California releases first statewide earthquake warning system

The state has launched the nation's first statewide earthquake warning system, which will notify residents 20 seconds before an earthquake hits. 

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 22, 2019

‘We’re feeling the heat’: How a Tucson, AZ mayoral candidate plans to tackle climate change

Democratic nominee Regina Romero could be the city's first Latina and woman mayor, and aims to mitigate climate change's mounting effects on the city.

By Cailin Crowe • Oct. 21, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Energy Codes and Building Performance Standards

Cities are using these levers to meet climate goals and address everything from data centers to building decarbonization.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

These 3 circular economy principles can help combat the climate crisis

Transitioning to a circular economy will take "concerted action from multiple stakeholders," according to a report from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and Material Economics.

By Andrew Urevig • Oct. 17, 2019

Bloomberg Philanthropies, C40 Cities honor 7 climate change projects

San Francisco was the only U.S. winner for its CleanPowerSF renewable energy program, and London was recognized for its ultra-low emission zone. 

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 11, 2019

Mayors announce Global Green New Deal at C40 Summit

A coalition of 94 mayors showed support of the deal, intended to encourage emissions reduction in the transportation, buildings, industry and waste sectors.

By Cailin Crowe • Oct. 10, 2019

Boston to require carbon neutral design for new city buildings

The city's updated Climate Action Plan calls for decarbonizing large buildings, which could cut citywide emissions nearly 40% by 2050. 

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 9, 2019

Columbus, OH mayor shares lessons from award-winning tenure

Mayor Andrew Ginther detailed his plans to continue developing a smart city that's inclusive of all residents, incorporating equity and affordable housing. 

By Cailin Crowe • Oct. 8, 2019

NYC to host climate solutions center on Governors Island

The Trust for Governors Island revealed its plans last week for the climate center, projected to create 8,000 jobs and $1 billion in economic impact.

By Jason Plautz , Kristin Musulin • Updated Sept. 21, 2020

2019 mayoral elections: How ‘smart’ are the candidates’ platforms?

Houston incumbent Sylvester Turner, who led the city following Hurricane Harvey in 2017, defeated candidate Tony Buzbee in a Dec. 14 runoff election. 

By Cailin Crowe, Kira Barrett, Kristin Musulin • Updated Nov. 6, 2019

No US cities make top 10 of global smart city ranking

Singapore lands the top spot and San Francisco ranks the highest in the U.S., according to the IMD World Competitiveness Center's index. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 4, 2019

Global exchange program infuses culture into civic planning

Bloomberg Philanthropies and the World Cities Culture Forum announced their second leadership exchange, encouraging collaboration in the cultural sector.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 3, 2019

ACEEE: Massachusetts leads on energy efficiency for 9th consecutive year

The council pegs efficiency-related employment as one of the largest subsets in the energy sector, accounting for more than 2.3 million jobs in 2018.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 2, 2019

NYC picks 9 buildings for 'deep energy retrofits'

The retrofits follow the passage of the Climate Mobilization Act, which set a goal to reduce government operation emissions 50% by 2030. 

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 2, 2019

Don't leave low-income families behind in California's climate fight

Policymakers have a tremendous opportunity to benefit all Californians — particularly those who are most at risk from the long-term consequences of climate change.

By J. Andrew McAllister & Ted Lamm • Oct. 1, 2019

Pittsburgh launches center of excellence for high-performance buildings

The city is the second in the world to join the UN program and will work to reduce the effects of climate change through sustainable building design.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 30, 2019

Smart cities must build resilient water strategies

We can't let crisis be the guiding planning principal. There are vast opportunities for water recycling in the U.S., and clear reasons to do so. 

By Jon Freedman • Sept. 30, 2019

Finance group renews commitment to city-level climate action

Funding from the Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance could be crucial to push climate and infrastructure projects as governments struggle with up-front investments.

By Chris Teale • Sept. 27, 2019

Uber, EVgo partner to expand ride-share electrification

The companies signed an MOU to research use of EVs on the platform and assess where more charging infrastructure is needed.

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 27, 2019

Report: E-scooters can play significant role in decarbonizing cities

Bird and Carbone 4 examined the role light EVs play in Paris to determine the impact such vehicles can have on emissions reduction efforts.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 26, 2019

Bipartisan support for resiliency grows as natural disasters worsen

Leaders at all levels of government recognize that the "ludicrous" status quo of infrastructure investment cannot continue. 

By Chris Teale • Sept. 25, 2019

Cities are advancing the SDGs through collective action

Greta Thunberg reminded us this week that power can be found in many sources. Cities are among those authorities, leading ambitious climate goals.

By Mauricio Rodas, Ian Klaus • Sept. 25, 2019

Leaders call on federal government to ‘do something’ amid dire climate warnings

"It's now a backyard issue," said Rep. Paul Tonko, D-NY. "The public is driving all of us to get to work and address climate as a crisis, as an epidemic." 

By Chris Teale • Sept. 23, 2019

ACEEE: ‘Ambitious’ energy efficiency could halve US emissions by 2050

If cities are to hit climate goals and remain in step with targets outlined in the Paris climate agreement, they will need to take bold action.

By Chris Teale • Sept. 19, 2019

5 design trends that will shape future cityscapes

A new Gensler report anticipates how urban challenges like climate change, health care and airport traffic will influence future city designs. 

By Cailin Crowe • Sept. 19, 2019

San Jose, CA to become largest US city to ban natural gas

If a final ordinance is approved, electric-only development will be required for most residential buildings, making way for increased EV infrastructure.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 19, 2019