World
Global issues, U.N., etc.
The World in Drought
Population centers the world around are caught in the grips of devastating droughts. Though temporary conditions, their increasing frequency should be a call to water-saving action, writes Tom Englehardt.
Slum Tourism Debated
This piece ponders whether slum tourism in places like Dharavi and the favelas of Brazil is a valid form of cultural exchange or merely voyeuristic exploitation?
It Started, and Should End, with Real Estate
If the government bails out banks, it also better put aside money for structural reform that ensures the proper valuation of property. According to Elena Panaritis, a housing market driven by speculation catalyzed the recession in the first place.
Global Warming Prompts "Ecomigrations"
As climate change takes the form of higher sea levels and environmental disasters, millions of "ecomigrants" across the world have been on the move to find more environmentally habitable places.
Top 8 Public Space Design Books
Managing Editor Tim Halbur selects his favorite books for designing and planning public spaces.
Stitching the Home of the Future
An architecture student's entry in a design contest sponsored by BMW proposes a new form of living space, utilizing new synthetic skins to build flexible living areas.
Visualizing The World's Public Transit
This info-graphic from Good compares subways an rapid transit rail systems from around the world, by track miles and ridership.
Water: Think Globally, Act Locally
The world is facing a water crisis, and existing development and management practices are only making it worse. This interview with water expert Peter Gleick looks at what's being done wrong and how it can be done right.
Park Walks Shown to Boost Memory and Attention
A new study shows that walks in the park are more beneficial than those on city streets, in terms of memory and attention. The natural scenery requires less direct attention, so it's sharper when needed next.
Hansen Asks England to Shut Down its Coal Plants
NASA's James Hansen takes his global warming message to England, telling them in no uncertain terms that they must stop their reliance on coal-derived electricity. He dismisses 'clean coal' and even 'carbon caps' if coal plants continue to operate.
Energy Revolution Needed To Solve Climate Change
Nobel laureate and new Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu is interviewed on what it will take to solve the climate change crisis - three major technological improvements plus carbon pricing. While no fan of coal, he acknowledges improvements are needed.
Cellulosic Ethanol a Reality
Cellulosic ethanol - biofuel produced from non-edible plant material - has been 'five years out' for a long time. Obstacles remain to mass production, but a handful of producers are up and running.
Reborn From the Crisis
In this thorough piece from The Atlantic, Richard Florida looks at the economic crisis facing the world, how it's affecting cities and regions, and how it will have a lasting effect on the U.S. -- in both good and bad ways.
What will the World be Like with Two Billion Cars?
Daniel Sperling, author of "Two Billion Cars: Driving Toward Sustainability" talks to Jon Stewart about the future of plug-in hybrid, fuel cell and electric vehicles.
Saudi Oil Minister Warns Against Moving Quickly to Alternative Energies
In a speech in Houston on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi expressed concern that too much emphasis on alternative energies would mean lack of funding for oil investments.
With Higher Densities Come Smaller Footprints
This article's author reports his and economist Matthew Kahn's recent findings on metropolitan areas and carbon emissions. As it turns out, living in a high density area is one of the best things one can do for the environment.
Unused Open Spaces
Korean photographer Hosang Park's recent series exposes tiny, unknown 'parks' that are attached to housing developments around the world.
How Much Space Do You Need?
Charles Platt uses CIA Factbook data on populations to create a visual representation of how much land there is per person in different nations.
Randal O'Toole asks, Dude, Where's My Driverless Car?
For decades, people have been talking about how driverless cars would make highway traffic a thing of the past. Randal O'Toole asks, where are they?
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
