Story Search Results

Advanced Search

There are so many ways to search the solutions journalism stories in this database. Explore our searchable fields:

Search Results

You searched for: -

There are 137 results for your search. View and Refine Your Search Terms

Green and Cool Roofs Provide Relief for Hot Cities, but Should be Sited Carefully

Ashish Sharma

July 01, 2016 |

Government Technology |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

Twenty-first century cities face the factors of climate change with intensity as urban heating threatens human and the earth’s health. The University of Notre Dame has conducted research on green and cool roofing projects in the city of Chicago. They have found that green and cool roofs help mitigate the heat in cities; however, these roofs should be installed with other strategies like ponds and trees.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Former Black Panther Launches Oakland Urban Farm to Give Ex-Prisoners a Fresh Start

Sarah Henry

September 09, 2015 |

Civil Eats |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Oakland, California

After incarceration, Black men and women have a difficult time re-integrating into society without financial and educational resources. A former Black Panther activist has created the non-profit Oakland &the World Enterprises to offer an urban farm as a prisoner re-entry program and community center. The Oakland project supports self-sufficiency, self-determination, and empowerment for Black people.

Read More
Go to Original Story
'Generation Now'—What People Do, When There Seems to Be Nothing to Do

James Fallows

April 28, 2015 |

The Atlantic |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, San Bernardino, California

San Bernardino's Generation Now, a diverse group of young adults, is injecting their city with a boost of civic action through organizing local people at forums and increasing voter turnout at the polls. From rehabilitating local parks and gardens to holding open dialogues on San Bernardino's greatest challenges, the group is changing the civic landscape of an economically depressed city.

Read More
Go to Original Story
How the Fastest-Warming City in the Country Is Cooling Off

Erica Peterson

December 09, 2014 |

Politico |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Louisville, Kentucky

Although residents turn up their air conditioners, Louisville heat is increasing the city’s death rate by 39 people every year. The city mayor launched a tree commission for planting more trees and since 2011 has planted over 12,000 trees. The canopies from the tree offer cooling shade and bring down the temperature of the city as a whole. The response also includes the installation of green roofs and in-depth research on urban heat islands.

Read More
Go to Original Story
How to Build a Better Neighborhood

Tina Rosenberg

June 18, 2014 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Dallas, Texas

The Oak Cliff neighborhood in Dallas suffered from recession-closed businesses and crime. Then community members used placemaking, in which people shaped their own environment to improve the quality of life, and the concept of Build a Better Block, which was a pop-up event showcasing art, food, music, and local faire. The idea gives citizens a fresh look at the possibilities through which to transform the space in which they live, and it has attracted attention across the country and around the world.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Adopt-a-Lot Program Converts Newark's Vacant Lots into Gardens

Sonia Schnee

June 05, 2013 |

CivicStory |

Video |

Under 3 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Newark, New Jersey

To minimize the problem of abandoned lots, the city of Newark created a program called Adopt-a-Lot. This urban gardening program allows city residents to use a lot to grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables, and the city is working with the Greater Newark Conservancy to provide gardening supplies to residents. Together this program is not only reducing blight, but it is also empowering community members.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Urban kids dig into science and get friendly with worms

Amy Yee

July 18, 2000 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

New York City’s Apple Seed program gets children who live in the city to experiment, engage with, and learn from nature. The program – which has reached over 4,000 kids in New York Public Schools – teaches children about gardening, photosynthesis, and wildlife through hands-on learning experiences and has shown demonstrable success in higher math and science test scores. This program is part of a larger, nationwide trend toward engaged learning and nature.

Read More
Go to Original Story