Livable Cities

De: Mark Alan Hughes, The Great Courses

Narrado por: Mark Alan Hughes

Ours is an urban age. Before 1800, less than one in 10 people lived in cities. Today, more than eight in 10 people in the Western Hemisphere alone live in cities. From Uruk and Eridu in ancient Mesopotamia to London and New York City in the 21st century, cities have long supported and sustained what makes us human.

But can they survive the next 100 years? If so, they’re going to have to remain livable. In this 10-lecture series, focusing on that livability is at the heart of livable cities, Professor Mark Alan Hughes discusses why we seek out cities and how they create the conditions that allow us to meet our fundamental needs as individuals and as a human community.

You’ll examine the many innovative ways cities around the world meet our most important needs - refuge, exchange, meaning, freedom, identity, knowledge, health, and nature - through everything from neighborhood design to recreational trails to creative programs promoting political engagement. You’ll also reflect on some of the most controversial issues cities face today, including racial inequality, pandemics, and climate change. And you’ll come away with lessons in livability that offer a toolbox for unlocking their benefits anywhere.

There are millions of stories in every major city. Start here with Livable Cities to learn a few of them.

©2021 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2021 Audible Originals, LLC.

Definetly worth it.

Author knows what he is talking about and makes sure to use practical examples and science sources to endorse his line of thinking. Most of the negative comments are solely triggered by conservative thinking, since the author shows how environmental policies and social justice are needed for promoting better ways of living.

A must listen!

An amazing exploration of our global cities, with interesting and thought provoking stories, quotes, and facts that will stick with you long after the program is over. Hughes’ passion for these topics comes across so well on audio. You will love this audiobook!

Cities and climate change

Although short for an entry in The Great Courses, this is interesting. There's a smattering of concepts about cities: are people deserting large cities due to the pandemic and remote work? (The author is a strong proponent of cities - the larger the better.) The author talks about participatory budgeting, superblocks and more.

But principally, this book is a vehicle to talk about climate change. I don't mind that; it is a serious crisis and one we all need to be talking more about. The author talks about rising sea levels, steps cities are taking to handle climate change, and steps particularly forward thinking cities are taking to ban single-use plastics in a few years. He talks about the projections of just how bad things can get. It's disturbing, but important information.

Lecturer speaks with a sigh

Lecturer speaks with an audible sigh, which can be annoying. extra word extra word

Phenomenal Course

Great PO!icy course. will need to listen again to get the details I missed. kudos