The latest issue of Science is dedicated to looking at cities, their development and the changing demographics that are shaping our urban lifestyles.
"By 2030, nearly 5 billion people will live in cities. This special issue explores the enormous implications of the mass embrace of city life."
"As Grimm et al. show, cities are hot spots of production, consumption, and waste generation. Already, according to the United Nations, cities are responsible for 75% of global energy consumption and 80% of greenhouse gas emissions. Without careful investment and planning, megacities (those with more than 10 million inhabitants) will be overwhelmed with burgeoning slums and environmental problems. There are advantages to city life, such as the relative proximity of health care and jobs. However, Mace describes continuing costs in terms of fertility, and Bloom et al. challenge a commonly accepted perception that urbanization fuels economic growth."
"Cities have taken novel approaches to dealing with urbanization. A News article explores how the Chinese government is encouraging a variety of schemes, including the development of 'eco-cities.' Other News items highlight success stories, including Bogotá's reduction of traffic fatalities, London's reduction of traffic jams, and Mexico's efforts to alleviate urban poverty."
FULL STORY: Reimagining Cities

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

Seattle’s Pike Place Market Leans Into Pedestrian Infrastructure
After decades of debate, the market is testing a car ban in one of its busiest areas and adding walking links to the surrounding neighborhood.

The World’s Longest Light Rail Line is in… Los Angeles?
In a city not known for its public transit, the 48.5-mile A Line is the longest of its kind on the planet.

Quantifying Social Infrastructure
New developments have clear rules for ensuring surrounding roads, water, and sewers can handle new users. Why not do the same for community amenities?
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