What Are Sustainable Cities

The future of the planet as we know it depends on our decisions. The majority of the world's population live in urban areas and their management or mis-management will determine our fate - the survival of mankind.

In 25 years from now, the world will be a very different place. The global challenges & driving forces of change are; culture, demography, economics, environment, technology and governance. Each of these, in different ways, will determine our future. Sustainability is far more than saving energy and reducing the carbon footprint of society; the management of urban neighbourhoods hold the key to our survival.

This book sets out to understand and explain both the risks and opportunities which are emerging. The book is for anyone interested in living in or developing sustainable neighbourhoods or for town planners, developers, investors & financiers and their advisors (as well as those engaged in academic study). The book provides an insight into both recent mistakes but also success stories.

By examining different scenarios (based on recent research and workshops in Europe, Asia and the Americas), the book provides alternative future visions of cities; our global future.

If we imagine cities, neighbourhoods & communities of tomorrow, we can invest and plan them more wisely today.