Pollution
Unique Public-Private Partnership Tackles Stormwater Infrastructure in Maryland
By combining the resources of the public and private sectors, Prince George County was able to greatly reduce the costs required to retrofit an aging stormwater system.
Edinburgh Sets 20-mph Speed Limit
Citing pedestrian and cyclist casualties, the Scottish capital will reduce speed limits on 80 percent of its streets to a mere 20 mph. Backers are pushing for additional complete streets improvements.
Cities Should Ban Cheating Diesel Cars Until They're Fixed
Those Volkswagen cars fitted with the cheat device are a health hazard to city residents. Actually all diesel vehicles are. But the fact that those cars are effectively polluting over 40 times the legal limit means we should take immediate action
Op-Ed: Carbon Pricing on Track in North America
Despite continued dispute over their effectiveness, carbon taxes and cap-and-trade programs in the United States and Canada have raised billions of dollars. And China has now followed suit.
China Announces New Planning Policies to Improve Urban Life
National leaders in China have recognized urban challenges like pollution and public safety as threats to residents of the country's cities, and have released a policy statement to begin a new era of urban policies.
Soaking-Up New York's Filthy Water With a Sponge Park
A 2,100 square foot park on the banks of New York City's Gowanus Canal is part of a plan to catch pollutants from storm off from draining into the already polluted waterway.
Report: Cutting Urban Emissions Could Save $17 Trillion
Research from the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate recommends an emissions reduction program that might pay off big in the long term. Inter-city exchange and transit planning are key strategies.
Does a Surprising Rise in Pollution Mean a Return of London's Pea-Soup Fog?
London Mayor Boris Johnson has tabled strict air-pollution controls until 2020 despite evidence of increasing pollution levels in the city's center.
The EPA's Lackluster Environmental Justice Record
The Center for Public Integrity has released a report criticizing the EPA's environmental justice competence. In only 12 cases has the agency taken official action on behalf of communities affected disproportionately by polluters.
Seattle to Rely on Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray has released a draft plan to overhaul the city's stormwater infrastructure to reduce the pollution levels in Puget Sound.
The Case Against Jaywalking Laws, Part 2
Laws designed to keep pedestrians off streets are not merely useless, but create a variety of social harms.
North Carolina County Reluctantly Accepts Toxic Coal Ash Stockpile for $19 Million
Chatham County, North Carolina agreed to not oppose a planned coal ash landfill in exchange for $19 Million from Duke Energy, which would help fund environmental monitoring and disaster insurance.
Mapping the Ongoing Challenges of Environmental Justice
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a new tool to visualize the ongoing realties of environmental justice in cities around the country.
American Lung Association Releases Annual 'State of the Air' Report
The 16th annual State of the Air report includes everyone's favorite tool for putting the achievements of cities and metropolitan areas in perspective: rankings.
Study Maps the Spatial Patterns of U.S. Environmental Injustice
A new study by researchers from the University of Minnesota presents a sweeping portrait of trends in exposure to nitrogen dioxide across the United States.
The World's Most Polluted Places
The Blacksmith Institute and Green Cross Switzerland recently released a list of places you definitely don't want to find yourself near: The World's Most Polluted Places.
Mapping New York's Toxic Legacy
In bright blues, greens, and reds, an interactive map developed by property information website Property Shark documents New York City's cornucopia of polluted properties. Check the map to see if you might be living next door to a leaking oil tank.
Coming to a Backyard Near You: "Unprecedented Industrialization"
Across the United States, more than 15.3 million residents have become neighbors to a new gas or oil well since 2000. The fracking-based energy boom is bringing "unprecedented industrialization" to backyards throughout the U.S.
'Toxic Tour' Brings Visitors Face-to-Face With L.A.'s Landmarks of Pollution
A 'toxic tour' of Los Angeles raises awareness of the harmful effects the city's industrial infrastructure brings to adjacent, often minority, communities. Stops include a battery recycling plant, rendering plant, oil refinery, and scrap yards.
Environmental and Transportation Challenges Await New L.A. Mayor
Whoever is victorious in today's election to choose L.A.'s next mayor, the celebrating may be short lived. Pressing needs to strengthen the city's water supply, maintain transit momentum, and relieve toxic hotspots await the city's next leader.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
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
