It's time to recognize the interconnectedness of land use planning, water policy, and sustainability initiatives.
Although land use and water planning decisions have historically been made by separate agencies, the Water Foundation's Mike Myatt argues that more comprehensive, intersectional planning is crucial to developing sustainable and equitable policies for the future.
With water challenges facing more and more communities, many of them low-income and rural, an integrated framework is crucial for making policy decisions that address climate change, restore ecosystems, ensure safe and accessible drinking water, and create long-term employment that supports local economies. Supporting capacity-building and leadership training at all levels can "generate more democratic, responsive, and effective water institutions" and give a stronger voice to communities whose needs often go unheard.
A number of resources by researchers, advocates, and community groups share recommendations for adapting government decision-making to a more comprehensive model that takes into account climate change, environmental justice, and historical inequities in land and water policies. Recommendations include technical assistance in more languages, leadership building and investment in community organizations, and transparency that lets people understand the true effects of land use and water policies in their communities.
FULL STORY: Single-Issue Decisions Are Over. Let’s Bring Water and Land Back Together
Texas Water Officials Deaf on Climate Change
The state’s long-term water plan fails to account for the impacts of climate change on water supplies, setting Texas up for a severe water shortage in the coming decades.
Unsustainable Sprawl Testing Water Supplies in the Valley of the Sun
As more and more people move to the suburbs blossoming in the Phoenix metro area, local water officials are increasingly concerned about the region's ability to keep up with demand.
Researchers Propose the Concept of 'Anthropogenic Drought'
As climate change heightens the risk of intense drought periods, a new framework can help scientists better understand the interconnected causes and effects of drought.
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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