There is now no doubt that the destiny of humanity lies in our cities. The human population crossed the halfway point around 2010 on our journey toward becoming a fully urbanized civilization, and each day the populations of our cities continue to increase while rural populations decline.
This urban growth is occurring in a time of great turbulence, and due particularly to worsening climate change, the fate of these very cities is now in question. Will they thrive, or will they be overwhelmed by tumultuous storms and bitter droughts brought on by climate change?
In Net Zero City: The Ten Year Transformation Plan, authors Farah Naz and Langdon Morris present a comprehensive and urgent roadmap for transforming urban environments to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2032.
Naz and Morris emphasize that cities, despite covering only 2% of the Earth’s landmass, consume over two-thirds of the world’s energy and account for more than 70% of global CO₂ emissions, a statistic that underscores the critical role urban areas play in addressing climate change. The authors assert that the only viable path forward involves a fundamental shift in how cities operate, from energy consumption to transportation, infrastructure, and governance.
At the core of Net Zero City is the Transformation Framework, which outlines a structured approach to achieving sustainability. This framework includes several key components such as:
Energy Systems Overhaul
The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is paramount. Cities must invest in solar, wind, and other renewable infrastructures while improving energy efficiency across industries and buildings.
Sustainable Urban Planning
Redesigning cities to prioritize walkability, cycling, and efficient public transport is crucial. Integrating green spaces and sustainable architecture enhances environmental benefits and improves residents’ quality of life.
Innovative Technologies
Smart grids, energy-efficient appliances, and waste-to-energy solutions can optimize resource use and minimize waste, ensuring a more sustainable urban future.
Policy and Governance
Government intervention is essential to drive Net Zero efforts. Setting clear emissions reduction targets, implementing green incentives, and enforcing environmental standards can accelerate urban sustainability.
The authors highlight that while the transition to Net Zero is an immense challenge, it also presents a unique opportunity for us a humanity. Rather than viewing the shift away from fossil fuels as a sacrifice, Naz and Morris argue that it is a chance to build cities that are not only more environmentally responsible but also more equitable, livable, and resilient. By leveraging the need for innovation, urban centers can become leaders in sustainability, pioneering economic, social, and technological advancements that benefit all citizens.
A central theme of the book is that global cooperation is crucial for the planet’s survival. The climate crisis cannot be solved in isolation—nations and cities must work together, sharing knowledge, technologies, and resources, while abandoning outdated notions of national independence in favor of interdependence.
Ultimately, Net Zero City serves as a powerful call to action for policymakers, urban planners, and engaged citizens. It provides a pragmatic, actionable guide to navigating the immense challenge of urban transformation, ensuring that the cities of the future are not only sustainable but also thriving, inclusive, and prepared for the realities of climate change.
This book is about important interventions, integrations, and innovations, and about how to conceive, design and implement them in a meaningful way for a new or existing city. It offers a Transformation Roadmap for cities, providing multifaceted pathways to overcome the Climate Emergency by attaining Net Zero.