Poor mental health is one of the most complex crises facing society today, and young people are the worst affected. Can urban design help?
Category: Urban
Never waste a good waste crisis: Paris and the circular economy
The current Paris waste crisis has suddenly become very visible. But it is more than an inconvenience – it is a reminder of a much wider health and environmental crisis caused by our waste.
Terabytes of treasure – cities unlocking new opportunities for services and SMEs
Subnational governments are sitting on a treasure trove of data. From waste and transport to local taxes, huge quantities of data are produced daily. This data can be incredibly powerful – helping city administrations make services more targeted and effective.
Main streets at a crossroad: Experiences from Australia
Main streets are both economic and social hubs for local communities by providing access to employment, services and goods, and by serving as community gathering points. For example, in Victoria, Australia, Main Streets account for 12% of the state’s jobs and generate over AUD 50 billion in economic value annually.
Winter is coming: How European cities are responding to the energy crisis
Like COVID-19 and climate change, the energy crisis is revealing urban inequalities as well. Wealthier residents consume roughly double the amount of energy as low-income ones, suggesting that the most vulnerable populations will again suffer the most as energy prices climb.
Growing pains: Remote work will not solve housing affordability in big cities
The rise of remote work could still entice people to move out of big cities. But as a general trend, the price of housing in and around cities has continued to rise since 2020. What should policy makers do?
Land-value capture: Money doesn’t grow on trees, it grows below them
A smart policy instrument called “land-value capture” can help governments pay for expensive infrastructure and other public services without drawing from their general budget. Let’s look at how they do it.
Extreme heat is the silent killer of climate change: How can cities beat it?
As fires rage and droughts blight communities around the world, cities have been sweating. The effects of extreme heat are frequently more severe in cities. In the face of rising temperatures, how can cities beat the heat?