climate action

"Restoration in progress" sign in the wetlands in Alviso Marsh, Don Edwards wildlife refuge, south San Francisco Bay, California.

Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Climate Action

These solutions offer cost-effective, sustainable methods to combat climate change, but require government action to reallocate subsidies, integrate natural assets into financial systems, and develop biodiversity credit markets.

November 27, 2024 - The Conversation

Street scene in Greenwich Village, New York City with people walking through busy intersection and new WTC tower in background.

New York State Climate Plan Stalls

Of 35 recommendations presented in the state’s climate scoping plan, just one has been implemented so far.

July 17, 2024 - New York Focus

Roadside "Fire Danger Extreme Today!" sign in Cleveland National Forest, California.

California Voters to Decide on Major Climate Funding in November

Californians will determine whether to approve a $10 billion bond for climate and environmental projects, which seeks to address critical issues such as wildfire prevention, safe drinking water, and protection of disadvantaged communities.

July 7, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

View of Los Angeles skyline against a bright orange sky with a palm tree at left

Los Angeles County Releases Updated Climate Action Plan

The revised plan reflects the county's commitment to fighting climate change and identifies strategies, measures, and actions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from community activities and some municipal operations.

April 27, 2023 - Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning

Close-up of signs being held up at climate change protest

Survey: Mayors Concerned About Direct Impacts of Climate Change

Almost all U.S. mayors have some level of concern about climate change in their communities, but local leaders face some challenges in taking action.

January 22, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

Bunker Hill, Charlestown

Tracking Boston’s Emissions Reduction Progress

The Boston Foundation published the “Inaugural Boston Climate Progress Report” earlier this month. Other U.S. cities should follow their lead.

November 10, 2022 - The Boston Foundation

A diagram of funding programs for the The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF), including clean energy, workforce training, regenerative agriculture, and innovation.

Funding Urban Climate Justice

The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund stands out as an example of local grassroots climate action—in this case, the kind of action that makes other climate projects and programs possible.

June 7, 2022 - Joan Fitzgerald

Sprawl

The Urgent Need for Climate Action Includes Land Use Reforms, IPCC Report Says

The United Nations International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its latest report earlier this week, sounding the alarm that time is running out to make the changes that can prevent the worst outcomes of climate change.

April 8, 2022 - The Washington Post

Glenn Youngkin gesturing with his hands while speaking to the media and the public while campaigning for governor of Virginia at the Alexandria Farmers Market.

New GOP Governor's Anti-Climate Agenda Takes Shape in Virginia

New Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin made promises on the campaign trail to reverse the state's commitment to climate reductions.

January 21, 2022 - The Virginia Mercury

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Equity Plus: Toward More Integrated Solutions

Many transportation equity strategies only address a small portion of the need. To be more effective, we need structural reforms that create more diverse and affordable transportation systems and more compact and multimodal communities.

January 4, 2022 - Todd Litman

Chicago ADA Access

Better Access to Urban Opportunities

A major new Coalition for Urban Transitions guide offers specific recommendations for COVID-19 recovery, climate emergency response, and poverty reduction through policies that make cities more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive.

December 28, 2021 - Better Access to Urban Opportunities: Accessibility policy for cities in the 2020s

14th Street Traffic

Clean Vehicles Versus Vehicle Travel Reductions: Better Transportation Emission Reduction Planning

There are many possible ways to reduce transportation emissions, some of which provide large co-benefits. Unfortunately, current evaluation practices tend to overlook some of the best. Lets examine why.

August 30, 2021 - Todd Litman

How's My Driving

To Save the Climate: Driving Habits Must Change

Even with ambitious electric Vehicle adoption, the United States must reduce vehicle miles traveled by 20 percent before the end of the decade to limit warming to 1.5°C, according to new research by the Rocky Mountain Institute.

August 30, 2021 - Rocky Mountain Institute

A freeway in Maryland near Washington, D.C., on the Capital Beltway with an exit sign for Wheaton.

New Long-Range Transportation Plan for the D.C. Region Will Include a Climate Addendum

The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board has almost completed the latest version fo the Visualize 2045 long-range transportation plan, but it is already making plans to add a climate plan to the final product.

July 6, 2021 - Greater Greater Washington

Road Construction

Wales to Cease Road Construction Projects in Bid to Achieve Net Zero Emissions

The Welsh government is taking a bold stand for climate action.

June 24, 2021 - The Guardian

Vancouver Car Free Robson

Vancouver's State-of-Art Climate Action Plan Incorporates Multiple Goals

The city of Vancouver's new Climate Emergency Action Plan incorporates a comprehensive scope of goals, including affordability, public health, and social equity, which can help build broad public support.

October 29, 2020 - City of Vancouver Climate Emergency Action Plan

Electric vehicle

Biden's New Climate Plan Would Spend $2 Trillion in Four Years

Biden is amping up his campaign promises to leverage the federal government in the fight to reduce greenhouse emissions in the U.S. economy.

July 19, 2020 - Grist

Mountlake Terrace, Washington

House Committee Calls for Stronger Federal Role in Planning to Deal With Climate Change

The new "Solving the Climate Crisis" report could provide guidance and direction if federal leadership in Washington, D.C. finally decides to take aggressive steps to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to a changed climate.

July 9, 2020 - American Planning Association

Rally

Lack of Progress on Racial Justice Is Blocking Progress on Climate Justice

Climate justice and social justice are closely linked. Black climate expert Ayana Johnson explains why racial justice strides are required to make leeway for climate change issues.

June 15, 2020 - The Washington Post

Coronavirus Skies

Calls for Environmental Action Increasing as Coronavirus Lingers

We can't go back to the way of life that makes pollution and climate change acceptable, according to multiple articles published on and around Earth Day. It's time for change.

April 26, 2020 - Los Angeles Times

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.