5 Positive Environmental News Developments from 2016

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.

1 minute read

December 29, 2016, 12:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


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. 

Wednesday, December 28, 2016 in The Washington Post

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Aerial view of Anchorage, Alaska downtown with mountains in background at golden hour.

Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan

Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.

March 28 - Anchorage Daily News

Young man in wheelchair crossing zebra crosswalk.

How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities

Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.

March 28 - Governing

Aerial view of mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the winter with snow at dusk.

Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing

Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.

March 28 - CBS News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.