Urban Meltdown: Cities, Climate Change and Politics-as-Usual

by Clive Doucet

In 1950, only 30 percent of the world’s population lived in cities. By 2007, the planet’s population has doubled, and today, as many people live in cities as populated the entire planet in 1950. Eighty percent of the planet’s greenhouse gases are created by these energy-intensive urban centers. Thus, the key to creating climate change solutions resides with cities. Author and Ottawa city councilor Clive Doucet provides a razor-sharp insider’s perspective, stating his central “It’s not about planning. It’s about politics.” Climate change is proceeding so quickly not for lack of knowledge, but because politicians who deviate from the car-based sprawl model cannot get elected. Urban Meltdown describes how we got here, why we got here, and what can be done about it, as evidenced by the author’s observations • Economic growth has no built-in environmental accountability.
• Until the political thinking about growth and the progress model itself is changed, our environmental concerns will never be properly addressed.
• We need a new governance paradigm at all three levels.
• The cautionary tale of how the 1960s tried to take us down a different route failed, not for lack of leadership but because the system didn’t permit it. Urban Meltdown reveals, castigates, and inspires. This is an important book for anyone who cares about thinking differently, acting differently, and making a difference. Clive Doucet is an urban activist, well-known journalist, best-selling author, and the first poet ever elected to Ottawa City Council.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2007

Reviews

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

a Toronto councilman's (and poet's!) take on the decline of street car neighborhoods, political obstacles that hamper sustainable and pleasant city development, and the social and practical costs of our expanding automobile infrastructure.

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked this book a lot. City councillor's perspective on Canadian politics.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful book for planner and anyonbe...

[B · Rating 1 out of 5]

read for class. Depressing outlook with no real solution provided