Eco-urbanism - Global challenges, urban solutions

The organization of cities has emerged as a key to addressing the major economic, social, and environmental challenges of our time.

In recent years, urban planning has emerged as a key to addressing the major economic, social, and environmental challenges of our time. Cities are now seen as the places where all solutions are being invented.

• new economic models (circular, collaborative, resilient, etc.);
• emerging energy systems (solar, methanization, geothermal, etc.);
• innovative modes of mobility (cable transport, electric cars, bicycles, etc.);
• new cultural forms (urban art, festivals, events, etc.);
• renewed democratic practices (citizen participation, wiki city, etc.).

Eco-urbanism is this cross-cutting approach that aims to give all these spontaneous initiatives a new sense of coherence. The authors present concrete examples of cities around the world that foreshadow the eco-cities of tomorrow.

The stakes are high: according to the two authors, the organization of cities could become, in the 21st century, a "resource" as important as oil in the 20th century and agricultural land in pre-industrial societies.

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Authors: Jean Haëntjens and Stéphanie Lemoine
Publisher: Écosociété/Practical Guides Collection
Publication date: 2015
Pages: 120
ISBN 978-2-89719-213-6
Language: French