Environment
Don’t Alienate the Suburbs on Climate
The suburbs can help cities fight climate change.
The City Known for ‘Sewer Socialists’ Actually Has Great Sewers
Milwaukee now averages a mere 2.4 combined sewer overflows a year, thanks to a massive underground tunnel, green infrastructure, and flood-control measures.
Will Buffalo Become a Climate Change Haven?
The Western New York city possesses a distinct mix of weather, geography, and infrastructure that could make it a potential climate haven. But for whom?
Paris to Amazon: No Free Delivery for You
Mayor Anne Hidalgo wants the e-commerce company to pay for the carbon emissions and traffic congestion that online shopping generates in the French capital.
Where Flooding Is Most Affecting Property Values
A small coastal Mississippi town is seeing dramatic property value losses from flooding. But the houses in highest demand are still right on the water.
Yellow Scorpions Are Invading Brazilian Cities
Hotter conditions and urbanization trends have made cities like São Paulo prime habitat for the deadly stinging creatures.
Neighborhoods With More People of Color Pay Higher Energy Bills
Not only are residents of minority neighborhoods paying more of their income for energy bills, but federal government housing policies are a huge part of the reason why.
The Future of the Streetlight Might Be in the Past
A new competition from the L.A. mayor’s office invites designers to reimagine the rich history of civic illumination and create next-generation streetlights.
When Residents Support Solar—Just ‘Not in My Backyard’
While the American public broadly favors expanding renewable energy, that support doesn’t always extend to the photovoltaic panels next door.
Why Is California Approving So Many New Oil Wells?
Drilling and fracking permits are up since Governor Newsom took office. But it’s not totally clear why.
Holland Aims to Bring Back Its Starry Nights
Campaigners want government agencies and companies to turn off the lights so citizens can rediscover the beauty of darkness.
Bernie Sanders and AOC Unveil a Green New Deal for Public Housing
The Green New Deal for Public Housing Act would commit up to $180 billion over a decade to upgrading 1.2 million federally owned homes.
Its Flood Barrier Unfinished, Venice Submerges Under a Record Tide
Seasonal acqua alta reached the highest level since 1966, leaving two dead and devastating damage. The city’s ambitious flood barrier isn’t ready yet.
Can the Paris Metro Make Room for More Riders?
The good news: Transit ridership is booming in the French capital. But severe crowding now has authorities searching for short-term solutions.
To Survive Climate Change, We’ll Need a Better Story
Per Grankvist is “chief storyteller” for Sweden’s Viable Cities program. His job: communicate the realities of day-to-day living in a carbon-neutral world.
Oslo's Ambitious Plan to Decarbonize Its Port
The Port of Oslo is electrifying ferries and taking other steps to slash emissions: “It’s what is necessary if we are going to reach the Paris Agreement.”
As Disasters Worsen, Cities and Researchers Eye Social Resilience
As climate change makes disasters more severe, researchers say we can prepare by being informed, volunteering, and staying socially connected.
What One Suffocating City Means for the World
News images from New Delhi seem cut from an apocalyptic outbreak film.
Smashing the Great Pumpkin-Waste Problem
Community pumpkin-smashing events aim to cut down on Halloween’s contribution to America’s food waste problem and reap the benefits of composting.
California’s Wildfires Are Not a Morality Tale
The fire-scorched state’s history has long been marked by calamities. But its latest disaster did not come to teach Californians a lesson.
Pete Buttigieg’s Climate Vision: Local Fixes for a Planet in Crisis
The South Bend mayor’s approach to the climate crisis reflects his recent experiences with Indiana floods, and his belief that cities can lead with solutions.