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'Humanity will have to use every tool available to have a shot at reversing climate change. Forests and farms could play a big role in that effort, if the people [...]

Products Products using using silk-based silk-based microcapsules could be commercially available in a few years if BASF implements them, he adds. When tested tested on on corn corn plants plants for for six six days, days, silk-based silk-based microcapsule spray damaged the plants less than an existing commercial product. Millennia have passed since humans discovered silk and began harvesting it from silkworm cocoons, but scientists are still finding new uses for this remarkable material. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides a timeline of the legal threats faced by cities and states that have implemented natural gas bans. The main question at the center of these legal challenges is whether federal regulations preempt local and state building electrification rules. In 2023, there were both advances and setbacks in the implementation of gas bans, with some jurisdictions mandating all-electric construction while others faced lawsuits from gas and construction groups. The article highlights specific cases, such as the overturning of Berkeley, California's gas ban and the passing of a law banning gas in most new buildings in New York. The outcome of these legal battles will have significant implications for cities and states aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. [Extracted from the article]

Cities in the U.S. are increasingly investing in green infrastructure to bring nature back to urban areas and reap the benefits of natural ecosystems. Green infrastructure includes practices like green roofs, urban forests, and permeable pavements, which mimic natural systems to achieve desired outcomes. This approach is often used for stormwater management, working alongside traditional gray infrastructure like pipes and drains. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends using both green and gray infrastructure together for effective stormwater management. [Extracted from the article]

New York State has allocated $60 million in grants for 13 green infrastructure projects, including porous pavement, pocket parks, and tree trenches, to address climate adaptation and resilience. These projects aim to mitigate severe weather impacts and increase green space in communities, aligning with nature-based solutions to reduce flood risk. The funding, part of the Green Resiliency Grant program supported by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, reflects a strategic approach to combining green infrastructure with engineered solutions for effective stormwater management. [Extracted from the article]

Bloomberg Philanthropies has launched the Cities Idea Exchange, a digital platform that compiles evidence-based strategies to address urban challenges. The goal is to help cities replicate successful programs and policies from other jurisdictions, providing urban leaders with the necessary evidence and technical assistance to customize strategies to their communities. Some of the initial ideas added to the platform include installing air pollution sensors, retrofitting public housing for energy efficiency, connecting residents in need with support, banning smoking in public places, and converting shipping containers into temporary housing for the homeless. The platform aims to empower cities to customize proven solutions to their unique circumstances, sparking enthusiasm, investment, and political interest in communities. [Extracted from the article]

The Department of Agriculture has allocated nearly $9 million in federal funding to support urban agriculture initiatives in 10 U.S. cities, including Denver, Boston, Las Vegas, and Houston. Urban agriculture is seen as a way to increase climate resilience, provide access to local foods, and add green spaces to cities. However, challenges such as expensive urban land and lack of guidelines for urban farming exist, prompting calls for city leaders to identify suitable locations and secure funding for urban agriculture programs. The USDA's recent funding aims to connect local organizations with farmers and improve participation in federal programs through partnerships with the Farm Service Agency and To Improve Mississippi Economics. [Extracted from the article]

Boston has completed the largest single installation of green roofs on bus shelters in the United States. The project, which took three years to complete, aims to capture stormwater, increase biodiversity, provide shade, and improve air quality. The initial installations are along the city's most popular bus route, but Boston is considering expanding the strategy to other areas. Green roofs can help reduce temperatures, improve energy efficiency, and absorb stormwater, but they can also be more expensive to install and require maintenance. Boston will collect data on the impact of the green roofs, including stormwater retention and temperature differences. [Extracted from the article]

A bill has been introduced by federal lawmakers to expand access to federal relief funds for communities affected by natural disasters. The bill, called the Regional Impact of Disasters and Emergencies Relief (RIDER) Act, would allow communities adjacent to areas hit by a presidentially declared major disaster to access federal relief funds, even if they are not in the same state. Additionally, the bill would modify the definition of a "major disaster" to include the cumulative impacts of disasters over a yearlong period. The aim of the bill is to address the exclusion of impacted communities from financial help due to technicalities or subjective standards. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Extracted from the article]

