Growing Cooler: The Evidence on Urban Development and Climate Change

This book describes how specific modifications in patterns of land development could help reduce greenhouse exhaust gases from vehicles. The book is based on a thorough review of dozens of studies by leading researchers in urban planning. It finds that urban development is both a major contributor to climate change and an essential factor in conquering it. The authors argue the premise that one of the best methods of reducing vehicle travel is development that is compact and condensed in nature. Such development would construct places in which people can navigate from place to place without driving. This kind of development includes pedestrian friendly development and mixed use development. There is a developing demand for smaller lots and homes, and condominiums and townhouses nears jobs and activity centers, which are fueled by rising gasoline prices, shrinking households, lengthening work trip commuting, and changing demographics. Existing government regulations and policies reward automobile dependent and sprawling development. The book offers recommendations for making green neighborhoods more affordable and available.