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the impact that planning can have on energy use, carbon emissions and local air pollution. Recent research by Shell shows that the layout of a city has a huge influence on the demand for energy. Compact cities use significantly less energy per person than sprawling ones, as people live closer to amenities.
We can engineer cities for cars powered by electricity, hydrogen and liquefied natural gas and for the better integration of water, sewage and power systems. Switching from coal to gas-fired power stations, in the process reducing carbon emissions by around half, provides a flexible and cleaner energy source.
Galloping urbanisation is one of the most pressing challenges we face. But city design is about more than simply choosing where to put our houses and streets.
