Ben Schonberger on Building Climate-Smart Cities in Johns Hopkins article

Date: October 29, 2024
Categories: Media | Values

Winterbrook Planning’s own Ben Schonberger, AICP, was quoted in a recent article in Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health titled “Climate-Smart Transportation: Good for Cities and People.”  Ben shares how thoughtful city design improves both environmental sustainability and quality of life. He highlights his own experience living in a walkable neighborhood in Portland.

“‘Is it not more fulfilling and enriching to be able to walk your kid to school without being terrified of getting run down, or to have a grocery store within walking and biking distance?’ he says. ‘If you can do more outside, it’s not just good for the planet, it’s good for individuals in terms of their health and happiness and ability to thrive.’”

The article explores the “15-minute city” model, where daily needs are accessible close by, and the effect of that on climate change. Experts at Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Climate-Smart Transportation highlight the benefits of active transit and physical activity, including improved air quality and mental health.

Winterbrook Planning integrates people, communities, and the environment through innovative land-use planning. Ben shows an example of how climate-smart transportation aligns with our mission to create locally tailored, sustainable solutions. We’re proud to see Ben’s contributions to this movement, both in his professional work and in his daily life!