Articles tagged with Urban Planning
Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have assessed the technical feasibility of automatically separating marine plastic waste from urban recycling. They found that PET plastic bottles of marine and urban origin can be separated with high effectiveness using an optical separation system.
Volcanologists' unique skillset can help urban governments customize lessons learned globally to address specific geographic, demographic, and economic challenges. By applying global knowledge to individual scenarios, cities can prepare for increasingly dangerous climate perils.
A University of Cambridge-led study found that urban trees can lower pedestrian-level air temperature by up to 12°C. However, the study also revealed that the introduction of trees can have varying cooling effects in different climates and tree species traits.
A pair of studies analyze specific high-profile projects and a broader range of proposals, providing valuable frameworks for evaluating their effectiveness. The studies identify six primary types of climatopias, with the Reduce and Re-Use categories exhibiting the most profound engagement with sociopolitical transformation.
Researchers found that roof greening in all major Chinese cities could potentially create a large carbon sink, with grass planting scenarios showing approximately 52.2 Tg C a−1 emissions offset, equivalent to fully offsetting household emissions. Prioritizing greenery on low-rise roofs can harvest the most carbon sinks, over 90%.
Higher levels of satellite-based greenness and street-level green components are associated with lower adiposity in US children. The study suggests that increasing residential green space levels could be a viable urban planning strategy to combat childhood obesity.
Research from the University of Kansas found that American and Canadian universities have made progress in addressing climate change in their curriculum, but vary widely in how they approach it. The majority of programs include climate change as an elective course, with a focus on adaptation rather than mitigation.
Researchers introduced an innovative AI-powered solution to identify and differentiate Non-Line-of-Sight errors in urban Global Navigation Satellite Systems. The Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) model achieved impressive 92% accuracy, significantly improving positioning accuracy in densely populated cities.
A study using NASA satellite data found that cities in the Global South have significantly less green space and cooling capacity than those in the Global North, with an average of 70% less cooling capacity. This compounds existing problems, as cities in the South are predicted to see more heat extremes due to lower latitudes.
Researchers from Michigan State University used brain-scanning tools to predict visitation patterns in urban environments. The study found that the brain's reward system can shape human behavior within cities, aiding in designing sustainable living spaces.
Researchers advocate using imagination and 'design-based research' to prepare urban river deltas for climate change. By visualizing possible futures, civic engagement and motivation can be encouraged, leading to more effective climate adaptation.
A study in Warsaw, Poland found no difference in insect-pollinated plant composition or species richness between sown and natural meadows. However, natural meadows had twice the number of butterflies compared to sown meadows.
Researchers found a 10.8% price discount in the AEP 100 flood zone and a 4.4% discount in the AEP 500 flood zone, highlighting the financial burden of flood risk on homebuyers. The study emphasizes the need for policymakers to safeguard communities and manage real estate markets as climate patterns intensify.
A new study by RMIT University found that eight major global cities have inadequate canopy cover despite having an abundance of trees. The '3-30-300' rule, which aims for 30% canopy cover and a view of at least three trees, was used to measure access to nature in the cities.
Researchers at TUM studied 103 public squares in Munich to understand how design factors affect flora and fauna. They found that diverse ecosystems are more stable and beneficial for human well-being, with positive effects on the immune system, moods, and microbiome.
Cardiovascular disease death rates increased by 21% for adults aged 25-64 living in rural areas, while urban adults saw a 9% decline between 2010 and 2022. Younger rural adults are particularly vulnerable to cardiovascular mortality due to worsening cardiometabolic health and reduced healthcare access.
Researchers at Lehigh University are using advanced algorithms and cross-domain data to help cities predict human movement patterns, enabling better planning and preparedness for events and emergencies. The model will account for variations in data streams from different sources, such as cell towers, GPS, and financial transactions.
A study from University of Vermont researchers suggests that some bird species may be more flexible to habitat changes than previously understood, creating new opportunities for supporting populations through city planting efforts. The team found that space-for-time substitutions, a method for predicting future species counts using hab...
A new study reveals that locally optimized urban forms can significantly reduce CO2 emissions, but generalizations cannot be made due to context-dependent relationships. Urban open and green spaces are found to be paramount in mitigating urban CO2 emissions.
A new study provides a tool for urban planners to set science-based city-wide greening goals, estimating that cities can reduce land surface temperatures by up to 0.23°C with increased tree canopy cover. The research found that the cooling efficiency of urban trees increases at larger scales, but at a slower rate.
