Signal European Environment Agency cited for lower per capita energy and land use in cities

Summary

Citing a European Environment Agency study, the Megatrends 2040 report states that city dwellers on average consume less energy and occupy less land per person than people in rural areas. The reason lies in urban living patterns, which involve shorter trips to work and services, more walking, cycling and public transport use, and apartment buildings that need less heating and less space per resident. The report treats this as one of the opportunities of urbanisation, since the proximity of people, businesses and services makes more efficient resource use possible. At the same time, it acknowledges that many cities face overpopulation, pollution, heat and congestion. The key challenge for Europe, it argues, is balancing compact, dense development with a healthy quality of life.