World
Global issues, U.N., etc.
Personal Rapid Transit: The Connective Tissue of Better Mobility
Two high-profile Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) systems are currently under construction, and their implementation could serve as a model for how cities can better connect their existing transit systems to improve mobility.
The Etymology of the Capital City Name
This animation from Good looks at the etymology behind the names of some global capital cities.
'Nature-Deficit Disorder'
In this interview from Land&People, author Richard Louv discusses his research into the importance of interaction with nature in child development, and explains his concept of "nature-deficit disorder".
Addressing Climate Change In The Megacities
The increasing populations of the world's cities have a large impact on energy use and global warming. These populations should be a major focus of efforts to address climate change, according to this article from CNN.
Urban Areas, Redefined
Around the world, urban areas have new names -- micropolis, aerotropolis and city-region. But are they cities?
It Was a Very Good Year
Among Alternet's top 10 positive trends in 2007 are raised environmental consciousness; U.S. mayors taking the lead in climate change regulations and a "waste-free" plan for the Indian state of Kerala.
Mapmaking For The Masses
In an academic journal article, noted geographer Michael Goodchild argues that user-generated content can profoundly impact Geographic Information Systems.
Cities Think Big Despite Uncertain Development Market
Despite a rocky real estate market, cities across the globe are investing in large-scale development projects.
Pentagon Looks Toward Space For Solar Power On Earth
The Pentagon and an international consortium are investigating the feasibility of 'beaming back' solar energy from a network of space-based satellites and Pacific island-based antennae that could begin operating as early as 2012.
Introducing The Ecopolitan
National Geographic launches a new green cities blog called The Ecopolitan, written by Jay Walljasper, Senior Fellow of the Project for Public Spaces, and Executive Editor of Ode magazine.
The Formula For Traffic
A team of mathematicians have developed a model that demonstrates how traffic jams form.
Best of the Worst in Planning for 2007
Keeping track of the weird things that occur in the planning and government world – from rules prohibiting screaming on amusement park rides to “green” cremation techniques – isn't really necessary. But someone should do it anyway.
Square Roots
As part of a special issue on cities, the Canadian magazine The Walrus examines the little-known histories of famous public squares around the world.
What Does An Urban Planner Do?
This follow-up article from U.S. News and World Report gives a basic rundown of what an urban planner does on a typical day at work.
What Is An Urban Planner?
This "executive summary" from U.S. News and World Report describes what it means to be an urban planner -- named one of the 31 best careers.
Global Cities Go Green
Cities around the globe are making a variety of green efforts, offering models for cities looking to capitalize on th benefits of environmental planning.
Reducing The Environmental Footprint Of Death
When people die, they can still create negative impacts on the environment. Green burials are becoming a popular way to address this environmental concern.
Experts Weigh In On Urbanization
The Freakonomics blog at The New York Times recently put together a panel of experts and asked them to outline the implications of our increasingly urban world.
The Myth Of Resource Sustainability
John Brätland, senior economist with the U.S. Department of the Interior, offers his observations on how economists have let the myth of resource exhaustion persist from the nineteenth century to the present, and why it is misguided.
Do Starchitects' Egos Get in the Way of Good Design?
One critic claims that "starchitects" are more interested in flash than function. He recommends these architects work with mainstream developers to have a more positive impact on average people.
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
