World

Global issues, U.N., etc.

Graphic for The Planning Commission Podcast episode.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Author Kristina Marusic explores her book, A New War on Cancer, with The Planning Commission Podcast.

January 28, 2024 - The Planning Commission Podcast

Side view of white bus with blue hydrogen fuel logo driving down the street.

Hydrogen Is Not There Yet as a Clean Fuel Alternative

More work is necessary to make hydrogen fuel cost competitive with gasoline and diesel and ensure it delivers on its zero-emission promise, new report says.

January 25, 2024 - Government Technology

Youtube and Google sign and logos near headquarters building is Silicon Valley,  Mountain View, California, USA

There’s a New Type of Climate Denial—and It’s Spreading

The good news is the climate movement is winning the argument that climate change is happening; the bad news is the deniers have a new strategy.

January 23, 2024 - CNN

Photovoltainc solar panels in green grass field.

The Climate Outlook for 2024

This year could mark a turning point for climate policy and energy systems.

January 18, 2024 - Yale Climate Connections

White electric car being charged in parking lot.

EV Manufacturers Looking to Lighten the Load

Carmakers are working on lighter-weight components that make cars safer and more efficient.

January 12, 2024 - BBC

Bird's eye view of green roof.

How To Reduce Energy Use in Buildings

The cheapest energy is energy not used.

January 12, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Multistory apartment building under construction.

Homeownership Increasingly Out of Reach

From the United States to the United Kingdom, housing costs are eating up a larger percentage of household income.

January 11, 2024 - World Economic Forum

Close-up of "Maximum 30 Secteur" speed limit sign on pot in Quebec, Canada.

Lower Speed Limits as a Climate Action Tool

Slowing down traffic can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in addition to improving roadway safety.

January 10, 2024 - Policy Options

View of traffic on a multilane highway with superimposed yellow triangles identifying vehicles.

How Autonomous Should Cities Be?

AI could automate many urban systems, but that may not mean it’s a good idea.

January 4, 2024 - The Conversation

Paved rural road in developing country with water on either side.

‘Green Roads for Water’ Meshes Transportation With Water Conservation

Simple, sometimes ancient designs can transform roadways into environmental conservation tools.

December 29, 2023 - Wired

Close-up of technician wearing gloves installing photovoltaic solar panel.

The Year in Good Climate News

Despite the ups and downs, there are reasons to feel optimistic.

December 28, 2023 - CNN

View of Seattle skyline on clear sunny day with Space Needle on left and Mount Rainier in the background.

Seattle to Host 2024 Urban Parks Conference

In June 2024, City Parks Alliance, in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, will hold the Greater & Greener conference, which will include a mix of indoor sessions and outdoor experiences focusing on urban parks.

December 27, 2023 - City Parks Alliance

White flag with COP28 cliamte conference logo against lightly cloudy blue sky.

COP28: Beginning of the End for Fossil Fuels?

A deal came together “quickly and unexpectedly" on the final night of the nearly 2-week United Nations climate talks in Dubai, UAE, according to a series of articles by Washington Post climate reporters.

December 20, 2023 - The Washington Post

Close-up of hand scrolling through text website on tablet lying on table.

Planetizen’s Top Posts of 2023

The most-read articles on Planetizen in 2023.

December 14, 2023 - Diana Ionescu

Colorful murals in freeway underpass in San Diego's Chicano Park.

Opinion: Enhancing Inclusive Development: The Crucial Role of the Creative Class in Urban Planning

How bringing local artists into the development process can foster more vibrant, equitable neighborhoods.

December 11, 2023 - Wells Davis

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

Elevated view of five windcatcher ventilation towers on rooftops in Yazd, Iran.

How Design Can Help Mitigate Extreme Heat

To prepare for hotter summers, designers and architects can build resilience into the urban environment.

December 6, 2023 - Sheba Ross

Ground-up view of man using wheelchair waiting to board a light blue bus.

Commentary: Avoiding Ableism in 15-Minute Cities

One author calls on planners to challenge assumptions that exclude people with mobility challenges and other disabilities.

November 21, 2023 - The Conversation

Close-up of bike handlebars with smart phone showing Strava app in handlebar holder. Green grass in background.

How Strava Metro Data Inform Planning and Decision-Making

Strava just announced the ten-year anniversary of Metro, a proprietary web platform that provides data insights to partner organizations to make active transportation better for cyclists and pedestrians.

November 20, 2023 - Strava Press

Silhouette of woman in long coat walking on darkened city street alone at night, passing brightly lit sotrefront.

Designing Safer Cities

For women and other vulnerable groups, navigating the urban space can be fraught with real and perceived dangers.

November 19, 2023 - The Conversation

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

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Websites

The best of the Internet—since 2002.

Top Apps

Planning apps for a brave new world.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

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.