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The Climate Question: Why are 15-minute cities so unpopular?

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07/05/2023 GMT

Why are 15-minute cities so unpopular?

BBC World Service - The Climate Question, Why are 15-minute cities so unpopular?

Why is the climate-busting idea of 15-minute cities so controversial?

The climate-busting idea of adapting cities so amenities can be reached within 15 minutes by foot or bike has grown in popularity. But it’s not been universally-welcomed.

The idea of cities where everything you need on a daily basis can be reached within a quarter of an hour by foot or bike has grown in popularity in recent years, as local authorities adopt more sustainable approaches to urban planning. In theory, by having work, shopping, education, healthcare, and leisure all within a short distance could reduce dependency on cars, improving personal health and lowering carbon emissions. But the idea of adapting cities in this way hasn’t been universally-welcomed.
 
Presenter Graihagh Jackson is joined by:
Jay Pitter, author and urban planner
Mark Watts, Executive Director at C40 Cities
Gian Carlo Vega, on-the-ground reporter in Bogotá, Colombia, who was joined by Vanessa Velasco, Urban Development Specialist at the World Bank
 
Producer: Ben Cooper
Researchers: Matt Toulson, Bethan Ashmead-Latham and Pierre-Antoine Denis
Series Producer: Alex Lewis
Editor: China Collins
Sound engineer: Tom Brignell
Production Coordinators: Siobhan Reed, Debbie Richford and Sophie Hill

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