Paris Climate Agreement

Aerial view of industrial plant with large smokestacks, surrounded by smoke with sunset sky in background.

COP28: Will Developed Nations Reduce Emissions?

Tensions between developed and developing nations surfaced over emissions and energy, with the former focused on reducing fossil fuels and the latter pointing to unrealized emissions reductions from the nations most responsible for global warming.

December 6, 2023 - The Wall Street Journal

Solar and Wind Energy

U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Continue Post-Pandemic Rebound in 2022

Renewables generated more electricity than coal in 2022, according to preliminary estimates. Greenhouse gases still rose, however, due mostly to increased emissions from buildings.

January 10, 2023 - Rhodium Group

Sprawl

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Growing Faster than the Economy in the U.S.

2021 greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. transportation increased 10 percent compared to the previous year, pushing the entire world further from the emissions reductions necessary to prevent the worst effects of climate change.

January 10, 2022 - Rhodium Group

Methane

Countries Underreport Greenhouse Gas Emissions

A Washington Post investigation found major discrepancies between actual emissions and the levels reported to the United Nations.

November 11, 2021 - The Washington Post

Protest

Report: How The U.S. Could Meet Its 2030 Climate Goals

If policymakers don't take clear, immediate action, emissions reductions will fall short of the 50-52 percent goal set in Paris.

October 29, 2021 - Rhodium Group

Climate Change

Visualizing the Effects of Sea Level Rise on U.S. Cities

A report from Climate Central calls for urgent action, illustrating the potential devastating impact of even a small rise in global temperature on the coastline of major cities.

October 19, 2021 - Yahoo News

Green Building

Sustainable Real Estate Investments Are No Longer Optional

Greenwashing won't cut it anymore, and investors are increasingly demanding that all real estate developments and existing assets be assessed in the most holistic way possible.

September 12, 2021 - Breana Wheeler

Northern California Wilidfires

Time Is Running Out to Limit the Damage of Climate Change, According to Historic UN Report

The role of humans in creating immense risks from extreme weather, drought, sea-level rise, and bio-diversity loss is "unequivocal," according to a landmark study by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

August 9, 2021 - James Brasuell

Environmentalism

U.S. Officially Rejoins the Paris Climate Accord

Rejoining the international climate accord is the first step into a long journey back into the good faith of the international community working to curb emissions and prevent the worst effects of climate change.

February 22, 2021 - The Washington Post

Power Plant

New York State Pension Fund Divests From Fossil Fuels

The announcement this week that the state of New York's employee pension fund would divest from fossil fuel industries sent shockwaves through the industry and the environmentalism movement this week.

December 10, 2020 - The New York Times

U.S. EPA

U.S. Officially Withdraws From the Paris Climate Accord

An even set in motion years ago by the Trump administration came to fruition on November 4 while most Americans were paying attention to the election.

November 5, 2020 - The Washington Post

Power Plant

Brookings Report Measures 100 U.S. Cities' Adherence to Climate Action Pledges

A comprehensive review of the 100 largest cities in the United States shows which mayors have followed up on pledges to cut carbon emissions.

October 27, 2020 - Brookings

United States map

One U.S. State Boasts 33% Fewer Carbon Emissions Per Capita Than Any Other

California, the largest state by population in the United States, is responsible for 33% fewer carbon emissions per capita than any other state, according to a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

August 3, 2020 - The Mercury News

A ferry boat returns to Seattle

Washington State to Transition to Battery Electric Ferries

Washington's largest diesel emissions polluter will transition its fleet to diesel-hybrids and then to battery-electric propulsion to comply with Gov. Inslee's emissions-reduction executive order which will also please the orcas in Puget Sound.

December 29, 2019 - Greentech Media

Philadelphia City Hall

Building Energy Efficiency Program Approved in Philadelphia

Philadelphia has renewed its efforts to improve energy efficiency in non-residential building to contribute to its Paris Climate Agreement commitment.

December 13, 2019 - Smart Cities Dive

Airport

Arizona Mayors Want to Stay in the Paris Climate Agreement

The mayors of Tucson and Phoenix want Congress to block President Donald Trump from removing the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement.

November 27, 2019 - Arizona Public Media

Protest

APA Opposes Withdrawal From the Paris Climate Agreement

The American Planning Association is urging the Trump administration to rescind its decision to withdraw the country from the Paris Climate Agreement.

November 15, 2019 - American Planning Association

Oil Rigs

Just What the Planet Needs: More Oil Production

A surge of oil from four countries—Norway, Guyana, Canada and Brazil—will more than compensate for slowing growth of U.S. oil production. The new sources might cause oil prices to dip to $50 a barrel and slow the transition to electric vehicles.

November 6, 2019 - The New York Times

Electric Pickup Truck Manufacturer Scores Huge 'Climate' Order from Amazon

To show his company's commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2040, Jeff Bezos announced Thursday that Amazon would purchase 100,000 battery-electric delivery vans from Michigan-based Rivian. The trucks will begin service in 2021.

September 23, 2019 - Bloomberg News via Transport Topics

Louisville Bridge

Office of Sustainability Nixed in Louisville

Budget cuts resulted in the demise of the Office of Sustainability in the city of Louisville.

July 27, 2019 - WFPL

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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.