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Can Cities Sustain Life in the Greenhouse?

Center for Energy and Environmental Policy, University of Delaware

Kristen Hughes

Center for Energy and Environmental Policy, University of Delaware

Noah Toly

Center for Energy and Environmental Policy, University of Delaware

Young-Doo Wang

Center for Energy and Environmental Policy, University of Delaware

Data from the Global Environmental Monitoring System indicate that pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and total suspended particulate routinely appear in the lower atmosphere of major cities at concentrations well above health guidelines set by the World Health Organization. As well, cities are major contributors to the build-up of greenhouse gases which now threaten climate change. These findings underscore the detrimental relation that has evolved between urban industrial society and the atmosphere. If this peculiar civilization is to be changed, three principles—equity, sustainability and peaceful development—must guide the reevolution of urban life. The paradigm of commodification needs to be replaced with a model of a commons of life. The article provides a theoretical framework and strategy for reforming global climate policy and urban sustainability planning in a manner consistent with life in the commons.

Key Words: cities • climate change • urban policy • solar cities • sustainable energy • social equity

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