'One Planet' Cities

"The growing literature on climate change gloomily pictures the fate of humanity sealed. But comic author and sustainability activist Thorpe spots a silver lining in the gathering darkness. Pointing out pathways to reverse the trend that is building toward a human catastrophe, Thorpe proposes that megacities—from Beijing, New Delhi, and Tokyo to Singapore and Dhaka—are the battleground for curbing climate change. His wide-ranging survey of the climactic impact of such global cities allows him to provide sample climate-friendly scenarios to replicate around the globe. Citing instance after instance of success, he envisions a global solution to runaway climate change. Thorpe designates this solution "Planetary Limits" (living within the means of the planet) and maintains this theme throughout the book. Cities that adapt to planetary limits are the "one planet" cities of the title, with their natural and social order both intact and mutually reinforcing. Thorpe offers practical steps to reverse cities’ ever-expanding carbon footprints and "food miles" (distance food must travel). He focuses on transforming urban industry, water management, transportation, neighborhood life, the food-supply chain, and carbon-intensive lifestyles. This elegantly written book is a must read for urban leaders and managers and for students of urban and environmental studies." Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. --T. Niazi, University of Wisconsin for CHOICE.

"The earth’s resources are finite, but we consume and denigrate them as if they are unlimited. This is a recipe for a catastrophic future. In 'One Planet' Cities, David Thorpe not only sounds the alarm but provides us with richly detailed, real-world examples of how to live within our means." -- F. Kaid Benfield, Senior Counsel for Environmental Strategies, PlaceMakers LLC, USA

"Wales may have its own legislation to create a harmonious future for people and planet, but we still need help to navigate the global evidence and help us on that path. With this book, David Thorpe has demonstrated that he can be that guide, helping us reach our own pathways at country, city or individual level on the basis of global science and evidence. Wherever you live, this book must be read and most importantly, acted upon." -- Jane Davidson, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Engagement & Sustainability, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, UK

"Ultimately, humanity needs to fit within what our planet can renew. Cities play a critical role. David Thorpe gifts us with countless examples of what cities already do and what is possible to support this needed transition." -- Mathis Wackernagel, co-creator of the Ecological Footprint and President of Global Footprint Network, California

"David Thorpe is a fabulous writer who brings home on a very human level what the challenges of a warming climate really mean. His technical and evidence-based understanding, combined with his gift for simple language, makes this work a compelling read… It [contains] a cornucopia of solutions and proven alternatives that can inspire action. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the mechanisms in play with our changing planet and how we can hope to influence its current trajectory." -- Tina Perinotto, Managing Editor and founder, The Fifth Estate, Australia

"Impressive work. An indispensable guide to what people are already doing around the world to ensure a sustainable future for us all." -- Ian Crawley, CLT Technical Advisor and a Trustee of the National CLT Network, UK

"An excellent integration of social, economic and environmental regeneration." -- Storm Cunningham, Publisher of REVITALIZATION, USA

"I am sure the book is going to be a success." -- Pedro B. Ortiz, ex-Deputy Mayor of Madrid, Senior Consultant on Metropolitan Management and Planning for IGOs, USA

"This collection is a mosaic of challenges and strategies, examples and ideas that point the way to further research." -- Margaret Robertson, Lane Community College, USA

"David Thorpe’s fascinating book is packed with ideas and inspiration; a gifted storyteller drawing together the strands of a new and hopeful collective story." -- George Marshall, founder of Climate Outreach, UK

"A must-read for 2019. David continues his campaign to a saner way of life with this latest book." -- Mal Williams, Executive Director at Zero Waste International Trust, UK

"‘One Planet’ Cities gives a comprehensive overview of the issues that need to be addressed if cities are to be built and managed from a one-planet viewpoint, from climate change through to water management, mobility and smart city concepts. This easy-to-read book by David Thorpe, the author of many books on renewable energy and sustainable building as well as science fiction novels, is packed with ideas and concepts, and examples of good practice. ‘One Planet’ Cities is a book that anyone involved in urban and suburban policymaking and management of the urban environment should have on their bookshelves, virtual or real." -- Frank Jackson, Editor of the Earthscan Expert Series of handbooks on renewable energy and energy efficiency

"An accessible book that is academically rigorous, but [also] conversational. He’s also clearly an ideas person, and so the book is bursting with examples from around the world." -- Jeremy Williams, book review in The Earthbound Report

"Thorpe provides a wealth of case studies, some cautionary, and it is inspiring to know that so much is going on globally... In a world perched on the edge of many possibilites, Thorpe has drawn vital maps of several paths that lie before us."-- Sophie Galleymore Bird, Resurgence and Ecologist, Issue 317 November/December 2019