By 2050, it is predicted that the human population will have reached nine billion, with three quarters of us living in urban areas. If these areas are to support this rapid population growth, change will be essential.

Sustainable urban development, which is integrated with technology, is the answer - but it cannot be achieved without recognising the vital role of the natural environment and its fundamental impact on economic prosperity, health and social cohesion.

As space in cities becomes more precious, planning for green needs to be a fundamental consideration, not an optional add-on or a nod towards biodiversity.



In light of this, a new report by Arup, supported by the Landscape Institute and Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, reveals how we need to rethink our urban environments. ‘Cities Alive’ looks to build nature into our urban systems at all scales via new development or retrofitting.Article in full: http://www.theinformationdaily.com/2014/05/07/the-future-of-our-cities-lies-in-the-technology-ecology-balance