Air Pollution
This Weekend, Don't Forget: Cheap Gas Prices Aren't Always a Good Thing
There are a lot of people in this country that consider cheap gas to be a form of benevolence. Here are some reasons why they should curb their enthusiasm.
Feds Release New 'Transportation and Health Tool'
A new tool from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Centers for Disease Control allows comparisons between state or metropolitan area on transportation and public health indicators.
Madrid Takes Drastic Action to Curb Pollution
With a growing reputation for heavy local pollution, the city of Madrid will impose reduced speed limits and driving restrictions in its central core. On bad days, transit will be free to ride.
Researchers Finding Evidence of the Negative Impacts of Trees in Urban Settings
More and more evidence has emerged in recent years about the many benefits of trees in urban environments. Every now and then, however, a study finds evidence that tress might not always be as benevolent as they seem.
Saying Bye-Bye to Fireplaces And Wood-Burning Heaters in the Bay Area
In a Bay Area first, new home construction in most of the region will be banned from having these heating devices installed as the result of a rule adopted unanimously by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District on Oct. 21.
Witness a Car-Free Paris
We call them Open Streets events. In French it's Journée Sans Voiture. On September 27, the world saw a car-free Paris.
A Real-Time Map of Global Air Pollution
A quick look at a real-time map of air pollution around the world shows how much healthier the air in the United States is than in China.
'Beyond the 710' Seeks Multimodal Alternatives to Filling Freeway Gap
A coalition in Los Angeles County wants to reframe the debate about closing the gap in the 710 Freeway, asking Metro to look "beyond the 710"—and toward a multi-pronged, multimodal approach to transportation problems in the region.
Should Electric Vehicles Be Taxed or Subsidized?
The answer depends on location, according to previous studies on EVs. The study from NBER evaluated both gas and electric-powered vehicles to determine their effect on the environment. A surprising recommendation is a new road funding option.
The Exorbitant External Costs Caused by the Trucking Industry
A new report from the Congressional Budget Office places the spotlight on the trucking industry in terms of the social, health ,and environmental costs it imposes on society but does not pay for, i.e., externalities.
Confronting India's Urban Disaster
Contrary to popular belief, Beijing's air pollution is not nearly the worst in the world. The air of Delhi, India, is twice as polluted. For expats, this disaster raises important questions: is it ethical to live, and raise children, in India?
U.S. Cities Ranked By Energy Efficiency
According to an ACEEE report, Boston currently leads the way, with New York, Washington, DC, and San Francisco not far behind. Los Angeles, Washington, and Chicago show the most improvement since 2013.
The Health and Social Justice Implications of 'Line-Source' Air Pollution
The most dangerous air pollution is not smog and is barely known by the public, writes Bill Adams, editor of UrbDeZine. Line-source particulate matter air pollution could change the way the public thinks about road projects and gas powered cars.
The Price of Global Energy Subsidies: $5.3 Trillion
An IMF working paper determined that global energy subsidies totaled $5.3 trillion this year, the worst offenders are China and the U.S. Placing a price on these subsidies, which include air pollution and carbon emissions, may be key to mitigation.
Study: Sprawl Costs the U.S. Economy $1 Trillion Annually
A major new study estimates that sprawl costs the U.S. economy more than a trillion dollars annually, and results, in part, from planning and market distortions. Smart policy reforms can result in more efficient and equitable development.
A 'Good News' Air Pollution Study for a Change
Too often we report on new studies showing how air pollution worsens public health, often causing premature death. For a change, here's a study showing how efforts to improve air quality in Southern California have boosted public health in children.
How Dense Cities Reap Green Benefits
What they may lack in peace and quiet, crowded cities more than make up for by requiring residents to live smaller. Tangible environmental benefits follow.
Study: Passenger Vehicle Fleet is Older and More Polluting
Arguably just as important than the sales of new vehicles, e.g., hybrids and EVs, are the consequences of not buying new cars.
The New Wonder Drug? Cycling, Some Advocates Say
Cycling has positive impacts both for cyclists and non-cyclists alike, helping to reduce pollution and congestion and improving health and economic factors with just two wheels.
Research: Women Living Near Freeways Increase Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death
New research from the American Heart Association measures sudden cardiac death and proximity to major roadways, showing that cardiac risks posed by environmental exposure have been under-appreciated. The next step is to find the specific cause.
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.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
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
