Environment

Biden advisor: US 'lost critical time' in climate change fight

National Economic Council Director-Designate Brian Deese said reentering the Paris agreement will be a top priority of Biden's administration, but more must be done to curb emissions.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 13, 2021

Biden taps Boston Mayor Walsh for labor secretary

Mayor Marty Walsh, who was recently named chair of Climate Mayors, will "usher in a new era of worker power," said the Biden-Harris Transition team.

By Katie Clarey • Jan. 08, 2021

Solar advocates call Massachusetts climate bill a 'roadmap' to decarbonization

The bill sets a statewide net-zero limit on greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, provides tax certainty for solar developers and codifies environmental justice provisions into Massachusetts law.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 07, 2021

7 mobility startups to watch in 2021

These startups offer compelling solutions to the range of challenges the pandemic has introduced to U.S. cities. 

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 05, 2021

The smart city news that shaped 2020

Smart Cities Dive identified 20 stories detailing the prevalent and groundbreaking trends that influenced a year like no other.

Clean energy groups applaud pick of former Michigan Gov. Granholm for DOE head

Granholm is known for staunchly supporting the automotive industry — which observers say could be an asset as the new administration attempts to boost the adoption of electric vehicles.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 18, 2020

Opinion

5 ways smart infrastructure shapes communities for the better

From improved transportation to data-driven decisions, smart cities are using technology to raise the bar for the world of tomorrow.

By Forrest Senti • Dec. 18, 2020

Biden taps North Carolina DEQ Secretary Regan for EPA

Under Michael Regan's watch at the DEQ, Duke Energy agreed to the largest coal ash cleanup in U.S. history.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 18, 2020

California tops ACEEE energy efficiency scorecard

This is the first report since 2010 that Massachusetts has not held the No. 1 spot, falling to second as California "continued to set the pace in energy savings."

By Kristin Musulin • Dec. 17, 2020

Smart Columbus pushes ahead on corporate decarbonization

The Smart Columbus Energy program is designed to help Central Ohio's corporate and industrial organizations transition to clean energy through wind and solar energy procurement.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 11, 2020

Green buildings 'unheralded hero' in emissions fight, experts say

President-elect Joe Biden's plan to boost energy efficiency in the sector promises to create up to one million jobs and mitigate the effects of climate change, elected officials said during a U.S. Green Building Council webinar. 

By Chris Teale • Dec. 10, 2020

Cities play 'key role' in green COVID-19 recovery: report

The Rocky Mountain Institute and Bloomberg Philanthropies found local infrastructure projects and strong federal partners are significant in building a more resilient future.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 09, 2020

Dive Awards

The Smart Cities Dive Awards for 2020

In a year where cities and local officials had to weather unprecedented crises, the following awardees stood out for their bold leadership.

By Smart Cities Dive Team • Dec. 09, 2020

Portland, OR city employees to pilot e-cargo bikes

This will be Saris Infrastructure's second pilot of its battery-electric, pedal-assist cargo bike, following a recent fleet test in Madison, WI.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 30, 2020

Migration to wildfire-prone areas continues despite risk: study

Wildfires are expected to burn 9.3 million acres of the U.S. annually by 2050 as many vulnerable areas are also seeing population growth.

By Cailin Crowe • Nov. 23, 2020

LA pilots Google tree canopy tech

The Tree Canopy Lab technology combines AI and aerial images to assess tree cover density in an effort to measure and track environmental data.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 23, 2020

Opinion

Cities are cutting emissions with an unlikely aid: concrete

Cutting emissions from concrete in public infrastructure projects is an under-utilized and low-cost policy option that governments can readily pursue.

By Eric Dunford • Nov. 23, 2020

Deep Dive

Wildfires pushed PG&E into bankruptcy. Should other utilities be worried?

Catastrophic wildfires, which can lead to billions of dollars in damages, present a unique financial risk that the utility sector will want to get ahead of.

By Kavya Balaraman • Nov. 20, 2020

Climate progress in 6 sectors too slow to limit global warming: report

The World Resources Institute and ClimateWorks said efforts to bolster electrification and renewable energy must accelerate, while deforestation and agricultural production raised red flags.

By Chris Teale • Nov. 19, 2020

25 US cities land on CDP 2020 'A List'

Despite the unprecedented obstacles of COVID-19, CDP identified 88 global cities that have continued to make progress on climate action, with 34% of those cities new to the list this year.

By Kristin Musulin • Nov. 16, 2020

Mayors unveil $60B plan to support Midwest energy transition

The Marshall Plan for Middle America aims to address the Ohio Valley region's projected 100,000 job losses triggered by a shift away from fossil fuels.

By Chris Teale • Nov. 16, 2020

Sponsored by Covanta Environmental Solutions

Lifecycle thinking: Helping businesses find the rewards in recycling

How can businesses move forward in today's global waste market? Start with lifecycle thinking.

Mass timber reaches for new heights to unlock zero-carbon cities

Design firms are tapping mass timber to illustrate how eco-friendly material can be used to support a sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Cailin Crowe • Nov. 04, 2020

Sponsored by Geotab

Smarter waste management is one piece of the smart city puzzle

Bringing solid waste operations to the future with automated processes in Spokane, WA.

How the 2020 election could impact the waste and recycling industry

The outcome could affect major issues like climate change, PFAS, taxes, M&A, recycling policies and more. 

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 02, 2020