Climate Change

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Desert Rain

Drought Takes Hold of the American West

The megadrought continues, with contingency plans differing by location.

April 21, 2021 - CNN

San Francisco, California

6 Principles to Manage Wildfire Risk With Effective Housing Policy

The connection between housing policy and climate change is made clear by the increasing damage of wildfires in California.

April 18, 2021 - SPUR

California Wildfire

$536 Million for Wildfire Prevention Proposed in California

After a series of horrible fire seasons and another lackluster rainy season, the state of California is in need of new approaches to wildfire suppression and prevention.

April 13, 2021 - The Mercury News

Air Travel

France to Ban Flights for Trips That Can Be Made by Train

One form of climate action gained major momentum in Europe over the weekend.

April 12, 2021 - Reuters

Coronavirus and Transportation

Falling Transit Ridership 'Disastrous' for Greenhouse Gas Reductions

With ridership at record lows and agencies struggling to stay afloat, public transit around the world will need robust investment to recover after the pandemic.

April 8, 2021 - The New York Times

Public Engagement

The Six Principles of Community CoDesign

The methodology calls for authentic participation and a willingness to engage stakeholders in a "collaborative and empathic" placemaking process.

April 8, 2021 - Common Edge

Traffic

Minnesota and California Take Steps to Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled

The two states both approved measures that will set VMT reduction goals and create enforcement mechanisms to promote more climate-friendly policies.

April 6, 2021 - State Smart Transportation Initiative (SSTI)

California State Water project

The Benefits of Covering Canals With Solar Panels

Research claims that installing solar panels over California's extensive canals could greatly expand the state's renewable energy production and reduce evaporation.

April 5, 2021 - High Country News

Washington, D.C.

Anticipation, Costs Rise as Details of Biden's Infrastructure Plan Emerge

The Biden administration's highly anticipated infrastructure spending plan is expected to go public this week. After weeks of speculation about the size and focus of the plan, recent reports reveal a growing package and new revenue streams.

March 30, 2021 - James Brasuell

Carbon Emissions

Canadian Supreme Court Upholds Carbon Tax

A historic ruling in Canada allows the federal government to supersede the efforts of provinces in fighting the causes of climate change.

March 25, 2021 - The Star

Seattle Gasworks Park

Seattle's 'Electrification Blueprint' Sets Ambitious Goals

The city's new transportation plan focuses on eliminating carbon emissions in its transportation sector, reducing congestion, and boosting public transit.

March 25, 2021 - The Seattle Times

Electric Car Charging Stencil

Chuck Schumer Proposes Big Investment in Electric Vehicles

The Senate Majority Leader's plan would pump more than $50 billion into direct incentives for consumers, manufacturers, and property owners.

March 24, 2021 - The Verge

Antioch, California

California's 'Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure'

The newly released Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure shifts the state's transportation priorities to focus on clean energy and livability.

March 22, 2021 - Streetsblog California

Ohio Creek Watershed Project

Norfolk Plans for Resilience in the Face of Climate Change

The Ohio Creek Watershed Project aims to protect the city's coastline and prepare for future sea level rise.

March 21, 2021 - Bloomberg Green

San Francisco Street

Opinion: High-Rises Won't Sink San Francisco

The weight of large buildings may not be a major threat to coastal cities, despite recent claims.

March 16, 2021 - San Francisco Chronicle

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Industry Wins a Round Over Building Efficiency Requirements

New regulations prohibit cities from enacting stricter efficiency standards in new buildings.

March 11, 2021 - Huffington Post

Wind farm and greenhouse gas farm, together

Can Emissions Reductions Last Beyond the Pandemic?

The dramatic reductions in carbon emissions during the last year only highlight how drastically humans must change behavior to meet climate goals.

March 10, 2021 - Los Angeles Times

Electric Car

Electric Cars Won't Solve Climate Change

Electric cars might look great in your driveway, but they're a symbol of a systemic problem: an ineffective, car-based approach to addressing transportation's climate impacts.

March 9, 2021 - ConorBronsdon

Mt. Hood and Traffic

Carbon Emissions Back on the Rise—Along With Cleaner Energy

Climate-friendly government policies and recent investments by energy companies are accelerating the growth of renewables.

March 9, 2021 - Bloomberg

Santa Monica Bay

Santa Monica Institutes 'Zero-Emissions Delivery Zone'

A new pilot program in Santa Monica aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a testing ground for new technologies.

March 9, 2021 - Smart Cities Dive

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.