TED

For the past 7 years, the people behind the TED conference have awarded a yearly $100,000 prize to an individual with "one wish to change the world." This year, they've skipped the individual and are going directly to the idea: The City 2.0.

Alex Steffen presents the idea that by focusing development into "hyperdense" communities you create a host of benefits that reduce climate change by reducing trips.

This discussion from TED looks at the ancient water engineering techniques used in the Golden Desert of India, and argues that these centuries-old methods offer lessons for water planners today.

Economist Paul Romer proposes the creation of new "charter cities", taking uninhabited areas and creating new innovative charters for cities that avoid the burden of national regulations. Guantánamo Bay is an ideal location, he says. (VIDEO)