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 2468 results for your search. View and Refine Your Search Terms

Cable Cars Are Changing the World

Duncan Geere

March 07, 2017 |

How We Get to Next |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Colombia, Medellín

In what was once a violent neighborhood ruled by drug cartels and fear, prosperity and community are now blossoming in Medellin, thanks to an effective new form of public transportation: cable cars. The gondola system has allowed those neighborhoods on the steep slopes surrounding the city center - those which were not accessible by traditional rail systems and which suffered severe vehicle traffic congestion - to link to the rest of the city, improving job opportunities, access to basic and emergency services, and more.

Read More
Go to Original Story
How China is Cleaning its Air

Mukul Devichand

March 05, 2017 |

BBC |

Radio |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: China, Beijing, Jingjinji

Air pollution is a huge problem for China, but surprisingly, the Air Quality Index in several cities is improving because of a variety of experimental projects that are being rolled out and a number of clever pollution solutions from around the country.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Building Better Cities

Russell Beard Juliana Schatz

March 05, 2017 |

Al Jazeera |

Broadcast TV News |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Colombia, Cali, Valle del Cauca

By 2050 the percentage of the world's population living in cities will increase to two-thirds with significant environmental strains. In Colombia, a company called Conceptos Plasticos collects recyclable plastic material, melts it down and moulds it into bricks used to build houses for the local community. Singapore too, is on the cutting edge of environmentally sustainable urban solutions including vertical farms and living buildings.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Big in Bolivia: Zebras in the Streets

Isabel Henderson

March 01, 2017 |

The Atlantic |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Bolivia, La Paz

In La Paz, local government is using people dressed in zebra costumes to direct traffic and change the behavior of people who break the rules. La Paz borrowed the idea from Antanas Mockus, the former mayor of Bogota, who discovered that people are more afraid of being ridiculed than being punished. Through humor, the method has improved driving and people's moods on the streets, hospitals, and schools.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Syrian women find confidence and community in Canada through catering events

Jenny Uechi

March 01, 2017 |

National Observer |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia

A select group of women Syrian refugees are helping cater dinners in Vancouver, British Columbia. The dinner events, titled “Tayybeh: A Celebration of Syrian Cuisine,” help the women both earn a small living and create a support network. Anyone is able to buy a ticket, and attendee numbers have only grown since the first event.

Read More
Go to Original Story
A dilemma for renters in Nashville

David Plazas

February 22, 2017 |

The Tennessean |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is trying out creative ways to help residents deal with rising rent. While state policies do not always favor rent control and mixed-income housing units are still years away, several solutions are being implemented right now. Neighborhoods are creating tenant unions and community benefit agreements to ensure that tenants stay up-to-date about housing information. The mayor’s office is also providing financial support to first-time homebuyers.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Building Trust Cuts Violence. Cash Also Helps.

Rikha Sharma Rani

February 21, 2017 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Richmond, California

Richmond, California has one of the nation’s highest gun violence rates, so Operation Peacemaker Fellowship tracks and identifies individuals at risk of committing violent acts or becoming a victim of violence. The Fellowship reaches out to each at-risk person with employment training, mentorship, and sends out teams to de-escalate conflicts within targeted communities. These “change agents” spend time with youth and get to know their families, so they can better understand how to help and offer a cash incentives to the targeted individuals who are part of the program.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Essen's award-winning blueprint for greening the postindustrial city

Simone D'Antonio

February 16, 2017 |

Citiscope |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Germany, Essen

Essen has a very industrial past but due to private and public efforts it has become Europe's 2017 "green capital". The city has converted industrial buildings into places for art, wastewater is being diverted from the river, bike mobility has been increased, and trees have been planted.

Read More
Go to Original Story
The Most Important Modern Farmer Might Be The Urban Cowboy

Heather Corcoran

February 10, 2017 |

GOOD Magazine |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Although urban cities have a variety of options for food, not all food is affordable or healthy. New York City has developed urban agriculture projects, from rooftop gardens to “warehouse hydroponic systems.” The South Bronx’s BLK ProjeK’s Libertad Urban Farm serves the local, low-income community and empowers its women leaders with self-sufficient sustainable food.

Read More
Go to Original Story
How to Make Public Transportation Safer for Women

Christine Ro

February 08, 2017 |

How We Get to Next |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States

From gender-segregated buses in Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro, to more lighting and staff on Washington, D.C.’s metro system, cities around the world are taking steps to make public transportation safer for women. Some of these methods are contested – especially ones that place the responsibility on women or don’t take into account transgender and genderqueer individuals. Yet, there is a growing body of research suggesting that responding to this problem requires two key elements: a larger, cultural shift regarding harassment and listening to women when they describe what they need.

Read More
Go to Original Story