Green CITYnomics

Book excerpt: Today, more than half of the world's population are living in cities that are now contributing 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions. They cover less than 3% of the earth's surface. And urbanization continues apace. With such a massive carbon footprint, it is vital that cities are part of the solution. Despite this, scarcely any consideration has been given to the potential impact of climate change on urban dwellers, especially in the developing countries and burgeoning megacities of Africa, Asia and Latin America, where a wide variety of environmental and development challenges are likely to further exacerbate their vulnerability to climatic effects. Green CITYnomics presents a rich set of contributions by a highly diverse group of 45 of the world's leading urban experts on climate change. In particular, it illustrates the desire some cities are already demonstrating in engaging in this war. Standing still is not an option. Budgets have to be fought for; minds have to be won over; old, untenable and unsustainable ideas and solutions must be challenged; green and sustainable solutions must be given the chance to develop and to prove themselves. Each of the cities and urban centres discussed – from Hong Kong to Dresden; from Mexico City to Qatar – are, in their own ways, heroes and examples to us all. This book provides a compelling manifesto for the world's cities in their "Urban War against Climate Change". It is essential reading for climate scientists, national and local policy-makers and scholars worldwide.