Robert Fischer writes about sustainable development, focusing on technology, economic growth, and policies that build resilient and equitable communities worldwide. Most recently, Robert served as a Public Diplomacy Associate for the U.S. Department of State at the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius, where among other things he reported on human rights, digital authoritarianism, and smart cities in East Africa. Prior, Robert spent nearly a decade working as a policy, technology, and communications advisor at Mandli Communications Inc. Mandli works with national, international, and regional authorities to advance smart city standards, policies, and best practices. Robert holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and a master’s in software engineering from Cal State Fullerton.

The Climate One-Two Punch
Like a boxer, cities are wielding their one-two punch in the fight against climate change. One punch aims to protect people from the oppressive heat, while the second punch strikes at the source of global warming by reducing overall GHG emissions.

You're in Charge of the U.S. DOT; Where Do You Start?
You just got the top transportation job in the country. What are your priorities? Who are your allies? And one last question: Do you even want the job?

Singapore Housing Lessons for the Biden Administration
Singapore's carefully designed public housing that supports mixed-incomes, green space, and access to high-quality transportation is a good benchmark for the Biden administration's new push to root out systemic racism in the housing market.

U.S. Transportation Department Key to Biden Meeting Paris Agreement Targets
Transportation is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S, making President-elect Biden’s choice for Transportation Secretary—and the department’s policies on emissions, electric vehicles, and autonomous vehicles—critical.

Could Greenhouse Gas Emissions Be Added To COVID-19's Casualty List?
As the world rebounds from the first wave of coronavirus, and countries around the globe prepare to spend trillions of dollars for stimulus, should the funds be earmarked to flatten the climate curve?