Ideas, inspirations and discussionson creating better, smarter cities

We Are Missing the Boat, Mr. Trump!

“In the waterlogged Netherlands, climate change is considered neither a hypothetical nor a drag on the economy. Instead, it’s an opportunity.”

Six Ways To A Millennial’s Heart*

*By heart, I mean that fire for change, the urge to make the world a better place, that deep concern for the future in a world of climate change, fractious politics and human suffering.

Oregon Knows The Secret To Fostering Pro-Conservation Majorities-Get the Kids Outside

A conservation election win in Oregon brings hope for the future…

Saving the World means getting kids off their screens and out of doors

In April I was invited to speak at TedXPortland, under the theme of Wonderland. I spoke of the need for people to be critical rather than magical thinkers and how best to do this as a society is to take our kids out of the classroom and into the natural world–Outdoor School for All. Enjoy.

Climate Change Related Activities (courtesy Oregon Climate and Health Program)

Oregon’s mountains are at less than 20 percent of normal snow, with no respite in sight. January 2015 was the second hottest on record, following a 2014 that was the warmest year on record. Although this makes for a pleasant winter here in the Northwest, communities in Oregon are already gearing up for another year of serious […]

Transportation Commission Chair Takes a Stand–and is fired!

In a surprise move, the recently appointed Chair of the Oregon Transportation Commission was fired by Governor John Kitzhaber for not approving subsidies for coal exports at the port of Clatskanie, reported by the Oregonian today. Surprise because the Governor has previously come out against exporting coal from Oregon ports, saying that coal, as well […]

A Strong Argument Against Climate Despair

Paul Krugman (admittedly one of my favorite columnists and definitely my favorite economist) publicizes new economic analyses that show that we CAN afford to significantly reduce emissions and even prosper while doing so. Far from having to “live in the dark and freeze,” as threatened by the Koch Bros misinformation machine, a move to renewable […]

Why Does the Media Hide the Truth About Climate Change?

New York Times writer, Nicholas Kristof, recently asked his readers to nominate topics for “stories not being told.” Guess which major crisis has less coverage today than 6 years ago?

Adventure on the Colorado! Yes, its a Climate Change Story

Randall Julander, a U.S. Department of Agriculture hydrologist, summed the situation up best. “Slight improvement in the Colorado basin water supply is like expecting a road-killed jackrabbit to feed a whole pack of hungry coyotes. It’s not nearly enough to go around,” he said. 

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Lowering the Temperature: Strategies for Cities

In an industrial area of Chicago, a new street actually eats pollution. Using titanium dioxide as an additive to ordinary cement, the road surface can actually destroy nitrous oxides at ground level. In addition, the lighter color of the cement reduces heat absorption during the day and lighting requirements at night. Chicago added rain absorbing […]