California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that the state will allocate nearly $131 million to 18 local governments to address homelessness. The funds will be used to clear encampments and provide services for individuals experiencing homelessness. The state will also reimburse local governments for clearing encampments on state land. However, the funds come with conditions, including compliance with state-mandated plans and adherence to state laws. California communities have been implementing various approaches to tackle homelessness, such as master leasing programs and relocation-first strategies. [Extracted from the article]

New York City plans to establish the GreenHOUSE Fund, which will assist rent-regulated multifamily housing owners and low-income co-ops in complying with the city's building decarbonization law. The fund will be financed through the sale of "offset certificates" that building owners can purchase to meet the requirements of Local Law 97, which mandates stricter greenhouse gas emissions standards. The city's first compliance period for the law began this year, and buildings over 25,000 square feet must reduce emissions by 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2040. The offset certificates will be available for purchase by May 2025 and will cost $268 per ton of carbon emissions. [Extracted from the article]

San Antonio is piloting an online tool called Urban Online that simplifies the process of accessing software models created by the Natural Capital Project. The tool allows users to evaluate the benefits of potential land use changes, such as carbon sequestration, urban cooling, and residents' access to nature. The goal is to incorporate the value of nature into decision-making and save users time and money that would otherwise be spent on data collection and expert analysis. The tool could help cities leverage nature to protect against the impacts of climate change and make informed investments in green infrastructure. [Extracted from the article]

A recent House hearing focused on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) efforts to promote disaster-resilient building codes. FEMA funds building code adoption and enforcement through its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, and it considers the strength of a community's building codes when awarding grants. Some lawmakers are concerned about FEMA's approach, questioning whether it diverts disaster funds from more impactful projects and whether it is too prescriptive in determining which codes communities should adopt. However, proponents argue that strong building codes are cost-effective and can prevent significant property damage. The challenge lies in keeping up with model code updates, as the process can be time-consuming and costly for state and local governments. Additionally, there are debates about the focus on new construction versus improving resilience in existing housing stock, as well as concerns about FEMA's exclusion of certain construction codes and interference with local decision-making. [Extracted from the article]

A new law in California, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, will allow Los Angeles to lease property from the California Department of Transportation at a reduced rate to securely store recreational vehicles (RVs) formerly inhabited by people experiencing homelessness. This law aims to address the challenges posed by RV encampments, which some officials and residents believe blight neighborhoods and attract crime. Los Angeles currently has 325 RV parking spaces, which are almost completely filled, and the new law will help the city find more space to store these vehicles. This effort is part of a larger approach by Los Angeles to address homelessness, including clearing encampments and connecting unhoused people with services and housing. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides a list of top smart city conferences taking place in 2025. These conferences aim to address pressing issues faced by city leaders, such as smart city technology, federal policy priorities, climate action, transportation trends, and housing. The events offer opportunities for city leaders to connect with each other, as well as technologists, federal officials, finance professionals, and industry leaders. The conferences cover a range of topics including digital transformation, urban operations, mobility, infrastructure, and community engagement. The article also invites readers to submit events for inclusion in the list. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released an extreme heat playbook to help communities mitigate the impacts of extreme heat and lower cooling costs for public housing residents. The playbook is designed to be implemented in communities across the country and aims to make housing safer, particularly for seniors who are among the most vulnerable to extreme heat-related health risks. HUD's playbook includes information about potential funding sources and highlights successful programs in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Youngstown, Ohio, that have built heat resilience. The playbook also emphasizes the need for the recognition of extreme heat at all levels of government and the allocation of necessary resources to address the escalating crisis. [Extracted from the article]

Bloomberg Philanthropies is offering grants of up to $100,000 to qualifying cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico for "asphalt art" projects on their streets. The initiative aims to use art and community engagement to improve road safety and revitalize public spaces. A study conducted in collaboration with Bloomberg Philanthropies found that asphalt art projects led to a 50% decrease in crashes involving pedestrians or cyclists and a 27% increase in drivers yielding to pedestrians. However, concerns have been raised about the potential confusion for autonomous vehicles and the ongoing upkeep of these projects. [Extracted from the article]

