Constantinos_A

Constantinos_A

1p

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14 years ago @ ecosistema urbano | blog - Nothing has been done ... · 0 replies · +1 points

you are very right in your remarks. I think one has to be even more blunt about the current situation. There are many days of the year when large cities become really unlivable places for segments of the population. Take into account the effect of summer heatwaves and desertification/tropicalisation of the climate. The standard paved plazas and asphalt roads are unbearably hot even at night. Walking and cycling are also difficult due to lack of shaded paths. Also most of the old housing stock needs airconditioning to allow for a comfortable night's sleep.
I fully agree that bioclimatic principles in buildings are not enough to solve the problem. The problem of conversion of old housing to a changing climate is perhaps more pressing a hazard than rising sea levels. However policy learning seems to be taking place at a very slow and incremental level. Discussion doesn't touch the issue of substandard design of public spaces and housing. I would say the challenge is not only to raise energy efficiency in transport but to make cities livable spaces year-round.