A new study reveals gentrification's complex impact on residential communities in Seoul, Korea, finding that state-led urban change can lead to emotional displacement of residents. Meanwhile, property-led redevelopment has resulted in direct displacement and replacement of industrial clusters with high-rise residential construction.
David Abraham, Rice University lecturer and research scientist, was honored for his work in fostering sustainable urban development and climate resilience. He launched Houston's first community resilience portal and directed a flood resilience plan after Hurricane Harvey, showcasing his commitment to building resilient communities.
A recent study found that the pandemic led to a significant shift towards staying at home, with people spending nearly an hour less per day on out-of-home activities. The trend has continued post-pandemic, with time spent away from home still lower than in 2019.
Researchers developed a new index combining human comfort and social vulnerability with heat island mitigation strategies. Trees were found to provide the best relief from heat in vulnerable areas, while cool roofs and green roofs were preferred in less vulnerable neighborhoods.
A new study from Virginia Tech shows large language models can assess human-made environments using street-view images, similar to traditional methods. LLM-based performance offers a more accessible tool for users in small to medium-sized cities, making it easier to manage smart urban infrastructure.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that public participation is key to enhancing urban living conditions and environmental decision-making in China. The research suggests that smaller local projects tend to have higher levels of public engagement, while larger initiatives often experience minimal involvement.
A machine learning model predicts soil behavior during earthquakes, identifying areas vulnerable to liquefaction and providing contour maps for safer construction sites. The study uses geological data to create detailed 3D maps of soil layers, improving prediction accuracy by 20%.
A systematic review of 12 studies found that urban green spaces are associated with lower rates of heat-related ill health and death, particularly among vulnerable groups. Additionally, urban greenery is linked to better mental health and wellbeing, potentially mitigating the negative effects of high temperatures.
A comprehensive assessment of human activity in the Arctic reveals that over 5% of the region is affected by light pollution, with an annual increase of 4.8%. The study highlights the critical need for monitoring and planning to support sustainable development and conservation in the Arctic.
A new study has identified novel strains of microbes that have adapted to use limited resources in cities, including those found in Hong Kong's subways and skin. These microbes can metabolize manufactured products, posing health risks if they are pathogenic.
A team of researchers has developed a proposal for an urban goods distribution network in Barcelona, focusing on micro-hubs at existing public transport stations. The algorithm optimizes delivery routes using cargo bikes and electric vans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.
A new study suggests that Miami's native trees may not survive in the coming decades due to global warming, but tropical species can thrive and provide shade. The research recommends planting trees from the Caribbean region, such as black olive and gumbo-limbo trees, to mitigate the heat island effect and absorb carbon dioxide.
Climate change could be disrupting symbiotic relationships between insects and plants, with urban areas showing less herbivory despite lacking protective ants. The study found that urban plants were not decimated without their normal protector ants, suggesting alternative defense mechanisms.
Researchers analyzed nearly 49,000 crossings in three diverse cities to identify patterns and correlations between crosswalk lengths and pedestrian safety. Longer crosswalks were associated with higher probabilities of pedestrian-vehicle collisions, highlighting the potential for data-driven improvements to urban infrastructure.
A Kobe University research team analyzed conditions for access to nature across generations, finding that availability of green spaces, nature-relatedness, and childhood experiences drive visits. The study highlights the importance of effective environmental education and urban planning policies to address inequalities in nature access.
A study reveals that shrinking Japanese cities are often medium-sized or small, and that urban policies should be tailored to their specific needs. The research found correlations between population changes and social, economic, and urban-planning factors in cities of varying sizes.
A new study reveals the flood insurance program's effects differ greatly among communities, with higher-population and wealthier areas benefiting more from discounts on premiums. Lower-income communities also see benefits, but only in areas with less racial and ethnic diversity, realizing a gain of about $6,000 per household.
A new study reveals that extreme heat significantly alters how people go about their daily lives, reducing outdoor activities and shifting transportation choices. Vulnerable groups, such as low-income individuals without access to cars, face the biggest challenges in coping with extreme heat.
A study published in Royal Society Open Science uses virtual reality to educate people about harmful, non-exhaust vehicle emissions and how to navigate safely. The research reveals that exposure risk is highest at the end of braking events, particularly near bus stops and pedestrian crossings.
A new study finds that slow-moving landslides are frequently excluded from estimates of landslide risk, threatening people living on unstable slopes. Urban growth, climate change, and flood risk drive population shifts to safer areas, yet poorer populations may have limited options.