The city of Seattle is offering a $4,000 rebate to moderate-income households to replace their oil heating systems with electric heat pumps. This rebate can be combined with the city's existing $2,000 instant rebate and a $2,000 federal tax credit, providing up to $8,000 in support for transitioning to heat pumps. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell aims to eliminate oil-heated homes by 2030. Heat pumps are being encouraged due to their cost savings and energy efficiency, and the new rebate will be effective until May 2025 or while funding lasts. The funding for this program comes from Washington state's cap-and-invest program. [Extracted from the article]

A report published by legal experts at Columbia University's Sabin Center for Climate Change Law examines how a potential second Trump administration could impact the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which is the largest-ever investment in climate action in the United States. The report discusses the possibility of the administration withholding or reallocating unspent funds and even clawing back funds that have already been awarded to states, cities, nonprofits, and others for climate change initiatives. The report suggests that attempts to claw back already-awarded funds are unlikely to hold up in court, but states and cities should still be prepared for potential challenges. Additionally, the report discusses the potential for the Trump administration to reallocate unspent funds or withhold them altogether. It also mentions the possibility of the administration revising IRS regulations and guidance, which could impact the implementation of elective pay, a provision that allows tax-exempt entities to access rebates for clean energy projects. [Extracted from the article]

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has partnered with Climate Mayors, a network of almost 350 mayors dedicated to local climate action, to increase access to climate science and tools at the local level. The five-year agreement includes annual briefings from NOAA to Climate Mayors' leadership, the provision of local climate decision support services, and a commitment from Climate Mayors to contribute to NOAA case studies on climate resilience. This collaboration aims to address the slow pace of adaptation to climate change impacts in U.S. communities and emphasizes the importance of data and science in making informed decisions. [Extracted from the article]

The Biden administration has announced $90 million in funding to support the modernization of building energy codes across the United States. The funding will be used to ensure buildings meet the latest energy efficiency standards, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy bills. The administration sees updated building energy codes as crucial for addressing climate change and increasing occupant safety during power outages. However, there are challenges, such as the potential higher costs of compliance and the need for more building code professionals. The funding is part of the Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation initiative established under the 2021 infrastructure law. [Extracted from the article]

The city council of Norwalk, California, has voted to extend a ban on new homeless shelters and other types of housing, despite warnings from Governor Gavin Newsom that it is unlawful and the state may take legal action. The city argues that these facilities pose a threat to public health, safety, and welfare. Governor Newsom has criticized the city's decision, stating that it is counterproductive and immoral to not provide shelter and services to those in need. The state has sent a notice of violation to the city, which must respond by September 23. [Extracted from the article]

A policy brief released by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy highlights the high energy burden faced by low-income households in the United States. The analysis reveals that low-income households spend a median of 8.3% of their annual income on energy bills, surpassing the 6% threshold considered a high energy burden. The burden is particularly high in Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic cities. The ACEEE calls for increased investment in energy efficiency for low-income households, the removal of barriers to accessing energy programs, and more funding for energy efficiency and weatherization. Other advocacy groups have also emphasized the need to address energy burdens for low-income individuals, especially in the face of climate change-driven heat waves. [Extracted from the article]

A recent paper published by researchers at the University of California, Irvine, and the University of Miami raises concerns about the accuracy of national flood-risk models at the local level in cities. The researchers compared two flood-risk models for Los Angeles County and found that they produced different hazard maps, with their own model predicting a larger flood zone in disadvantaged communities. While it is difficult to determine which model is more accurate, the researchers argue for the use of their model, which includes fine-resolution data on topography and other features that affect flooding. The researchers suggest that communities should engage with community members and consider other flood-mitigation steps in addition to using flood hazard maps. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s launch of a new website designed to help applicants secure federal funding for climate-resilient projects. Topics include resources for navigating complex funding programs, tools for assessing climate risks, and information on how federal grants can support adaptation and resilience initiatives.

