World

Global issues, U.N., etc.

New Technology Could Help To Slow Down Drivers

Instead of getting cities to issue more speeding tickets, what if cars automatically sensed the posted speed limit and prevented motorists from driving too fast?

June 10, 2007 - BusinessWeek

Olympic Games Cause Of Major Displacement, Says Rights Group

A human rights group has accused the Chinese Government of forcing 1.5 million residents from their homes in preparation for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing -- the latest in a continuing saga of displacement in former host cities.

June 8, 2007 - The Washington Post

How A Landmark Book Launched The Environmental Movement

The author of one of the most controversial book of the 1960s, considered to be the mother of the modern environmental movement, was named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most important people of the 20th century.

June 4, 2007 - Democracy Now!

Carbon Tax Vs. Carbon Trading

L.A. Times editorial compares carbon taxes and carbon trading schemes and argues that carbon taxes are the best way to combat global warming.

May 29, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

The High-Speed Rail Boom

Despite their costs, high-speed rail lines are expanding their reach across the globe -- the U.S. being the exception.

May 28, 2007 - Forbes

George Monbiot: 'The Great Moral Issue Of The 21st Century'

British journalist and environmentalist George Monbiot talks about global warming, car fuel economy, electric vehicles, manipulation of science, biofuels, the "Axis of Evil" on climate change, and "the great moral issue" of our time.

May 23, 2007 - Democracy Now

To Truly Experience A City, Make No Plans

This column argues that aimless wandering is essential to exploring the character of a city, and offers advice to travelers and city dwellers on letting the urbanism of cities guide their experience.

May 22, 2007 - International Herald Tribune

U.S. Transportation Infrastructure Lacks Investment and Innovation

While other countries around the globe forge ahead with investment in transportation innovations such as road congestion pricing and high speed rail, the U.S. takes a wait and see attitude.

May 18, 2007 - Truckinginfo.com

Debunking 26 Climate Change Myths

A compilation of articles addressing common questions concerning global warming.

May 17, 2007 - NewScientist.com

Playground-powered Water Supply

Alexander Trevi comments on playground equipment designed to provide local clean water supply in developing countries.

May 17, 2007 - Pruned

Global Cities Join Plan To 'Green' Public Buildings

A program spearheaded by former President Bill Clinton will see green upgrades made to public buildings in 15 global cities.

May 17, 2007 - The Chicago Tribune

Fighting Climate Change Demands Better Urbanism

Denser urban development patterns that encourage walking and transit use could be a convenient remedy for the inconvenient truth of climate change.

May 17, 2007 - Philadelphia Inquirer

Does Density Make You A Democrat?

A recent blog post discusses the correlation between urban form and political leanings.

May 17, 2007 - http://houstonstrategies.blogspot.com/

Why Green Buildings Cannot Save The Planet

Building environment-friendly structures alone won't help; the real issues are much more complicated argues Jane Powell.

May 16, 2007 - The San Francisco Chronicle

How Urban Park Space Can Offset Rising Temperature

A new study has shown that increasing urban park space can have a significant effect on reducing city temperatures -- a strategy that could be used to mitigate the temperature increase caused by climate change.

May 16, 2007 - New Scientist

The Benefits of Global Warming

Olaf Stampf argues that while global warming does have its drawbacks, it can also bring some significant benefits.

May 14, 2007 - Der Spiegel

Jatropha: Not Just A Homely Weed

The oil-rich plant is being trumpeted as a source for biodiesel by some nations and corporations that hope to cash in on it as 'the final solution.'

May 13, 2007 - The Christian Science Monitor

N.Y. Hosts 'The Green Team' In Battle Against Climate Change

In its second meeting ever, a conference of mayors from 32 cities worldwide will meet in N.Y. to strategize on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

May 13, 2007 - The Christian Science Monitor

Friday Funny: Get Your Own Embassy

Looking for a distinctive vacation home? There are 29 U.S. embassies for sale worldwide, several with prices under $500,000.

May 11, 2007 - Associated Press

Is Downtown L.A. Headed For A Condo Glut?

Developers plan to build an 'iconic' 76-story structure in downtown Los Angeles. It would be the tallest residential tower west of Chicago and dramatically alter L.A.'s skyline.

May 9, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.