World

Global issues, U.N., etc.

Congestion Charges Begin In Stockholm, Met With Disfavor

Europe's second congestion pricing program has been put into effect. Unlike London's (a plan promoted by mayor-to-be Ken Livingston), the Stockholm program was initiated by the city's Green Party, though with the support of Social Democrats.

January 11, 2006 - Reuters (on-line)

What Happens When A Housing Bubble Bursts

Want to see what follows a housing bubble? Look to China's largest city, Shanghai.

January 8, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Best Street Photography of 2005

PPS offers striking images of great places (and a few not-so-great) from around the world. [Includes photos.]

January 6, 2006 - Project For Public Spaces

Kunstler on the New Year: Bursting Bubbles, Oil Conflicts

Energy and economic crises are going to lead to global instability in the coming year, warns James Howard Kunstler.

January 5, 2006 - James Howard Kunstler's Blog

A New Greenhouse-gas Emissions Market Emerges

Market-based programs to buy and sell pollutants that contribute to global warming are gaining popularity.

January 5, 2006 - The Christian Science Monitor

The Future Of Transit: The Stackable Car?

MIT's Smart Cities team proposes a "stackable car" to be used as part of a public transportation program, much like those bicycle-sharing programs in Europe. [Includes photos.]

January 2, 2006 - The Guardian

A World Where Cars Lack Efficient Personal Mobility

The stubborn car culture rooted in American suburbanism does not have to be fought; eventually, through successful examples and experiments, the automobile will be viewed as a valued commodity in certain situations, rather than a ubiquitous solution.

January 1, 2006 - AlterNet

Oil Extraction From A Global Perspective

As the environmental community celebrates in victory in preventing oil drilling in ANWR for at least another year, Peter Maas offers an alternative perspective.

December 23, 2005 - The New York Times Magazine

Global Design and Development Trends

A group of architectural and development professionals and thinkers discuss their views about recent trends across the globe.

December 22, 2005 - ULI Urban Land Magazine

Regional Planning Blossoms In The UK

Many of the UK's heartland cities -- Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow -- are thriving again, partyly thanks to a regional focus by the government.

December 21, 2005 - The Guardian

How Kyoto Protocol is Transforming The Energy Business World-wide

The Kyoto Protocol is transforming the energy business across the world -- some areas will profit while others miss out.

December 21, 2005 - The Los Angeles Times

World's Depopulation Problem

Birthrates are falling across the world in developed as well as developing countires.

December 15, 2005 - Grist Magazine

A More Accurate Forecast of Oil Prices...

Changing its earlier predicts, the Energy Dept. forecasts oil will remain at $50 a barrel for years and may boost the use of fuel-efficient cars and alternate fuels.

December 14, 2005 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Nuclear Power Poised To Make A Comeback

Is the world ready for nuclear power again?

December 14, 2005 - Grist Magazine

Combating Global Warming Needs U.S. Participation

A foot-dragging U.S. was not able to bring the process at the recent Montreal Climate Change Conference to a halt.

December 13, 2005 - The New York Times

U.S. Part Of Global Warming Problem

At the Montreal Global Warming Conference, the United States continues its petulant stand.

December 13, 2005 - The Houston Chronicle

Oil Crisis To Worsen Over Winter

A controversial analyst predicts that oil will reach $100 a barrel in six months.

December 12, 2005 - The Guardian

Data for World's 673 Largest Urban Areas

Demographia publishes a report with the population, land area and density for all 673 the world's agglomerations with populrations over 500,000. The report also contains data for 1,117 urban areas in 164 nations and territories.

December 12, 2005 - Demographia

The World After Globalism

An interview with John Ralston Saul, the author of "The Collapse of Globalism."

December 11, 2005 - Mother Jones

Author Claims Suburban Sprawl Is Beneficial

Robert Bruegmann, author of "Sprawl: A Compact History" claims that even ancient settlements had sprawl, and that it's a good thing.

December 10, 2005 - 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.