Remember the Jetsons and all those mid-20th century fantasies that future cities would be composed of superhighways and flying cars? Think again. Now, in the 21st century, urban planners are envisioning cities that are moving closer and closer toward a return to nature—or at least, farther and farther away from car-dominated metropolises. But this move is not just a bucolic longing for simpler times. It's a necessity. We don't need to sensationalize the "polar vortex" to know that climate change is having a very real effect on our environment. Many cities around the world are figuring out ways to cut down on pollution and increase sustainability. Aiming to join their ranks, Hamburg is planning a green network that will cover 40% of the city's land. There's no talk of banning cars from Hamburg, but the network of car-free roads for cyclers and pedestrians will largely eliminate the need for cars. "Other cities, including London, have green rings, but the green network will be unique in covering an area from the outskirts to the city centre. In 15 to 20 years you'll be able to explore the city exclusively on bike and foot," Angelika Fritsch, a spokeswoman for the city's department ...
Remember the Jetsons and all those mid-20th century fantasies that future cities would be composed of superhighways and flying cars? Think again. Now, in the 21st century, urban planners are envisioning cities that are moving closer and closer toward a return to nature—or at least, farther and farther away from car-dominated metropolises. But this move is not just a bucolic longing for simpler times. It's a necessity. We don't need to sensationalize the "polar vortex" to know that climate change is having a very real effect on our environment. Many cities around the world are figuring out ways to cut down on pollution and increase sustainability. Aiming to join their ranks, Hamburg is planning a green network that will cover 40% of the city's land. There's no talk of banning cars from Hamburg, but the network of car-free roads for cyclers and pedestrians will largely eliminate the need for cars. "Other cities, including London, have green rings, but the green network will be unique in covering an area from the outskirts to the city centre. In 15 to 20 years you'll be able to explore the city exclusively on bike and foot," Angelika Fritsch, a spokeswoman for the city's department ...