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: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 20 June 2024
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. In their book, "The City at a Crossroads: Why Making Our Societies Fairer, More Cohesive, and Sustainable Must Start with Our Cities," Professor Ian Goldin and Tom Lee-Devlin argue that creating fairer, more cohesive, and sustainable societies must begin with our cities.

Globalization and technological change have concentrated wealth in a few booming metropolises, leaving smaller cities and towns behind and fueling populist resentment. Despite the apparent prosperity of cities like London or San Francisco, the gap between the haves and have-nots continues to widen, and our retreat into online worlds threatens to tear apart our social fabric. Moreover, pandemics and climate change pose existential threats to our increasingly urban world.

Professor Goldin and Lee-Devlin combine the lessons of history with a deep understanding of the challenges facing our world today to demonstrate why cities are at a crossroads and hold our destinies in the balance. They argue that cities must become more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient to meet the needs of their citizens and the planet. This requires a shift towards urban planning that focuses on creating mixed-income neighborhoods, promoting public transportation, and investing in green infrastructure. It also requires a commitment to social justice and equity, ensuring that all citizens have access to quality education, healthcare, and housing.

The book also highlights the role of cities in addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. By promoting sustainable practices and investing in renewable energy, cities can help mitigate the effects of climate change and create a more sustainable future for all. Similarly, by providing opportunities for economic growth and employment, cities can help reduce poverty and promote social mobility.

In conclusion, "The City at a Crossroads: Why Making Our Societies Fairer, More Cohesive, and Sustainable Must Start with Our Cities" is a powerful and timely book that offers a compelling argument for why cities must be at the forefront of our efforts to create a better world. By recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities that cities face, we can work together to build more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient cities that will serve as the engines of human progress for generations to come.

Weight: 216g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399406154