Routledge 'One Planet' Cities: Sustaining Humanity within Planetary Limits

This book addresses the crucial question of how the essential needs of the growing human population can be met without breaking the Earth's already-stretched life-support system. With four out of five people predicted to be urban dwellers by 2080, ‘One Planet’ Cities proposes a pathway to genuine sustainability for cities and neighbourhoods, using an approach based on contraction and convergence. Utilising interviews with key players, including the Global Footprint Network, World Future Council, WWF, mayors and government officials, and case studies from across the globe, including Europe, North and South America, Australia, South Africa, China and India, David Thorpe examines all aspects of modern society from food provision to neighbourhood design, via industry, the circular economy, energy and transport through the critical lens of the ecological footprint and relevant supporting international standards and indicators. Recommendations on managing supply chains and impacts, how the transition to a world within limits might be financed, and a deep examination of the Welsh Government's pioneering efforts follow. It concludes with an imagined vision of what a genuinely sustainable future might be like, and an appeal for 'one planeteers' everywhere to step up to the challenge. This book will be of great interest to practitioners and policymakers involved in governance, administration, urban environments and sustainability, alongside students of the built environment, urban planning, environmental policy and energy. Review "The growing literature on climate change gloomily pictures the fate of humanity sealed. But comic author and sustainability activist Thorpe spots a silver lining in the gathering darkness. Pointing out pathways to reverse the trend that is building toward a human catastrophe, Thorpe proposes that megacities―from Beijing, New Delhi, and Tokyo to Singapore and Dhaka―are the battleground for curbing climate change. His wide-ranging survey of the climactic impact of such global cities allows him to provide sample climate-friendly scenarios to replicate around the globe. Citing instance after instance of success, he envisions a global solution to runaway climate change. Thorpe designates this solution "Planetary Limits" (living within the means of the planet) and maintains this theme throughout the book. Cities that adapt to planetary limits are the "one planet" cities of the title, with their natural and social order both intact and mutually reinforcing. Thorpe offers practical steps to reverse cities’ ever-expanding carbon footprints and "food miles" (distance food must travel). He focuses on transforming urban industry, water management, transportation, neighborhood life, the food-supply chain, and carbon-intensive lifestyles. This elegantly written book is a must read for urban leaders and managers and for students of urban and environmental studies." Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. --T. Niazi, University of Wisconsin for CHOICE. "The earth’s resources are finite, but we consume and denigrate them as if they are unlimited. This is a recipe for a catastrophic future. In 'One Planet' Cities, David Thorpe not only sounds the alarm but provides us with richly detailed, real-world examples of how to live within our means." -- F. Kaid Benfield, Senior Counsel for Environmental Strategies, PlaceMakers LLC, USA "Wales may have its own legislation to create a harmonious future for people and planet, but we still need help to navigate the global evidence and help us on that path. With this book, David Thorpe has demonstrated that he can be that guide, helping us reach our own pathways at country, city or individual level on the basis of global science and evidence. Wherever you live, this book must be read and most importantly, acted upon." -- Jane Davidson, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Engagement & Sustainability, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, UK "Ultimately, humanity need