The Future Health Of Our Cities

Our world stands at a critical juncture, defined by dramatic disruption from climate change, public health threats, and extreme social inequality. The battle for a healthy, prosperous future will be won or lost in one place: our rapidly expanding cities.

Cities are responsible for over 70% of global CO2 emissions, yet urban centers are now integral to the solution for a sustainable planet. In THE FUTURE HEALTH OF OUR CITIES, Neil H. Smith suggests that saving the planet-and ourselves-requires a fundamental shift in how we build and value our communities. The key lies in understanding both the Nature of Value and the Value of Nature.

As the planet urbanizes at an unprecedented rate, Smith presents ideas for a design revolution. He makes the case for moving beyond urban sprawl toward a more condensed framework of walkable, mixed-use communities that respect nature and social equity. By integrating green, open spaces and fostering collective intelligence, cities can create immense value, not just in economic and environmental terms, but also in personal, social, and physical health.

Drawing on global examples and cross-disciplinary insights into history, philosophy, and psychology, The Future Health of Our Cities is a powerful manifesto for "stewardship" in urban planning. It is a call to action for a generation to embrace a new, long-term vision to build the places where everyone can live "Better places, Better lives".