Central and South America

Central and South America

Oil Rigs

Just What the Planet Needs: More Oil Production

A surge of oil from four countries—Norway, Guyana, Canada and Brazil—will more than compensate for slowing growth of U.S. oil production. The new sources might cause oil prices to dip to $50 a barrel and slow the transition to electric vehicles.

November 6, 2019 - The New York Times

Chile Metro

How a Subway Fare Increase Kicked Off Chile's Largest Protest

For many residents, Santiago's subway system and its fare hikes became a nexus for anger over deeper inequities across Chilean society.

November 1, 2019 - CityLab

Biking

The Diversity of Biking in Art and Culture

Bikes are an important part of many people’s lives, and fostering a world where cycling has a place involves recognizing this diversity of experience.

September 19, 2019 - Streetsblog Chicago

Mine Processing Plant

Demand for Lithium Drops as Global Electric Vehicle Sales Slump

It was long thought that a finite supply of lithium, a key element needed for electric vehicle batteries, would constrain the production of zero-emission vehicles, but the opposite happened: a slow down in EV demand has caused lithium prices to drop.

September 7, 2019 - Oil Price

Famous Mexico City traffic

Report: Congestion Defeats the Economic Purpose of Cities

Rapid urbanization and over-reliance on the inefficiencies of automobiles has set back the economies of urbanizing locations in the Global South, according to a new report.

May 29, 2019 - Thomson Reuters Foundation

First 3D-Printed Home

Coming Soon: A 3D-Printed Neighborhood

The march of progress continues.

May 10, 2019 - Curbed

Los Angeles River

Concrete’s Contribution to the Rise and Decline of Civilization

As the world becomes more encased in concrete, the detrimental effects of its widespread use are increasing in scale and severity.

March 17, 2019 - The Guardian

U.S.-Mexico

What President Trump's Border Wall Can't Stop

William H. Frey, a demographer with Brookings, argues that racial diversity is a good thing for the country by many measures. Trump's wall would make it harder to benefit from demographic changes, but changes is still coming.

February 19, 2019 - Brookings: The Avenue

Oslo Street

In Oslo, Streets for People, Not Cars

New measures will greatly reduce vehicle traffic in the city center as Oslo moves to put pedestrians, cyclists, and air quality before cars.

December 25, 2018 - The New York Times

Venezuela

Lamenting the Decline of Caracas, Once the 'Jewel of Latin America'

"A generation ago, Venezuela’s capital was one of Latin America’s most thriving, glamorous cities; an oil-fuelled, tree-lined cauldron of culture that guidebooks hailed as a mecca for foodies, night owls and art fans."

December 24, 2018 - The Guardian

Benito Juarez International Airport

Mexico City Airport Project Ends; Causes Economic Rumblings

Mexican voters do not want the airport project to continue, and serious economic consequences could follow.

November 1, 2018 - Bloomberg

The Happiest Commuters in Bogotá

More people are biking in Bogotá, and they report the highest rate of happiness with their commute, above people who drive and who take transit.

July 28, 2018 - TheCityFix

Chile Metro

Plans for Huge Expansion of Rail Service in Chilean Capital

Chile's President, Sebastian Piñera, announced that Santiago's rail system will add two new lines and extend one of its existing train routes.

June 16, 2018 - International Rail Journal

Red transmilenio bus stopped at station in Bogota

A Proven Track Record for Reducing Traffic Fatalities

Vehicle fatalities are trending upward around the United States, but Colombia's capital of Bogotá may have some best practices to share.

April 19, 2018 - World Resources Institute

Brario 31

Barrio 31 in Buenos Aires Holds Universal Truths About Informal Urban Places

A study of a poorer neighborhood in Buenos Aires reveals that a delicate balance of design, public space, planning, and access are keys to success.

January 22, 2018 - Next City

Pumping Station 2

Hurricane Nate to Test New Orlean's Drainage System

Nate will make landfall southeast of New Orleans on Saturday night as possibly a category 2 hurricane after leaving at least 22 dead in Central America. It's not so much the levees but the pumps and generators that have city officials worried.

October 8, 2017 - The New York Times

Street Art

Sunday Fun: Street Art Tours of the World

Street art tours offer colorful glimpses of global cities.

September 24, 2017 - The Dallas Morning News

Rosa Parks, Jane Jacobs, Frederick Law Olmsted

Vote for the Most Influential Urbanists

After accepting nearly 200 nominees for consideration, we're asking for votes to determine the "Most Influential Urbanists" of all time.

September 7, 2017 - Planetizen

Rosa Parks, Jane Jacobs, Frederick Law Olmsted

Poll: Who Are the Most Influential Urbanists?

The world has changed since Planetizen crowdsourced its "Top Urban Thinkers" in 2009. Which urban planners, designers, doers, and dreamers do you think have had the most influence on the world?

August 21, 2017 - Planetizen

Rio Atrato

Colombia the Latest to Recognize the Legal Rights of a Cherished River

Colombia joins New Zealand and India as countries that have recognized the legal status of rivers in recent months.

May 19, 2017 - International Rivers

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.