The challenge for cities

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Half of the world's people already live in cities and towns. This pattern will intensify in the next few decades.

Cities have the potential to support a high quality of life at a higher level of environmental efficiency. They enable efficient use of land, energy and materials. People  in cities can share public transport, education, health and social facilities. 

There are enormous opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange in cities - and for people to make themselves heard.

Their size and influence mean cities can also drive change beyond their own boundaries. 

However, cities often take a casual approach to their impact on water, food, land, energy, climate, and biodiversity. The poorest people are often excluded from decision-making and their needs ignored while wealthy elites can control decision-making and finance flows. In cities consumer identities can more readily dominate.

To realise their potential will require substantial changes in most cities.

Research questions

The challenge is to transform our cities into healthy, sustainable and happy places to live.

We'll need to answer these questions:

• Focusing on power and responsibility - how can cities realise their social, environmental and economic potential?
• ow can they drive positive global change?
• How can political decision-making ensure all voices are heard?
• What are the obstacles to achieving these goals?
• Which professions and technologies can help cities achieve these goals?

Use of the research

In the UK and many other developed countries Friends of the Earth's grassroots activists and supporters are predominately based in urban areas. This is where much of our influence exists. It's also where we see significant possibilities for rapid and positive change.

With our supporters, groups and regional staff we'll use this research to influence urban decision-makers - for example in city regions in the UK. We'll also use it to influence national governments and networks such as the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group or the Covenant of Mayors in the European Union.