World
Global issues, U.N., etc.
Globalization and the Power of Urban Tourism
Cities across the world are stressing the importance of tourism in supporting local economies. In this article, Susan Fainstein wonders if globalization will result in an overall reduction in the type and variety of urban places and attractions.
Calling the Kettle Black
The launch of the Tata microcar has raised concerns about a huge magnification of traffic congestion and pollution. But without changes in the developed world, such criticisms are hypocritical, write Brendan Smith, Tim Costello and Jeremy Brecher.
Tapping Into the Wisdom of Crowds
In this article, author James Surowiecki discusses the idea that -- contrary to common assumption -- there is a lot of wisdom to be found in crowds.
Friday Funny: Caped Crusaders Serving Cities
Superheroes exist outside the pages of comic books, and they are committed to improving their communities. Though there are few "supervillains" to tackle, these superheroes serve their cities through civic volunteerism and general do-goodery.
Eco-Villages Rising Slowly, But Steadily
Despite slow going at the eco-intentional community Arcosanti in Arizona, hundreds of similar "eco-villages" have popped up around the world.
...And Not a Drop to Drink
Desalination plants are being seen as the solution to declines in global freshwater supplies. But as Scott Thill reports, the plants may be an environmental disaster in the making.
The Threat of Ocean Acidification
There is growing evidence that the gravest peril for ocean species may be posed by “the other CO2 problem” — acidification of the world’s oceans as a consequence of the influx of carbon dioxide generated by human activities.
New President Could Slow Population Growth
This op-ed form The Christian Science Monitor argues that a new president would most likely enact policies to encourage family planning throughout the country and across the globe.
Urban Innovators on List of Planet Heroes
The Guardian has released a list of the "50 people who could save the planet," including some urban innovators who are changing the way the world thinks about cities.
Personal Rapid Transit: The Connective Tissue of Better Mobility
Two high-profile Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) systems are currently under construction, and their implementation could serve as a model for how cities can better connect their existing transit systems to improve mobility.
The Etymology of the Capital City Name
This animation from Good looks at the etymology behind the names of some global capital cities.
'Nature-Deficit Disorder'
In this interview from Land&People, author Richard Louv discusses his research into the importance of interaction with nature in child development, and explains his concept of "nature-deficit disorder".
Addressing Climate Change In The Megacities
The increasing populations of the world's cities have a large impact on energy use and global warming. These populations should be a major focus of efforts to address climate change, according to this article from CNN.
Urban Areas, Redefined
Around the world, urban areas have new names -- micropolis, aerotropolis and city-region. But are they cities?
It Was a Very Good Year
Among Alternet's top 10 positive trends in 2007 are raised environmental consciousness; U.S. mayors taking the lead in climate change regulations and a "waste-free" plan for the Indian state of Kerala.
Mapmaking For The Masses
In an academic journal article, noted geographer Michael Goodchild argues that user-generated content can profoundly impact Geographic Information Systems.
Cities Think Big Despite Uncertain Development Market
Despite a rocky real estate market, cities across the globe are investing in large-scale development projects.
Pentagon Looks Toward Space For Solar Power On Earth
The Pentagon and an international consortium are investigating the feasibility of 'beaming back' solar energy from a network of space-based satellites and Pacific island-based antennae that could begin operating as early as 2012.
Introducing The Ecopolitan
National Geographic launches a new green cities blog called The Ecopolitan, written by Jay Walljasper, Senior Fellow of the Project for Public Spaces, and Executive Editor of Ode magazine.
The Formula For Traffic
A team of mathematicians have developed a model that demonstrates how traffic jams form.
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
