The threat of climate change has not guided transportation planning in Chicago, and the city and region could be doing much more to promote sustainable transportation, according to the article.
Courtney Cobb argues that policies and plans to support sustainable transportation are lacking in the Chicago region. "Curious about what the state of Illinois has its website about the subject, I went to the ‘Climate Change in Illinois’ page and did not see transportation listed as a sector where the state is committed to taking action when it comes to climate change."
Other places have taken proactive steps to address transportation and climate change, says Cobb. For example, Vancouver, Canada, has stepped up its goal to have two-thirds of trips made by biking, walking, and transit, and the state of California is working to reduce transportation emissions. "We are headed in the opposite direction of reducing transportation related emissions [in Illinois] by expanding highways and funnelling the majority of transportation funds into car-centric infrastructure," she notes.
"What would a state, city, and county transportation system look like if it was designed with climate change in mind?" asks Cobb. She offers a long list of measures and strategies that she would like to see implemented in Chicago and surrounding areas—including parking and congestion charges, an increase in the gas tax, and more funding for sustainable transportation infrastructure.
FULL STORY: We should be planning our transportation system as if the planet mattered
Friday Funny: The Onion Satirizes the Federal Government’s Electric Car Fetish
The totally satirical, not-at-all-real website The Onion is back with another planning-related fake news take.
Chicago Updating its Climate Action Plan for 2022
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Earth Day announced the forthcoming release of a new plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare communities for the effects of climate change.
Partisan Splits for Transportation Politics
Researchers found that while left-leaning respondents were more likely to favor transportation reform and sustainable modes, conservatives are not as far behind as we think.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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