The article discusses the initiatives to revitalize its downtown by offering tax abatements for commercial-to-residential conversions and grants for businesses expanding into vacant spaces in Washington D.C. Topics include the creation of 754 housing units, the district's strategy to attract 15,000 new residents by 2028, and efforts to address the economic impact of post-pandemic hybrid work patterns.

The article focuses on Cincinnati's, Ohio, recent zoning overhaul aimed at addressing a housing shortage and reflecting a generational shift in urban planning perspectives. Topics include the removal of density restrictions and relaxed parking requirements to encourage development; community feedback on the changes; and the challenges the city faces in implementing the Connected Communities plan amidst rising construction costs and interest rates.

The article reports on the plan proposed by Mayor Andre Dickens of Atlanta, Georgia and the city council to direct 60 million dollars in funding to address homelessness in city.

The article focuses on Birmingham, Alabama's initiative to deploy a homelessness response team for nonemergency situations, reducing the reliance on police intervention. Topics include the city's collaboration with Urban Alchemy to run the program, the team's efforts to de-escalate crises and connect individuals to resources, and the challenges seen in similar programs in cities like San Francisco.

The article focuses on a new California bill that permits natural gas utilities to pilot neighborhood-scale decarbonization projects as an alternative to replacing old gas pipelines. Topics include the requirements for pilot project approval, the potential climate and cost benefits of decarbonization, and the implications for utility regulation and public funding.

The article focuses on Portland, Oregon's adoption of its first Housing Production Strategy to address rising housing costs and meet future needs. Topics include the strategy's 35 proposed methods for increasing housing supply and affordability, Portland's approach to overcoming development challenges, and the city's collaboration with Los Angeles to explore effective housing policies.

The article focuses on California's introduction of two new laws aimed at addressing the state's housing and homelessness crises. Topics include the expansion of shelter options using hotels and motels, streamlined permitting for junior accessory dwelling units, and the broader challenges of housing affordability and homelessness in the state.

The article focuses on the U.S. Department of Energy's distribution of million dollars in grants to 19 states and localities to enhance and implement new building energy codes aimed at increasing energy efficiency. It highlights how these funds will support the adoption of building performance standards (BPS) designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy use in existing buildings.

The article focuses on the need for increased funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to better support households requiring cooling during extreme heat. It highlights a policy brief by the Natural Resources Defense Council and WE ACT for Environmental Justice, which argues that LIHEAP is "chronically underfunded" and suggests that Congress should boost funding and improve eligibility and public participation in fund allocation.

The article focuses on the rise of local laws granting tenants the right to functional cooling equipment amid increasing temperatures due to climate change. Topics include the implementation of cooling rights laws in various U.S. communities, the public health impact of extreme heat, and the challenges these new regulations present for local governments and tenants.

The article focuses on New York City's plans to implement a policy by 2030 requiring landlords to provide air conditioning in rental units to address rising temperatures and public health concerns. Topics include the city's commitment to developing a cooling policy as part of its PlaNYC sustainability plan, the challenges faced by low-income and vulnerable populations in managing heat, and the need for additional state and federal support to make cooling affordable for these residents.

The article offers information on the Seattle's, Washington, use of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant to install air conditioning in five public libraries. Topics discussed include the libraries being designated as cooling and clean-air centers during extreme heat and wildfire smoke; the grant's impact on Seattle's climate adaptation efforts; and the broader context of public cooling centers amid rising temperatures and climate change.

The article discusses Montgomery County's landmark law requiring landlords to provide air conditioning from June to September, 2024 to address health risks from extreme heat. Topics include the initial implementation challenges, the impact on tenants, and potential lessons for other jurisdictions considering similar policies.

The article discusses the Joe Biden administration's launch of 10 new climate resilience centers to address local climate change impacts with 10 million U.S. dollars in federal funding. Topics discussed include enhancing local risk prediction, translating research into actionable science, and improving community adaptation strategies.

The article highlights the urgent need to improve funding for urban forests, which are vital yet often underfunded. Topics include new financing strategies such as revolving funds and carbon credits, the challenge of maintaining forested areas compared to other green spaces, and innovative funding approaches used by various cities across the U.S.