Post Carbon Cities Weekly Blog
Posted 9 May 2008 in"We've got nearly 2 million people living out here in the middle of the desert...maybe this is something planners should be concerned about?" Program Manager Daniel Lerch returns from the APA conference in Las Vegas, where climate change got a little more attention than last year, and peak oil barely any at all.
News and Features
RECOMMENDED NEWS SOURCES
- EnergyBulletin.net: clearinghouse of news related to global energy peak.
- Planetizen: news and commentary for the planning, design, and development community.
Posted 14 May 2008 inPublished 14 May 2008 by International Herald TribuneIn Juneau, Alaska, an avalanche has severely disrupted the electricity supply, forcing the city's utility to change over to more expensive diesel and pushing rates up 400%. Left to fend for itself, the city has adapted. Residents' energy use patterns have undergone a sudden transformation in a short period of time, and some hope that the things they learn during this time of crisis will become part of their ongoing culture.
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Posted 13 May 2008 inPublished 10 May 2008 by New York TimesMass transit systems around the country are seeing standing-room-only crowds on bus lines where seats were once easy to come by. As people wean themselves from auto-dependency, can the transit systems keep up with demand?
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Posted 12 May 2008 inPublished 12 May 2008 by USA TodayEight states have passed legislation meant to make it easier for homeowners to put electricity-generating solar or wind installations on their property. They've found that homeowners who run into opposition from local agencies or associations often just drop the project - and states committed to cutting their emissions don't want to see that happen.
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Posted 8 May 2008 inPublished 7 May 2008 by The Brattleboro ReformerThe Selectboard of Brattlebro, Vt. voted to dissolve the town's Peak Oil task force after receiving their report. The members were encouraged to work with Brattleboro's Climate Protection Director on integrating their suggestions with the town's climate protection plan.
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Posted 7 May 2008 inPublished by Japan for SustainabilityThe Tokyo Metropolitan Government is showing great leadership in its efforts to address climate change. This article from Japan for Sustainability describes some of the strategies the TMG has undertaken.
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Newest Resources
FEATURED RESOURCES
- Guidebook: Post Carbon Cities: Planning for Energy and Climate Uncertainty, a guidebook for local governments
- Data: Local governments that have responded to peak oil
- Programs: Recommended programs, a few key organizations and programs for local governments
Posted 8 May 2008 inPublished by Municipal Association of VictoriaPresentations and reports presented at the 2007 Challenge of Global Warming and Peak Oil for Local Government conference, sponsored by the Municipal Association of Victoria (Australia), illuminate many aspects of the issue for local governments.
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Posted 29 April 2008 inPublished by Maribyrnong City Council
Planning for likely high oil prices and reduced supply of oil is essential to avoid the worst consequences and ensure public services can be provided in a timely and economic manner. Maribyrnong Council's Peak Oil Policy and Action Plan describes how they will continue to deliver community programs and services in spite of global oil price increases.
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Posted 23 April 2008 inPublished by Brightcove.tvVideo (1 Nov 2007) presentation of John Kaufmann, former lead staffer for the groundbreaking Portland (Ore.) Peak Oil Task Force, to the Connecticut Legislative Peak Oil and Natural Gas Caucus. Kaufmann is a Senior Policy Analyst at the Oregon Department of Energy.
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Upcoming Events
April 10, 2008 - Jun 5 2008The Washington Chapter of the APA is offering a training series on climate change and sustainability issues. For those who can't make it to the University of Washington, the sessions will be available as webcasts for three months after they take place.
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May 14, 2008 - May 16 2008Every year ICLEI hosts the premier event for local government staff and elected officials who are advancing climate protection and sustainability at the local level. Whether you’ve been working in the field for 20 years or just got into the game, the ICLEI Local Action Summit will have the skills training, keynote presentations, breakout sessions and networking opportunities you need to take your city’s, town’s or county’s climate and sustainability efforts to the next level.
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May 15, 2008 - May 18 2008The major challenge facing this and the next generation of architects, planners and builders is how to develop land use patterns that respond to the demands of the post-carbon age and provide a high quality of life for future generations. How our profession adapts to the need for reducing dependency on fossil fuels and contributes to the use of new technologies and approaches to planning and development that foster sustainability is critically important and will be the focus of this year’s Salzburg Congress on Urban Planning and Development.
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Post Carbon Cities is one of the key resources focusing communities on addressing peak oil as well as climate challenges. The inspiration, updated information, and pragmatic assistance that you provide is truly needed at all levels of government.