World

Global issues, U.N., etc.

Sound Bite Society

Planners who have a hard time persuading elected officials or the public at large should take a cue from the late attorney Johnnie Cochran and come up with a phrase that will stick in the minds of citizens.

August 14, 2006 - Rick Bishop, AICP

New Town Sets Sights On The Sea

Blighted and forgotten waterfront areas are on track for development in Scotland using 19th century new towns as inspiration.

August 14, 2006 - BBC News

The World's Priciest Cities

Oslo and London lead the pack, while cities in emerging economies in Asia remain some of the best bargains.

August 10, 2006 - Yahoo News

Long Commutes Really Are Bad For You

A recent study confirms reveals that long work commutes, be they by car, train, or bus, can significant raise stress levels and impact a person's health.

August 9, 2006 - Hindustan Times

Low Density Urban Sprawl And Other Sacred Cows

A high ranking government official takes a critical look at the orthodoxy behind the fight against urban decay in India's cities.

August 9, 2006 - Hindustan Times

Audio Interview With 'Aerotropolis' Author

Writer Greg Lindsay discusses his article "Rise of the Aerotropolis" which was featured in the July/August issue of Fast Company.

August 9, 2006 - Fast Company

Nine Global 'Turnaround' Cities

The world's most successful cities are integrating approaches to social, economic, and environmental issues, as well as addressing governmental concerns.

August 4, 2006 - Urban Land Magazine

Earth-Bermed Homes Providing Relief From Hot Summer

Earth-sheltered houses save some residents of Longmont, CO from excessive heat and cold while cutting energy bills.

August 3, 2006 - Daily Times-Call

Australians Reject Recycled Sewage Water Plan

Officials have been unable to convince residents that a "toilet to tumbler" recycled water scheme would provide drinking water that is safe and reliable.

August 2, 2006 - Cosmos Online

Toxic Blooms Becoming Commonplace In Many Coastal Areas

In nearly every coastal region, from New England, to California and the West Coast, to Alaska and Montreal, toxic blooms are becoming a major environmental and health threat.

August 2, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Technology Helping to Encourage Sustainable Design

Three-dimensional "intelligent models" are helping to build high-profile projects around the world that embrace sustainable design.

July 28, 2006 - Forbes

Understanding the Scientific Consensus on Global Warming

Naomi Oreskes, history of science professor at UC San Diego, on why there are a "handful of scientists" that reject the evidence that humans contribute to global warming.

July 26, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Welcome to the 'Urban Century'

To coincide with the World Urban Forum, the Ottawa Citizen devotes most of their Sunday, June 18th newspaper to covering a host of urban issues, including slums, urban gardening, and the case for and against cities [links to 9 articles].

July 25, 2006 - The Ottawa Citizen

The Growth of the Aerotropolis, Or Airport City

As global competition increases, mega airports are becoming more prevalent, and more important. From Dubai to Hong Kong to Bangkok to India, these emerging 'airport cities', or 'aerotropolis' are being designed as the center of new urban regions.

July 25, 2006 - Fast Company

U.S. Vehicle Emit Half Of World Fleet's Carbon Dioxide

The U.S. has 30% of the world's motor vehicle fleet but accounts for almost half of the world's greenhouse gases emitted from motor vehicles. Small cars, not SUVs, are the greatest source. GM vehicles are responsible for 1/3 of these emissions.

July 23, 2006 - Los Angeles Times

Building Up, Not Out

Singapore and Vancouver are two examples of cities where high-rise residential development is the norm.

July 21, 2006 - The Toronto Star

Green Roofs Taking Root In The U.S.

Vegetation covered roofs, which help save energy and reduce runoff, are sprouting up in major cities across North America.

July 21, 2006 - ABC News

On Reading Jane Jacobs...Finally

A planner who quoted Jane Jacobs for years finally discovers what the author really said in her classic book.

July 19, 2006 - Metropolis Magazine

How Plumbing Saved Civilization

Civilization owes its survival to the humble plumber writes W. Hodding Carter.

July 19, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Will Mega Cities Usher In A New Era Of City-States?

With major world cities growing in size and economic power, could the next step be independence?

July 18, 2006 - BBC News

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.