laurel

With energy and the economy both causing headaches, 2008 has been a big year for local governments recognizing and planning for peak oil. Finding a way forward in a future of constrained energy will require much of planners.

The non-profit group Nuestras Raíces in Holyoke, Mass. has found urban agriculture a powerful community glue, providing increased food security and economic opportunity to the Puerto Rican population there.

<p>If buildings are responsible for almost half of the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, then our energy and building codes are incredibly important tools attaining energy and climate sanity.</p>

<p>In a report back from the APA conference in Las Vegas, Daniel Lerch worries that planners are not concerned enough about planning for a constrained-energy future.</p>

<p>Can Hamilton, Ontario -- a city notorious for its pollution and smokestacks -- turn itself around to become an environmental leader in energy conservation? Yes, says, Daniel Lerch, author of "Post Carbon Cities".</p>