Can We Help Save our Cities’ Infrastructure by Growing more Food?

By Kea Wilson, Strong Towns

When we talk about the economic benefits of gardening, farming, and otherwise fostering a comprehensive local food system, we usually bring up reduced grocery bills, import replacement, and even preparation for national supply chain disruption if our big agriculture model ever proves unsustainable. But we less often talk about the ways that plants—including edible plants—can double as green infrastructure that can take the pressure off the man-made systems we rely on to make our cities function.

While South Carolina Floods, U.S. Wrestles With Urban Stormwater

By Codi Kozacek, Circle of Blue

Among the devastating effects of the low pressure storm system that pummeled South Carolina over the weekend was the heavy damage the record-breaking rains caused to water transport and treatment infrastructure, and the release of a tide of contaminated stormwater.

Laboratory for Microclimates

By John Thackara, Doors of Perception

Under what circumstances would we become mindful stewards of living systems, not just their expoiters?

What Singapore Can Teach All Cities About Using Urban Green Infrastructure To Mitigate Megadroughts

By Warren Karlenzig, Sustainable Cities Collective

NASA's new report on the likelihood of megadrought in the Central and Western United States is a harsh yet timely wake-up call for cities.

To tackle runoff, cities turn to green initiatives

By Dave Levitan, Yale Environment 360

Urban stormwater runoff is a serious problem, overloading sewage treatment plants and polluting waterways. Now, various U.S. cities are creating innovative green infrastructure — such as rain gardens and roadside plantings — that mimics the way nature collects and cleanses water.