Environment

UN report: Cities are 'key implementers' of climate policies

A new guide from authors of the latest UN IPCC report says that without action from cities, "there will be no limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius."

By Jason Plautz • Dec. 11, 2018

The smart city conferences to check out in 2019

Next year has a full slate of industry conferences, featuring conversations with top public and private officials on the pressing issues facing cities.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 10, 2018

Study: Low-income neighborhoods disproportionately feel environmental burdens

The index from Data-Driven Yale examined five areas of environmental concern: air quality, climate change, water and sanitation, urban ecosystem and transportation. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 04, 2018

World Bank to invest $200B over 5 years for climate change action

The money is targeted at climate adaptation and resilience, and is more than double its current five-year investment plan established after the 2015 Paris accord.

By Jason Plautz • Dec. 04, 2018

1M EVs in the US 'a step in our journey' to combat climate change

Speakers at an event celebrating the milestone also noted electric vehicles could play a large role in the fight against climate change and carbon emissions.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 03, 2018

Report: Vehicle emissions are keeping California from reaching climate goals

The state will have to significantly slash transportation emissions to meet Gov. Jerry Brown’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2045.

By Jason Plautz • Nov. 29, 2018

EU adopts plan to become 'climate neutral' by 2050

The report presents eight scenarios to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with a large focus on the energy and urban mobility sectors.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 29, 2018

EPA loans San Diego $614M for water recycling project

The facility is set to break ground in 2019 and, once completed, will produce 30 million gallons of drinking water per day by treating wastewater.

By Jason Plautz • Nov. 29, 2018

Federal climate report: US energy, transportation sectors not prepared for warming

Experts say humans have about a decade to prevent the most catastrophic impacts of climate change and the U.S. is behind the necessary pace of emissions reductions.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 26, 2018

British Columbia to mandate 100% zero emission vehicle sales by 2040

The government is taking action by increasing the ZEV incentive program and expanding the number of EV fast chargers in the province's network.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 26, 2018

REI-backed study identifies top cities for outdoor access

Cities are looking to maximize green space within city limits or increase access to nearby public lands, partly as a sustainability push and also to boost residents’ quality of living. 

By Jason Plautz • Nov. 26, 2018

UCLA, Los Angeles water utility partner for $5M conservation research effort

The move is part of the UCLA Sustainable LA Grand Challenge, which has a goal of powering Los Angeles County with 100% renewable energy and making it water self-sufficient by 2050.

By Jason Plautz • Nov. 15, 2018

216 mayors signal support for more solar power in updated letter

The Mayors for Solar Energy effort, organized by Environment America, also includes training and resources for local governments to encourage more solar power.

By Jason Plautz • Nov. 13, 2018

8 speakers from Smart City Expo World Congress 2018 to follow on Twitter

The world's largest smart city expo is here — and Smart Cities Dive will help you keep up with it.

By Kristin Musulin • Nov. 12, 2018

Anchorage, AK named winner of Bloomberg Philanthropies 2018 Public Art Challenge

The city won $1 million for its Solutions for Energy and Equity through Design (SEED) Lab project, which builds collaborations to fight climate change.

By Chris Teale • Nov. 08, 2018

The impact of San Francisco's homeless tax, and other important ballot results

Voters in Denver approved a mental health initiative, while voters in the state of Washington rejected a carbon emissions fee.

By Chris Teale • Nov. 07, 2018

Virginia invests $14M for electric buses throughout the state

The funding is 15% of what the state received from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust settlement.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 05, 2018

Honolulu named winner of Bloomberg's American Cities Climate Challenge

The city is the 18th honoree of 20 to be named, and is expected to use the assistance for initiatives such as green transportation and buildings.

By Chris Teale • Nov. 05, 2018

Port Authority of NY/NJ becomes first transit agency to target Paris Agreement

The authority pledged to electrify its entire bus fleet and spend $100 million on energy retrofits, part of a goal of cutting emissions 80% by 2050.

By Chris Teale • Nov. 01, 2018

34 global leaders sign U20 Communique to advance sustainable development

The Communique delivers recommendations on climate change, the future of work, social integration, female empowerment and access to finance.

By Kristin Musulin • Oct. 31, 2018

Report recommends ways for cities, schools to finance electric buses

The vehicles are one item that some cities are hesitant to adopt solely because of the high cost of purchase and infrastructure.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 31, 2018

Green roof law repealed, replaced in Denver

The revised law will require light-colored, reflective "cool roofs," and developers can choose one of several new options for meeting environmental goals.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 30, 2018

7 more winners named in Bloomberg's American Cities Climate Challenge

Chicago; Cincinnati; Columbus, OH; Indianapolis; Minneapolis; Saint Paul, MN; and St. Louis were the next to be honored, with just three spots now remaining.

By Chris Teale • Oct. 30, 2018