Sustainability

Roman Forum

Designing Cooler Cities: Lessons from Ancient Civilizations

Ancient Rome had ways to counter the urban heat island effect. As climate change raises global temperatures, can urban planners and designers apply any of those lessons to cities today?

August 28, 2024 - Brian J. Stone

Flooding

US Department of Energy Announces 10 New Climate Resilience Centers

The Biden administration has awarded $10 million for an additional 10 climate resilience centers as part of the Justice40 Initiative.

August 27, 2024 - Utility Dive

Relief panel in Boston subway station depicting "America's first subway."

MassDOT’s ‘Beyond Mobility’ Plan Centers Resilient Transportation

The 25-year plan addresses the state’s transportation infrastructure, sustainability, and equity.

August 7, 2024 - Roads & Bridges

View looking up at Zilker Studios apartment building in Austin, Texas.

What Makes Affordable Housing Green?

There's no one way to determine what makes “green” housing. Here's a breakdown of the standards and considerations used by the affordable housing industry.

August 6, 2024 - Shelterforce Magazine

City park with paved walkway, green trees, and people sitting on lawn.

Advancing Sustainability and Resilience Through Parks

The Urban Land Institute offers fact sheets describing five innovative ways that parks can reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate threats while advancing health, equity, and quality of life in urban areas.

July 31, 2024 - Urban Land Institute

Flooded Houston street with half-submerged cars during Hurricane Harvey.

20 States Best and Least Prepared for Climate Change and Extreme Weather

A new study from CNBC ranks US states in order of sustainability and preparedness for climate change and extreme weather. A few might surprise you.

July 31, 2024 - CNBC

Aerial view of Eugene, Oregon.

Eugene Explores New Decarbonization Strategies

The city is considering new decarbonization strategies, including carbon impact fees and educational programs, after the failure of a natural gas ban due to a federal court ruling.

July 22, 2024 - OPB

Traffic light with blurred cars and streetcar in background.

Applying the New Traffic Safety Paradigm

The new traffic safety paradigm recognizes exposure — total vehicle travel — as a risk factor, and therefore the additional casualties caused by planning decisions that induce more driving, and the safety benefits of VMT reductions.

July 5, 2024 - Todd Litman

Overhead view of salmon farm in sea in Norway.

New TV Series Highlights Sustainable Aquaculture

Hope in the Water explores the groundbreaking work of dedicated fishers, aqua farmers, and scientists who are seeking to harvest aquatic species to feed our growing population while protecting the oceans.

June 24, 2024 - PBS

Close-up of top of California state capitol dome with U.S. and California flags flying and blue sky in background.

California is Updating its Climate Adaptation Strategy

The 2024 draft plan outlines the state's key climate resilience priorities, includes specific and measurable actions, and serves as a framework for collective efforts across sectors and regions in California.

June 20, 2024 - California Natural Resources Agency

Bird's eye view of park with green trees, concrete walkways, and benches on lake or riverfront.

Celebrating World Environment Day

Commemorate the 51st World Environment Day with this curated list of Planetizen articles highlighting research and projects that promote a healthier, more sustainable world.

June 5, 2024 - Mary Hammon

Rendering of many satellites in near-earth orbit with earth visible behind them.

What Does Sustainability Mean in Space?

NASA is developing a sustainability strategy to clean up space debris and plan for the future as near-earth orbit becomes more cluttered.

May 8, 2024 - Fast Company

Close-up of hands holding soil above tall grass.

New Documentary Highlights Regenerative Agriculture and Climate Change

Common Ground is a recently released documentary which urges viewers to rethink our relationship with soil and approach to agriculture and food production.

May 7, 2024 - In These Times

Urban Garden

How Nonprofits Are Shaping Sustainable Cities

Learn about nonprofits' pivotal role in urban sustainability, from policy advocacy to launching eco-initiatives that are transforming cityscapes for the better.

March 19, 2024 - Devin Partida

View of downtown Los Angeles from a green park

LA County Makes Progress Toward Sustainability Goals

A newly released annual report by the Chief Sustainability Office (CSO) shows that Los Angeles County is making progress on meeting the goals of the OurCounty Sustainability Plan.

March 17, 2024 - Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office

Close-up on dozens of anti-climate change signs at protest with people not visible.

Resilience Matters: Building Sustainable Futures

A new e-book highlights the work of people and organizations planning more resilient cities.

March 14, 2024 - Island Press

"It's The Climate" sign over street in Grants Pass, Oregon.

Oregon Town Seeks Funding for Ambitious Resilience Plan

Like other rural communities, Grants Pass is eager to access federal funding aimed at sustainability initiatives, but faces challenges when it comes to meeting grant requirements.

February 18, 2024 - The Daily Yonder

Pedestrianized street in Milan, Italy with outdoor dining tables and umbrellas.

Did the Pandemic Spur Radical Urban Change?

The Covid era highlighted social inequities and prompted new paradigms for urbanism and mobility. Will they stick around?

February 14, 2024 - LinkedIn

Roundabout with landscaping in middle in residential street.

The Future of Federal Funding for Green City Initiatives

Explore the trajectory of federal investment in green city projects, focusing on sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and eco-friendly policies.

January 11, 2024 - Devin Partida

View of power towers at electric distribution substation against colorful sunset sky.

How to Decarbonize the Electric Grid

Eliminating fossil fuels means shifting how electricity is produced and distributed from the source.

January 7, 2024 - High Country News

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.