One form of climate action gained major momentum in Europe over the weekend.
An article by Richard Lough for Reuters breaks the news of a major development in environmental and transportation policy in France, where lawmakers voted over the weekend to abolish domestic flights that can be completed by train in less than 2.5 hours.
The drastic step to curb the greenhouse gas emissions associated created by air travel came as part of a larger climate bill that aims to cut France's greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent from 1990 levels by the end of the decade.
The news also comes as the air travel industry continues to deal with huge reductions in travel as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government recently allotted $4.75 billion to recapitalize Air France.
The decision to curb air travel to reduce emissions has precedent in Europe, building on the grassroots cultural movement that translates to "flight shame." France has previously considered an ecotax on flights to help fund rail improvements, and the German Green party also released a plan to replace domestic air travel with rail trips by 2035.
FULL STORY: French lawmakers approve a ban on short domestic flights
Paris to Ban Short-Haul Flights to Reduce Emissions
The country of France has been cleared by the European Union to ban specific air travel routes from the Orly Airport near Paris.
German Greens Want Domestic Air Travel to Be Obsolete by 2035
Alliance 90/The Greens, a political party in Germany, wants the country's domestic travel to shift completely to rail. Achieving that goal will require making air travel more expensive and rail travel cheaper and easier.
Flight-Free Movement Grows in Europe
A burgeoning movement known as 'flight shame' calls on travelers to avoid air travel when possible as a method of fighting climate change.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
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.
Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service