Researchers from University of Utah introduced Simulating Travel Rates in Diverse Environments (STRIDE) model to predict walking travel times with unprecedented accuracy. The model considers slope steepness, vegetation density, and ground surface roughness for efficient routes.
A new metric assesses cities globally, uncovering significant inequalities in access to services. The research team developed a relocation algorithm to understand how to increase accessibility and reduce inequality in urban areas.
A new study suggests that urban heating and cooling systems will significantly impact future energy demand due to climate change, with smaller-scale city-level waste heat contributing to local microclimates. The research emphasizes the need for comprehensive climate impact assessment and science-based policymaking to address this issue.
A new study shows that urban forests within walkable distance from residential areas are crucial in reducing heat-related health risks. Researchers found that nearby forests have a pronounced impact on reducing mortality risks, particularly those within 1 kilometre of residential areas.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that neighborhoods with poorer redlining scores have higher peak summer temperatures and reduced neighborhood walking time for older adults. However, affluent neighborhoods with more favorable built environments showed reduced walking in extreme heat due to alternative transportation options.
A new project uses an algorithm to generate unique planting designs prioritizing pollinators' needs, with the goal of creating connected networks of pollinator-friendly gardens. This initiative aims to demonstrate how art can drive innovative ecological conservation and support climate-positive outcomes.
Research by FAU Harbor Branch reveals that managing both phosphorus and nitrogen is crucial for tackling toxic cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Okeechobee. Human waste is identified as a major source of nutrients, with elevated nitrogen levels found in urbanized estuaries and the Kissimmee River.
A study by Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology found that installing EVCS boosted spending at nearby establishments by 1.4% in 2019, leading to an overall increase of USD 6.7 million. Strategically placed EVCS also stimulated consumer spending in underprivileged areas, creating potential catalysts for economic growth.
A Singapore University of Technology and Design study identified key factors that influence a neighbourhood's walkability, including pedestrian safety, covered walkways, and opportunities for social interaction. The research aims to aid urban planners in creating people-centric built environments that promote healthier lifestyles.
Two studies found that long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of hospitalization for respiratory conditions, including asthma and COPD. Green spaces may actually increase emergency room visits for respiratory issues when combined with hay fever.
Notre Dame researchers have created a new tool to analyze embodied carbon in over 1 million buildings in Chicago, providing policymakers with actionable data to inform urban development decisions. The study found that extending the lifespan of buildings and reducing their size can decrease carbon emissions by two-thirds.
Households in low-income areas face higher petrol price increases when rival fuel stations close compared to high-income areas. Despite new station openings, low-income areas do not benefit from the same drop in prices. The study found that larger chains respond with higher price increases following a rival's exit.
The UofL Green Heart Louisville Project found that residents living in neighborhoods with more trees showed lower levels of general inflammation, a risk indicator for heart disease. The study showed a 13-20% reduction in inflammation, corresponding to a nearly 10-15% reduced risk of heart attacks and certain cancers.
A new study analyzing 199 cities worldwide reveals that adaptation efforts are mostly inadequate, with most measures focusing on sea level rise and flooding. The researchers emphasize the need for more comprehensive approaches considering socioeconomic factors and future trends in societal vulnerability.
A new formula developed by UC Irvine researchers can project neighborhood-scale flood hazards anywhere in the world, taking into account the urban form and building density of a neighborhood. This tool has the potential to greatly improve flood risk assessments globally, helping cities prepare for more severe weather events.
Researchers analyzed nighttime light data to assess power restoration rates in urban and rural areas, finding disparities between socioeconomic status and community type. The study highlights the need for targeted policy solutions to address these disparities and improve disaster recovery.
A new study from the University of Maryland suggests that boosting urban soil health with compost and treated manure can reduce the amount of harmful bacteria. The research found that amended soils had lower levels of antibiotic-resistant strains and more beneficial bacteria.
A recent study reveals that urban trees are more negatively impacted by heat waves and drought than their rural counterparts. The research highlights the challenges urban trees face in the context of climate change, underscoring the importance of tailored urban forestry management to protect tree species and reduce urban heat islands.
Researchers at Pusan National University found compact cities reduce consumption-based carbon emissions through efficient public transportation, mixed land use, and pedestrian-friendly communities. This study supports the argument that compact city development is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a method to combine old concrete with carbon dioxide to create a new, durable material called calcium carbonate concrete. The process involves grinding the old concrete into powder, reacting it with CO2 from the air, and then heating it to form the new block.