The attainment of sustainable urban futures is an imperative for humankind as ever more people will live in cities. Critical urban studies aim to achieve this goal. Barrett, Horne and Fien develop a strong case for an ethical framework to help cities re-orientate and more effectively respond to the major challenges facing the world today, including evolving patterns of economic competition, technological disruptions, climate change and pandemics. Examining and drawing insights from contemporary initiatives in cities across the globe, the book represents an important contribution to critical urban studies. It will be greatly appreciated by both urban practitioners and scholars.
Hans van Ginkel, Former Rector and Emeritus Professor of Geography, Utrecht University, Former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Rector of the United Nations University
This engaging book dives into the duality of cities as both collective and individualistic spaces. Drawing upon numerous examples from cities across the globe, it presents pathways for collective action that would help mitigate contemporary urban and global problems, including poverty and the climate crisis. The authors, though not shying away from the hard reality of life in many cities, present an optimistic perspective in the framing of an ethical city one that is both deliberate and inclusive.
Makena Coffman, Director, UH Mnoa Institute for Sustainability and Resilience, Professor, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Hawaii