Environment

Trees Are Worth the Investment
Trees improve cities by controlling temperature, absorbing water and carbon dioxide, and adding beauty.

Climate Change Already Obvious in California
We've all seen the maps that show the water rising around the edges of costal and waterfront communities as sea-level rise and climate change take effect. A new report shows the effects that have already changed the state of California.

Friday Eye Candy: Mount Kilauea’s Volcanic Activity, Past and Present
Newly released images from NASA's terra satellite chronicles the history of lava on Hawaii's Big Island.

Home Composting Goes to Washington
Washington, D.C. approved a set of incentives for home composting at the end of March.

Reconnecting St. Louis to its River
According a recent article in the Riverfront Times, perceptions of the Mississippi River among St. Louis residents are poor, but a collection of "river evangelists" and patient business owners are working to change that reality.

Growth Requires New Water Supply Solutions in Colorado
Colorado cities located north of Denver consider the future of water as the region grows. New infrastructure and new partnerships will be necessary to meet demand for water in the future.

How the Lights in Our Cities Became Too Bright
“Why are lighting designers and experts nearly unified in their belief that outdoor lighting in past years has been excessive?”

California to Require Solar on New Residential Buildings
The California Energy Commission will decide on new energy standards for residential construction this week.

Another EPA Rollback, Tailor-Made for Gov. Walker and Southeast Wisconsin
Politics and economics win over public health in Racine County as the EPA exempted the area around the Foxconn's massive facility from meeting stricter ozone pollution standards, saving the company from investing in smog-reducing equipment.

As Drought Returns to Texas, Report Recommends Stricter Rules on Outdoor Water Use
A report from a coalition of nonprofits recommends, among other restrictions, allowing outdoor watering only twice per week.

Op-Ed: 'Public Mood' Has Turned Against Cars in Cities
A survey of recent planning decisions demonstrates that cities are no longer necessarily looking to more and bigger highways to solve their traffic problems.

Friday Funny: Adopt a Drain, Name a Drain
This is the first and only time you will be actively encouraged to get your mind into the gutter.

California and 16 States Sue EPA Over Decision to Rollback Vehicle Emissions Rule
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt had announced the rollback of greenhouse gas emission and fuel economy standards on April 2. While the auto industry supports the move, not all auto executives agreed.

New Task Force to Start Planning for Pittsburgh's Newest, Largest Park
A plan for a 660-acre park, originally put forward in 2016, now has institutional backing.
Train Buffs: Do You Know What a ZEMU Is?
In addition to commuter trains hauled by an electric or diesel-powered locomotive, there are EMUs and DMUs, and come 2021, for the first time in North America, there should be a ZEMU thanks in part to a $30 million California transportation grant.

Exhibition Offers a Taste of Air Pollution
A London art exhibit lets visitors experience a simulation of the polluted air from five cities around the world.

Electric Vehicles to Lose Important Perk in Southern California
One of the major reasons for purchasing an electric vehicle in California is the ability to use a carpool lane as a solo driver and use an express lane toll-free. The latter perk will soon disappear for solo-occupant EVs on two freeways.

Downtown Won't Kill You
Despite the stress and pollution of urban life, even the most dense, traffic-clogged cities may be as healthy as streetcar suburbs.

Op-Ed: The Real Estate Industry Is Actually Fighting Emissions
Efstathios Valiotis of Alma Realty argues that the New York real estate industry has made strides to curb emissions and been a leader in fighting climate change in the city.

Global Reverberations from EPA Rollback of Fuel Economy Standards
Relaxed U.S. fuel economy standards, as Environmental Protection Administration chief Scott Pruitt announced on April 2, would have effects extending far beyond the United States.
Pagination
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service