The biggest risks facing cities -- and some solutions | Robert Muggah

Summary

The script explores the critical role of cities in the 21st century, highlighting their potential to shape the future. While cities drive creativity, innovation, and economic power, they also face significant challenges such as climate change, pollution, and inequality. The script emphasizes the need for cities to adapt to global issues, particularly through resilience, sustainable design, and urban cooperation. It stresses the importance of cities taking political action and forming global coalitions to tackle issues like climate change, refugees, and urbanization, positioning cities as essential players in the future of the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cities are a crucial experiment in social engineering and could determine our survival in the 21st century.
• 😀 Urban living is generally healthier, wealthier, and more educated compared to rural areas, even in slums.
• 😀 Over 3 million people move to cities every week, and cities are the center of future progress and innovation.
• 😀 Despite their dynamic and creative nature, cities have a dark side, contributing significantly to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
• 😀 There is a knowledge gap about cities, especially in the Global South, where 90% of future population growth is expected.
• 😀 Nation-states are outdated, and cities have become powerful enough to rival them economically, but not yet politically.
• 😀 Cities need to find their political voice to address issues like climate change and migration more effectively.
• 😀 Fragility in cities is rising, particularly in regions like North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, increasing the risks of collapse and migration crises.
• 😀 Refugee crises are often caused by the fragility of cities, with millions being displaced within cities themselves, not just across borders.
• 😀 Climate change, including rising sea levels, presents existential threats to many coastal cities, including mega-cities like Dhaka, Miami, and Shanghai.
• 😀 Cities are already taking action on climate change, with thousands committing to renewable energy, decarbonization, and sustainable urban planning.

Q & A

What is the main prediction about the future of cities in the 21st century?

The main prediction is that if we get our cities right, humanity might survive the 21st century, but if cities are not managed properly, they could lead to global failure. Cities are seen as an essential experiment in social engineering.

How do cities benefit their inhabitants, even those living in slums?

Even those living in slums are likely to be healthier, wealthier, better educated, and live longer than those living in rural areas. Cities foster better opportunities for social and economic advancement.

What are some of the significant risks that cities face today?

Cities face a range of risks, including energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, violence, pollution, and water shortages. Fragility within cities can lead to their collapse, triggering explosive migration and refugee crises.

Why are cities considered 'dual-edged'?

Cities are dual-edged because while they provide numerous benefits, such as economic opportunities and social improvements, they also pose serious challenges, including environmental damage, inequality, violence, and public health issues.

What is the knowledge gap regarding cities in the global South?

There is a significant knowledge gap about cities in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, where 90% of future population growth is expected to occur. Most research and focus have been on Western and Far Eastern megacities, leaving cities in the global South largely underexamined.

How do cities like New York compare to nation-states in terms of influence?

Cities like New York have economic influence that rivals entire countries. For example, New York's GDP surpasses nations like Argentina and Australia, and its police force is larger than that of many countries, yet its political influence remains limited.

What role do cities play in the refugee crisis?

The majority of refugees are not fleeing from poor countries to wealthy ones, but rather from poor cities to even poorer cities nearby. Additionally, many refugees face internal displacement, particularly in conflict zones like Syria.

What impact does climate change have on cities?

Climate change, especially through rising sea levels, is a significant existential threat to cities, particularly those on coastlines. Cities like Dhaka, Hong Kong, and Miami are vulnerable to flooding, with billions of people living in flood-prone areas.

What are some solutions that cities are exploring to address climate change?

Cities are taking action through decarbonization efforts, such as investing in renewable energy, green spaces, and public transport. For example, many cities are adopting solar power, with over 8,000 cities having solar plants and hundreds declaring energy autonomy.

How can urban planning and design contribute to more resilient cities?

Urban planning can improve resilience by designing cities with integrated solutions, such as efficient public transport and sustainable, dense development. Cities like Singapore have successfully implemented long-term urban strategies that balance growth with sustainability.