World
Global issues, U.N., etc.
Mapping the 'New Cartography'
Ubiquitous access to GPS data and social software is generating a whole new breed of cartographers who are empowering themselves and others by mapping everything from community assets to occurrence of disease.
Temple of Doom
To ward off crop extinctions in the event of some future catastrophe, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault opens today to receive thousands of seed samples from around the world.
If You Think Your Neighbors Are Bad...
This post from The Mish Mash shows pictures of some of the worst neighbors to have.
Development Speed Dating
In an effort to bridge the gap between the ideologies of developers and architects, a "speed-dating" session was set up to get the practitioners of these two fields to interact.
Friday Funny: I Can Has Zoning
Cats be zonin'.
Challenges for the Next 50 Years
Living more sustainably, tackling infrastructure problems and ensuring a more protected way of experiencing natural disasters are among the top challenges of the next 50 years, according to a group of scientists, entrepreneurs and thinkers.
Human Impact on Ocean Mapped
A new map has been released that shows the extent of the effects human development and lifestyle have had on the world's oceans.
Suburbia: The Natural Evolution of Development?
Is suburban growth really a product of the natural progression of human development, and if not, could a a different growth pattern better meet our desires and reduce our impact the climate?
Largest Marine Reserve Established
The world's largest marine protected area has just been established around the tiny Pacific island of Kiribati.
Breaking the 'Blue Covenant'
In this interview about her new book, "Blue Covenant," Maude Barlow argues that current and future shortages of fresh water aren't the result of drought, but rather the massive overuse, abuse and mismanagement of water sources.
Will Private Ownership Save the Environment?
Private individuals, investors and charities are buying up environmentally sensitive land all over the world for preservation, but this article wonders whether this method is really such a good idea.
Science on Cities
The latest issue of Science is dedicated to looking at cities, their development and the changing demographics that are shaping our urban lifestyles.
It's a Man, Man, Man, Man World
Some geologists believe that humanity's effects on the planet are so significant and enduring that the Earth has entered a new epoch: the Anthropocene.
From 'Peak Oil' to 'Peak Food'
The increasing use of food grains in biofuels, rising meat consumption in Asia and perverse government farming subsidies are having a serious effect on global food security.
Making Happier Cities
More cities across the globe are pushing civic improvement projects that seek to improve both the local economy and the happiness of its people.
The Widening Gyres
Scientists are warning that unless consumers use fewer plastics and oceangoing vessels and oil platforms dispose of their wastes differently, gigantic plastic Garbage Patches swirling in the Pacific gyres will continue to grow.
Curitiba's Jaime Lerner Discusses Sustainable Cities
This March 2007 presentation from the TED conference features former Curitiba Mayor Jaime Lerner discussing the rise of the sustainable city.
Growing and Greening
A recent report argues that for developing countries, improving environmental health is dependent on improving economic health. But proper governing is crucial in meeting these ends.
Waterfree Urinals Pay Big Efficiency Dividends
Waterfree urinals are a sterling example of the benefits offered by new technology. Forged from a partnership between manufacturers and labor groups, waterfree urinals save 6 billion gallons of water a year from the Rose Bowl to the Taj Mahal.
When Climate Changes, Preservation Changes
Climate change is throwing a wrench into the gears of many preservation efforts.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
