Big Ideas Change the World. A fresh look at cities

Mike Childs

20 June 2013

I've got something new for you. Our Big Ideas Change the World web pages have gone live.

On them we're posting ideas - some our own and some from other people - about how we can change the world to create well-being for everyone.

We want you to come and discuss these ideas. If they're not tested they won't be robust. And if they're not robust they won't change the world for the better.

Please visit the website and share your thoughts on our first topic - what we're calling living cities.

Posted today is:

• An interview with former London mayor Ken Livingstone - in which he accuses national governments of being "absolutely pathetic"; he argues networked cities have a pivotal role in creating a better future for humanity. He also says strong mayors are critical.

What do you think? Will cities be more important to shaping the future than national governments?

• A think-piece by Professor Harriet Bulkeley and colleagues from Durham University in which she argues for enhanced autonomy for cities but referring to case studies across the globe warns there is both bad autonomy and good autonomy.

What do you think about increasing the power of cities? What powers should be devolved and why? What do you think about the devolution of power within cities?

• An interview with Jane Thomas from Friends of the Earth  - she argues that citizens' positive identity with their city is critical to well-being. But she warns this is identification is being eroded by financial constraints on cities leading to poor social housing and degraded local environments.

Do you think people identify with the city they live in? Does it matter?

Coming up

Over the next weeks we'll publish content on the role of sharing and the city, and on popular education and participation in decision-making.

We welcome article ideas and guest blogs. Contact phil.byrne at foe.co.uk if you have ideas or would like to do a guest blog.

And please share your views

The following guidance is primarily intended for children, young people and vulnerable adults: We want everyone to feel safe and secure when using our online public spaces. If someone does something you find upsetting, please mention this to an adult you trust or email us at [email protected]

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