World

Global issues, U.N., etc.

Debunking 26 Climate Change Myths

A compilation of articles addressing common questions concerning global warming.

May 17, 2007 - NewScientist.com

Playground-powered Water Supply

Alexander Trevi comments on playground equipment designed to provide local clean water supply in developing countries.

May 17, 2007 - Pruned

Global Cities Join Plan To 'Green' Public Buildings

A program spearheaded by former President Bill Clinton will see green upgrades made to public buildings in 15 global cities.

May 17, 2007 - The Chicago Tribune

Fighting Climate Change Demands Better Urbanism

Denser urban development patterns that encourage walking and transit use could be a convenient remedy for the inconvenient truth of climate change.

May 17, 2007 - Philadelphia Inquirer

Does Density Make You A Democrat?

A recent blog post discusses the correlation between urban form and political leanings.

May 17, 2007 - http://houstonstrategies.blogspot.com/

Why Green Buildings Cannot Save The Planet

Building environment-friendly structures alone won't help; the real issues are much more complicated argues Jane Powell.

May 16, 2007 - The San Francisco Chronicle

How Urban Park Space Can Offset Rising Temperature

A new study has shown that increasing urban park space can have a significant effect on reducing city temperatures -- a strategy that could be used to mitigate the temperature increase caused by climate change.

May 16, 2007 - New Scientist

The Benefits of Global Warming

Olaf Stampf argues that while global warming does have its drawbacks, it can also bring some significant benefits.

May 14, 2007 - Der Spiegel

Jatropha: Not Just A Homely Weed

The oil-rich plant is being trumpeted as a source for biodiesel by some nations and corporations that hope to cash in on it as 'the final solution.'

May 13, 2007 - The Christian Science Monitor

N.Y. Hosts 'The Green Team' In Battle Against Climate Change

In its second meeting ever, a conference of mayors from 32 cities worldwide will meet in N.Y. to strategize on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

May 13, 2007 - The Christian Science Monitor

Friday Funny: Get Your Own Embassy

Looking for a distinctive vacation home? There are 29 U.S. embassies for sale worldwide, several with prices under $500,000.

May 11, 2007 - Associated Press

Is Downtown L.A. Headed For A Condo Glut?

Developers plan to build an 'iconic' 76-story structure in downtown Los Angeles. It would be the tallest residential tower west of Chicago and dramatically alter L.A.'s skyline.

May 9, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

Urbanization Continuing Rapidly Across The Globe

With world's urbanized population now at 50 percent, urban living seems set to be the global norm -- though its unclear if many cities can cope with the challenge.

May 7, 2007 - The Economist

Urban Planning and the Informal Sector in Developing Countries

Rather than seeking to eliminate the presence of the informal sector, urban planning should seek to accommodate this important component of urban economies.

May 7, 2007 - Deden Rukmana

Halting Global Warming On The Cheap?

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) latest report focuses on relatively low cost strategies to reduce the emissions of global warming gases -- at least when compared to cost of inaction.

May 7, 2007 - The New York Times

Urge To Preserve Holds Back Train Stations

This piece from the International Herald Tribune discusses how the desire to preserve historic train stations is holding them back from being more valuable to commuters by catering to their needs and desires.

May 5, 2007 - International Herald Tribune

Which Cities Have The Fastest Walkers?

Researchers have conducted observations in 32 world cities to determine where people walk the fastest. They've found that the world's fastest walkers are in Singapore. To the surprise of many, New York City's walkers are only the eighth-fastest.

May 3, 2007 - ITV

Walling The World

From fears over immigration to the pursuit of control over territory, countries and cities around the world are increasingly turning to the oldest form of defense: the wall.

May 3, 2007 - Reuters

Urban Noise Causes Birds To Sing At Night

High daytime noise levels in urban areas have caused birds to sing at night to avoid the competition. This goes against the previous thought that streetlights were confusing birds into thinking it was day.

April 25, 2007 - BBC

Growing Children In The City

Children are integral to the urban environment, yet we have shrunk the places where they can play, grow and thrive. Creating natural environments where children are free to imagine and play without instruction and structure is critical to our future.

April 25, 2007 - The Financial Times, London

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.