Environment: Page 2

Reps introduce TREES Act to expand urban canopies

The bill would create a grant program for free or reduced-cost tree planting services to lower energy costs and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 16, 2020

Rising temperatures could increase injury deaths by 2,000 a year: study

If temperatures were to rise 1.5 °C above long-term averages​, the U.S. would see an uptick in traffic accidents and suicides, among other injury deaths, according to a new study.

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 15, 2020

Opinion

The US can still lead the race to make cities smarter and more sustainable

Through software, AI and Big Data, cities are transforming the way they generate electricity, deliver drinking water and build the clean transportation systems of the future.

By Maryrose Sylvester • Jan. 15, 2020

Seattle to transition city-owned buildings away from fossil fuels

The first round of building electrification plans are due this summer after an executive order from Mayor Jenny Durkan advancing a Green New Deal.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 10, 2020

NYC's Circular City program to focus on sustainability in 2020

The joint effort from New Lab and the New York City Economic Development Corporation will test solutions for the city's transition to a circular economy. 

By Chris Teale • Jan. 10, 2020

Sidewalk Labs pilot aims to improve recycling habits

The Clean Recycling Pilot in Toronto will identify and sort waste, then provide feedback to the public in a report on how they can do it better.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 08, 2020

California to enforce light bulb efficiency standards despite Trump reversal

The state's efficiency rules are a direct response to the Trump administration's rollbacks, which could cost $12 billion a year in lost energy savings by 2025. 

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 03, 2020

7 trends that will define smart cities in 2020

Cities are primed for big transformation, including scooter company consolidation, car-free zone planning and increased flying car investments.

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 02, 2020

Opinion

Automation makes it possible for cities to go green

Cities everywhere are embracing their role in the fight against climate change, and many are finding that technology is a powerful ally. 

By Srini Murali • Jan. 02, 2020

Transportation & Climate Initiative sees 'overwhelming support' of cap-and-invest plan

More than 8,300 public comments regarding the plan were submitted from mid-December through February, with 91% of comments expressing support.

By Katie Pyzyk , Kristin Musulin • UPDATED: March 2, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.

New York MTA to invest $1.1B for zero-emission bus fleet

The agency plans to eventually have a fleet of 500 electric buses, representing the largest procurement of EVs in North America. 

By Cailin Crowe • Dec. 17, 2019

NYC passes bill requiring bird-friendly glass on buildings

The measure aims to reduce the 90,000 to 230,000 bird strike deaths in New York each year, with the country's bird population reaching a 29% decline since 1970. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 16, 2019

Google creates $4M fund for data-driven climate projects

The tech giant is also expanding its Environmental Insights Explorer tool to help more than 100 cities use data to plan and measure the impact of climate change. 

By Jason Plautz • Dec. 13, 2019

Philly mayor signs laws to boost big building efficiency, phase out dirty fuel

Mayor Jim Kenney also updated the city's Energy Benchmarking Program, designed to understand energy use and "opportunities for change," according to a senior program manager.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 12, 2019

Federal climate leadership could cut emissions 49%: report

America's Pledge said cities, states and businesses have led the way on climate action, but further emissions cuts need national leadership, too.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 09, 2019

Dive Awards

Climate Leader of the Year: Calgary, Alberta

Over 100 oil and gas companies reside in the "energy city." Calgary welcomes these energy sources, but it's also driving prosperity with an in-depth Climate Resilience Strategy.

By Kristin Musulin • Dec. 09, 2019

Dive Awards

The Smart Cities Dive Awards for 2019

From Sidewalk Labs' disruptive, futuristic smart city to the climate strategy in Calgary, Alberta, these are the leading cities, officials and initiatives of the year.

Opinion

What I wish I'd said to California's chief air regulator about clean transportation

Will flexible demand-side resources ever be able to participate in power markets in the same way as supply-side resources? That's the question before Air Resources Board Chair Mary Nichols — and all of us.

By David Farnsworth • Dec. 06, 2019

NYC launches commercial cargo bike pilot to reduce congestion

City officials hope the program, which includes Amazon, DHL and UPS, will also boost air quality and pedestrian safety. Logistics companies say it will be easier to find parking.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 05, 2019

Climate Mayors to bolster city-level action with steering committee

The new 24-member committee will work to "catalyze membership" and further engage residents to reach Paris agreement goals.

By Jason Plautz • Dec. 04, 2019

LA wants to reach 30% EVs on roads by 2028 Olympics

Local government and private partners released the Zero Emissions 2028 Roadmap 2.0 to accelerate the use of electric vehicles and clean transit.

By Jason Plautz • Dec. 03, 2019

Cincinnati to build nation's largest city-led solar array

The project, which is predicted to reduce 158,000 tons of carbon emissions annually, will cover 1,000 acres with more than 310,000 solar panels.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 25, 2019

Atlanta becomes 100th LEED certified city

The city's resilience plan, with initiatives around clean energy, electric vehicle car-sharing and more, played a role in achieving certification.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 22, 2019

Deep Dive

Electric trucks may be the future, but waste and recycling market still charging up

Looking to move away from diesel and meet climate goals, a growing number of service providers are testing out models from coast to coast. 

By Mary Catherine O'Connor • Nov. 22, 2019

Deep Dive

Road to 100: How one man's mission to power his hometown by wind created a Northwest Missouri boon

The town of 1,200 was the first in the country to be able to power all of its electricity from wind resources. Now, the county is booming in wind production.

By Catherine Morehouse • Nov. 22, 2019