Climatopolis: How Our Cities Will thrive in the Hotter Future
by Matthew Kahn. Basic. 2010. 260 pages. Paperback. $26.95.
Construction and housing in cities around the world will be forced to adapt to global climate change, forecasts environmentalist Matthew Kahn. In Climatopolis, he describes how increased flooding, higher temperatures, and erratic weather patterns in general will force planners to redesign urban housing units worldwide in the next few decades.
Climate change will affect different cities differently, he argues. Coastal cities will face unique health and economic difficulties, while inland cities may be confronted with mass migrations of “climate refugees.” In addition, architects and home buyers in many places will have to plan ahead for increased risks of floods, droughts, or wildfires.
Kahn expresses hope that, through innovation and careful planning, cities might ensure a desirable quality of life for their residents in the face of long-term climate change. He includes a “top five” list of U.S. cities that are currently best-protected against climate change’s effects: Detroit, Michigan; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Buffalo, New York; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Salt Lake City, Utah.
Climate researchers, engineers, and urban planners will all find Climatopolis educational.
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