'One Planet' Cities: Sustaining Humanity within Planetary Limits

This book explores how to meet the needs of a growing population without damaging the Earth's life-support system, focusing on urban areas. It suggests a pathway to sustainability through contraction and convergence, using interviews and case studies from around the world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 07 May 2019
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The growing human population poses a significant challenge to the Earth's already strained life-support system. According to projections, four out of five people will reside in urban areas by 2080, emphasizing the need for sustainable urban development. 'One Planet Cities' presents a pathway to genuine sustainability for cities and neighborhoods, focusing on contraction and convergence. Through interviews with key stakeholders, including the Global Footprint Network, World Future Council, WWF, mayors, and government officials, as well as case studies from various regions such as Europe, North and South America, Australia, South Africa, China, and India, David Thorpe examines various aspects of modern society, including food provision, neighborhood design, industry, the circular economy, energy, and transport, through the critical lens of the ecological footprint and relevant international standards and indicators. The book offers recommendations on managing supply chains and impacts, financing the transition to a world within limits, and examining the pioneering efforts of the Welsh Government. It concludes with an imagined vision of a sustainable future and an appeal for "one planeteers" everywhere to step up to the challenge.

This book is of immense interest to practitioners and policymakers engaged in governance, administration, urban environments, and sustainability, as well as students studying the built environment, urban planning, environmental policy, and energy. It provides valuable insights and practical strategies for achieving a more sustainable and resilient future.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 156 x 232 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138615106