Introduction to a Research Agenda for Sustainable Cities and Communities

How can cities and communities around the world become more sustainable? What can we do as researchers to help them? As we move through the twenty-first century, these questions assume ever-greater importance. Many of the quickest wins for human and planetary health involve reimagining and reconfiguring cities. Activities that generate negative impacts like air pollution and poor health are concentrated in cities, as are the potential benefits of improving resource efficiency and liveability. It is cheaper, easier and more efficient to provide services to people who are concentrated in cities. This fact applies to green infrastructure, sustainable housing, high-speed broadband and low carbon transport alike. Because cities concentrate material and human resources as well as services and infrastructures they offer incredible opportunities to advance sustainability.