Age of the City: Why our Future will be Won or Lost Together

Cities have been the engines of human progress and the epicenters of our greatest achievements, but now, for the first time, more than half of humanity lives in cities. Globalization and technological change have concentrated wealth into a few booming metropolises, leaving smaller cities and towns behind and feeding populist resentment. Pandemics and climate change pose existential threats to our increasingly urban world, and Professor Goldin and Tom Lee-Devlin combine the lessons of history with a deep understanding of the challenges confronting our world today to show why cities are at a crossroads and hold our destinies in the balance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Cities have long been the driving force behind human progress and the epicenter of our greatest achievements, from ancient centers like Athens or Rome to modern metropolises like New York or Shanghai. Today, more than half of the world's population lives in cities, a number that continues to rise. In the developing world, cities are growing at unprecedented rates, transforming the landscape and shaping the future of our planet.

However, the concentration of wealth in a few booming metropolises has led to widespread inequality, social division, and populist resentment. While cities like London or San Francisco appear to be thriving, the gap between the haves and have-nots continues to widen, and our reliance on online worlds threatens to tear apart our social fabric. Moreover, pandemics and climate change pose existential threats to our increasingly urban world, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable and equitable development.

In their book, "The City at the Crossroads: Why Cities Must Lead the Way to a Fairer, More Cohesive, and Sustainable World," visionary Oxford professor Ian Goldin and The Economist's Tom Lee-Devlin combine the lessons of history with a deep understanding of the challenges confronting our world today. They argue that cities are at a crossroads, holding our destinies in the balance. By making our societies fairer, more cohesive, and sustainable, we can create a better future for all.

The book explores the historical and cultural factors that have shaped cities throughout history, from the rise of empires to the emergence of modern urbanism. It also examines the challenges facing cities today, including urbanization, climate change, inequality, and social division. The authors argue that cities must take the lead in addressing these challenges, leveraging their unique strengths and resources to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of urban planning and design. The authors argue that cities can be designed to promote social cohesion, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. By creating walkable neighborhoods, promoting public transportation, and investing in green infrastructure, cities can create a more livable and healthy environment for their residents.

Another important theme is the role of cities in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. The authors argue that cities are the breeding ground for new ideas and businesses, and that by fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, cities can create new jobs and drive economic growth.

The book also highlights the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing global challenges. The authors argue that cities must work together to share resources, knowledge, and best practices in order to create a more sustainable and equitable world. This requires a shift in mindset, from competition to cooperation, and a recognition of the shared responsibilities that we all have to address climate change and other global challenges.

In conclusion, "The City at the Crossroads: Why Cities Must Lead the Way to a Fairer, More Cohesive, and Sustainable World" is a powerful and thought-provoking book that offers a compelling vision for the future of our cities. By making our societies fairer, more cohesive, and sustainable, we can create a better future for all. The book provides a roadmap for policymakers, urban planners, and citizens alike, showing how cities can take the lead in addressing the challenges facing our world today.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 161 x 242 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399406147