nation's most wind-powered state turns to coal as data centers increase energy demand
For the first time in decades, Iowa has increased its generation of coal power.
NYC cools commuters with city's first rain garden above a bus stop
New York City officials say the plants in the rain garden can absorb 16 gallons of rainwater during heavy storms.
Brightline West’s future may rely on $6 billion federal loan
The company has until Nov. 2 to make a $400 million equity investment into its proposed high-speed rail line.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association