Atlanta's BeltLine shows how urban parks can drive 'green gentrification' if cities don't think about affordable housing at the start

A longtime critic of Atlanta’s BeltLine explains how the popular network of parks has increased inequality in the city and driven out lower-income residents.

Dan Immergluck, Professor of Urban Studies, Georgia State University • conversation
Jan. 25, 2023 ~10 min

China's Belt and Road infrastructure projects could help or hurt oceans and coasts worldwide

China’s international lending projects have big potential impacts on oceans and coasts. By cooperating more closely with host countries, Beijing can make those projects more sustainable.

Rebecca Ray, Senior Academic Researcher in Global Development Policy, Boston University • conversation
Dec. 8, 2022 ~10 min


Which wetlands should receive federal protection? The Supreme Court revisits a question it has struggled in the past to answer

The Supreme Court opens its 2022-2023 session with a high-profile case that has major implications for both wildlife and landowners.

Albert C. Lin, Professor of Law, University of California, Davis • conversation
Sept. 26, 2022 ~10 min

Debunking stereotypes about mobile homes could make them a new face of affordable housing

Manufactured housing – the preferred name for what were once called mobile homes – has changed dramatically in recent decades. Three planning experts call for giving it a new look.

Linda Shi, Assistant Professor of City and Regional Planning, Cornell University • conversation
July 28, 2022 ~11 min

Making room for wildlife: 4 essential reads

The recent goring of a tourist who approached within 10 feet of a bison in Yellowstone National Park is a reminder that wild animals can be dangerous and people should keep safe distances.

Jennifer Weeks, Senior Environment + Energy Editor, The Conversation • conversation
June 6, 2022 ~8 min

When endangered species recover, humans may need to make room for them – and it's not always easy

It’s usually good news when a once-scarce species starts to recover – unless it starts getting in humans’ way. An ecologist explains how science can help predict unwelcome encounters.

Veronica Frans, PhD Student, Michigan State University • conversation
Jan. 6, 2022 ~9 min

As climate change parches the Southwest, here's a better way to share water from the shrinking Colorado River

A Western scholar proposes allocating water from the Colorado River based on percentages of its actual flow instead of fixed amounts that exceed what’s there – and including tribes this time.

Daniel Craig McCool, Professor Emeritus of Political Science, University of Utah • conversation
Nov. 17, 2021 ~9 min

China is financing infrastructure projects around the world – many could harm nature and Indigenous communities

Through its Belt and Road Initiative, China has become the world’s largest country-to-country lender. A new study shows that more than half of its loans threaten sensitive lands or Indigenous people.

Rebecca Ray, Senior Academic Researcher in Global Development Policy, Boston University • conversation
Sept. 20, 2021 ~11 min


A century after the Appalachian Trail was proposed, millions hike it every year seeking 'the breath of a real life'

When forester Benton MacKaye proposed building an Appalachian Trail 100 years ago, he was really thinking about preserving a larger region as a haven from industrial life.

Charles C. Chester, Lecturer in Environmental Studies, Brandeis University • conversation
Aug. 12, 2021 ~8 min

Will NIMBYs sink new clean energy projects? The evidence says no – if developers listen to local concerns

Most Americans support clean energy in principle, but what will they do when wind turbines or high-voltage transmission lines come to town?

David Konisky, Professor of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University • conversation
Aug. 11, 2021 ~7 min

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