Eco-cities: the mainstreaming of urban sustainability – key characteristics and driving factors

Efforts to innovate in urban sustainability have in recent decades culminated in a new phenomenon: eco-cities. In recognition of the key role played by cites both as the cause of, and potential solution to, global climate change and rapid urbanisation, the concept and practice of eco-cities have sin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of sustainable development and planning 2011-09, Vol.6 (3), p.268-285
Main Author: Joss, S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cities
Climate change
Green city concept
Leadership
Mapping
Sustainability
Urbanization
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Summary:Efforts to innovate in urban sustainability have in recent decades culminated in a new phenomenon: eco-cities. In recognition of the key role played by cites both as the cause of, and potential solution to, global climate change and rapid urbanisation, the concept and practice of eco-cities have since the early 2000s gained global significance and become increasingly mainstream in policy-making. This study provides an analysis of contemporary eco-city developments by systematically mapping some 79 recent initiatives at global level; evaluating key characteristics (including development type, phase and implementation mode) and discussing the factors (such as technological development, cultural branding, and political leadership) that drive and condition innovation in this area. The article concludes by outlining a research agenda for addressing both the challenges and opportunities of future eco-city governance.
ISSN:1743-7601
1743-761X
DOI:10.2495/SDP-V6-N3-268-285