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CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

Over half of the world’s population now lives within cities. Because they concentrate people and activities, they place a particular burden upon the world’s resources. Thus, in terms of ecological footprints, the extent to which places draw from beyond their own boundaries to sustain current levels of consumption and waste discharge, London is thought to have a footprint almost 300 times its geographical area. Thus, cities are crucial in the search for sustainability and, if we are to put the world on a lower carbon path, action based upon the cities will form a major part of the solution.

The 45th Congress explores the role of planning, and of all those involved in the planning and development process, in the drive to achieve less resource intensive, low carbon cities. The theme marks a logical progression from that of last year’s event which addressed the reality and consequences of urban sprawl. In sustainability terms those unrestrained, land consuming patterns of growth are the opposite of what we need to achieve and, encouragingly, speakers at that Congress were able to point to numerous examples of schemes where planning has been able to shape cities that are more respectful of the environment in its widest sense.

This Congress continues this debate, although, given the urgency, it has an even more practical emphasis. While the need for adaptation to the inevitable climate change that is ‘in the system’ is not ignored, we seek examples of plans, developments and approaches that are achieving, or promise, much reduced greenhouse gas emissions. How, in practical terms, should low carbon cities be planned, designed and delivered? The intention is that the Congress should bring together a wealth of such experience that we can share, and disseminate more widely for application in our daily planning work. With its compact form, and innovative urban and transport policies, Porto will provide an excellent setting for what should be a most stimulating debate.

ISOCARP welcomes abstracts by City and Regional Planners or interested individuals from related disciplines from all over the world.

Submissions of abstracts have to comply with the Theme and Objectives of this Congress.

(1) Information on Author(s)
(2) Information on Case
(3) Case Location
(4) Confirm Submission
(abstract max. 300 words = about 2,000 characters including space)