'Urbanism Is the Most Cost-Effective Solution to Climate Change,' says Calthorpe

Phil Langdon reviews Peter Calthorpe's latest, called 'Urbanism in the Age of Climate Change'. Langdon says it is "a densely packed, yet concise overview of the troubling situation we all find ourselves in."

1 minute read

December 2, 2010, 6:00 AM PST

By Tim Halbur


Calthorpe doesn't reject technological fixes (he believes renewable energy sources will get cheaper and more ubiquitous) but he sees urbanism as a more effective means of reducing our individual energy use than switching to electric cars:

"A chief virtue of urbanism, he avers, is that it 'naturally tends toward a 'small is beautiful' philosophy.' 'Compact development does mean smaller yards, fewer cars, and less private space for some. On the other hand, it can dramatically reduce everyday costs and leave more time for family and community.'"

Thanks to Robert Steuteville

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 in New Urban Network

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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