Survival of the City: Living and Thriving in an Age of Isolation

The book "The Triumph of the City" examines the history and future of the global city, arguing that the biggest threats are inequalities in housing, health, work, and education. It proposes practical measures for governments and citizens to ensure the survival of cities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: John Murray Press

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on our urban world, from New York to New Delhi. How can we adjust to this new reality and what lessons can we learn from the past? In this urgently relevant book, leading experts Edward Glaeser and David Cutler examine the history and future of the global city. They argue that the biggest threats we face are the inequalities we have created ourselves in housing, health, work, and education, and that we need to address these as a matter of urgency if our cities are to continue to thrive and drive economic growth and prosperity. They conclude by proposing practical measures that governments and citizens need to act on to ensure the survival of the city around the world.

The global city has a rich and complex history, shaped by a variety of factors, including economic, social, and political forces. Glaeser and Cutler trace the evolution of the global city from its early origins in ancient civilizations to its modern form, highlighting the key milestones and challenges that have shaped its development.

One of the key themes of the book is the impact of globalization on the global city. The authors argue that globalization has led to the growth of interconnected cities around the world, creating new opportunities for economic growth and innovation but also posing new challenges for urban governance and sustainability.

Glaeser and Cutler also examine the role of cities in driving economic growth and prosperity. They argue that cities are the engines of economic growth, generating jobs, attracting investment, and promoting innovation. They highlight the importance of investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare to ensure that cities can continue to thrive in the face of changing economic conditions.

However, the authors also note that cities face a number of challenges, including urbanization, climate change, and inequality. Urbanization has led to the growth of slums and informal settlements, which can exacerbate social and economic inequalities. Climate change has the potential to impact cities in a number of ways, including increased flooding, droughts, and heatwaves.

To address these challenges, Glaeser and Cutler propose a number of practical measures that governments and citizens need to act on. They argue that governments need to invest in infrastructure, promote sustainable development, and address social and economic inequalities. Citizens, on the other hand, need to be more aware of the impact of their actions on the environment and take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

The book also includes a number of case studies from around the world, highlighting the successes and failures of different cities in addressing these challenges. These case studies provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that cities face in the 21st century and offer practical examples of how governments and citizens can work together to create more sustainable and prosperous cities.

In conclusion, COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on our urban world, but it has also presented us with an opportunity to reimagine and rebuild our cities in a more sustainable and prosperous way. By examining the history and future of the global city, Glaeser and Cutler provide us with a roadmap for how we can adjust to this new reality and create more sustainable and inclusive cities for the future.

Weight: 330g
Dimension: 197 x 130 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529364347