The United Nations International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its latest report earlier this week, sounding the alarm that time is running out to make the changes that can prevent the worst outcomes of climate change.

According to the IPCC Working Group III report, "Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of climate change," the world can still halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. From 2010-2019, average annual global greenhouse gas emissions were at the highest levels in human history, according to a press release announcing the report, but the rate of growth has slowed and there is increasing evidence of climate action.
An article for the Washington Post by Sarah Kaplan and Brady Dennis summarize six of the biggest climate action recommendation of the report—in all the report includes hundreds of ideas for greenhouse gas emission reductions. One of the big ideas explored in the article—turning cities clean and green—is directly connected to the field of planning.
"Simple urban planning measures, such as increasing density, mixing residential and commercial areas so people can live where they work, and developing along public transit corridors, could cut urban carbon pollution by roughly a quarter by 2050," according to the article.
There is more detail about how to transform cities for a low-carbon future in the source article below, as well as the other five steps to halt climate change listed here: 1) Switch on renewable energy, 2) Make buildings more efficient, 3) Rev up electric vehicles—and walk or bike the rest of the way, 4) Sink carbon into the land, and 5) Invest in a fairer world.
FULL STORY: Six steps the world can take to halt climate change

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Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
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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A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure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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