In an article about the ripple effects of high oil prices in the global economy, analyst Shlok Vaidya reserved a section for the economic straits that rural United States communities will find themselves in. The jury is out on how well they will be able to adapt.

A new study finds that 65% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. are under the direct or indirect control of individuals. However, many of those habits are difficult to change given land uses. Individuals may need incentives to adopt lower-impact lifestyles.

To help councils in the U.K. formulate their thinking on peak oil and climate change preparedness, two organisations, the Oil Depletion Analysis Centre (ODAC) and the Post Carbon Institute, have got together to produce a guide aimed at local councils, outlining the implications of "peak oil" and the kinds of responsible options that are available to councils.

A new proposed traffic concurrency management plan in Alachua County, Fla. scraps extensive roadwork and instead creates a rapid transit system that would be subsidized in part by fees on new growth. Another part of the plan encourages denser, mixed-use development.

Berlin wants to become a world leader in the solar energy field, both as a user of the sun's rays for energy and as a pioneer in solar technology despite its northern, cloud-covered location, its economy minister said.

Gas shortages in the southeast United States are prompting companies to consider expanding their telework programs so employees can conserve fuel. Other options workers are weighing include greater use of carpools and public transit, along with alternative scheduling arrangements such as four-day work weeks.

Burning more wood for heat could save homeowners money in oil-dependent Maine, but a task force in the nation's most forested state cautioned that care is needed to avoid health problems and damage to the wood products industry.

AB 1358 requires cities and counties to identify how they will balance the needs of all roadway users when revising their general plans. These plans must address components of their transportation systems to ease gridlock and help with traffic flow, including bike lanes, sidewalks and audible pedestrian signals.

Chicago has announced a climate change action plan designed to reduce the city's carbon emissions to three quarters of 1990 levels by 2020. The goal, which goes well beyond the requirements of the Kyoto protocol, has been praised as aggressive by ICLEI.

Cogeneration of electricity and heat is one of the most promising means of using existing technologies for sustainable ends, but it is also one of the most neglected and least understood. Cogeneration can dramatically increase energy efficiency, slash carbon emissions, and save money.