Here’s a chart that almost speaks for itself: sprawling cities require more driving—and hence, produce more CO2 from cars and trucks—than do compact cities.
The chart is from a new study in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, comparing greenhouse gas emissions in 10 global cities. The lessons are pretty clear: compact cities in temperate climates, powered by low-carbon electricity, are the ones with the lowest carbon emissions. It seems pretty obvious—but sometimes you need a bunch of fancy math to teach you what you already know.
Jon E.
This is not news, but it is helpful. Paradoxically, compact cities suffer from greater heat island effects and AQ non-attainment issues.Solar or green roofing and generally green urban design are critical to balance the benefits of compact form with the costs.
Frank
Barcelona is twice as dense as New York City?