Urban Update 2024-02-29

> style=3D'font-size:16.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fo=
nt-family:
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mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>In Brief  ze:
9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New=
Roman";
color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:
EN-GB'>





NEWS AND RESEARCH

argin-bottom-alt:
auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo12;tab-stops:list 36.0pt=
'> style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareas=
t-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-=
language:
EN-GB'>Competition and Markets Authority Report on Housebuilding -
summarised tica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-lig=
atures:
none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>
argin-bottom-alt:
auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo12;tab-stops:list 36.0pt=
'> style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareas=
t-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-=
language:
EN-GB'>Air Quality y:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> :p>
margin-bottom-alt:
auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo12;tab-stops:list 72.0p=
t'> style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-farea=
st-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>"Safe" air quality levels in US, >UK
and EU harmful  mily:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> o:p>
margin-bottom-alt:
auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo12;tab-stops:list 72.0p=
t'> style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-farea=
st-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>London high air pollution days shown to impair problem solving=
by
teams - slowed by 5 percent.  :9.0pt;
font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New=
Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> o:p>
margin-bottom-alt:
auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo12;tab-stops:list 72.0p=
t'> style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-farea=
st-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>Early life exposure to air pollution linked to increased asthm=
a class=3DGramE>incidence pt;
font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New=
Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> o:p>
argin-bottom-alt:
auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo12;tab-stops:list 36.0pt=
'> style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareas=
t-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-=
language:
EN-GB'>Vision Zero road safety projects found likely to have had zero
adverse impact on businesses style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareas=
t-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-=
language:
EN-GB'>
argin-bottom-alt:
auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo12;tab-stops:list 36.0pt=
'> style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareas=
t-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-=
language:
EN-GB'>Safety and naturalness + tree canopy factors in the effectivene=
ss
of parks in restoring attention (Attention Restoration theory) /b> style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareas=
t-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-=
language:
EN-GB'>
argin-bottom-alt:
auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo12;tab-stops:list 36.0pt=
'> style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareas=
t-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-=
language:
EN-GB'>Cooling effect of different types of green / blue infrastructur=
e eg
5 centigrade for botanical gardens through to 2.9 centigrade for
reservoirs and playgrounds font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New =
Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> :p>
argin-bottom-alt:
auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo12;tab-stops:list 36.0pt=
'> style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareas=
t-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-=
language:
EN-GB'>Interactive coastal risk map - shows which areas are at risk of
flooding and when style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareas=
t-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-=
language:
EN-GB'>
argin-bottom-alt:
auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo12;tab-stops:list 36.0pt=
'> style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareas=
t-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-=
language:
EN-GB'>Exemplar 20 minute neighbourhood to =
be
built outside Edinburgh family:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> :p>

 

 

 

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align=3Dleft
width=3D"100%" style=3D'width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;mso-yfti-t=
bllook:
1184;mso-table-lspace:2.25pt;mso-table-rspace:2.25pt;mso-table-anchor-ve=
rtical:
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1'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:18.0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-la=
nguage:
EN-GB'>News and Research

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
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mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

 

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ont-family:
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t;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

 

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style=3D'width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;mso-yfti-tbllook:1184;mso-p=
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0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'>
align=3Dleft
width=3D"100%" style=3D'width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;mso-yfti-t=
bllook:
1184;mso-table-lspace:2.25pt;mso-table-rspace:2.25pt;mso-table-anchor-ve=
rtical:
paragraph;mso-table-anchor-horizontal:column;mso-table-left:left;mso-pad=
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outline-level:
2'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Politics, Philosophy, Economics

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Housebuilding market study final report published - =
span> href=3D"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/housebuilding-market=
-study-final-report"> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Competition and Mark=
ets
Authority o",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>

=
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Warning: some of the coverage in the media =
has
selectively reported the findings, for example by stating that the repo=
rt
blames the planning system for most of the problems.  It
doesn t.  It cites a range of factors, of which the planning syste=
m is
just one.  The summary below tries to be as true to the source as
possible.   While the report looks at the situation in the UK=
, it
will be of interest to any country where the supply of housing land is
controlled by a planning system, and/or the housebuilding sector is
dominated by a small number of large firms (economists sometimes use the
term concentration   to describe this). style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
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mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>



This report goes through key issues impacting housebuilding across the
U.K.:

It finds that a housebuilding shortfall of at least 50,000 homes per an=
num
is caused by:

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l11 level1 =
lfo1;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The nature and
operation of the Planning System
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l11 level2=
lfo1;
tab-stops:list 72.0pt'> :"Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Lack of predictabi=
lity
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l11 level2=
lfo1;
tab-stops:list 72.0pt'> :"Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Length, cost, and
complexity of the planning process
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l11 level2=
lfo1;
tab-stops:list 72.0pt'> :"Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Insufficient clari=
ty,
consistency and strength of LPA targets, objectives, and incentiv=
es
to meet housing need.

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l11 level1 =
lfo1;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The limited amount =
of
housing being built outside the speculative approach (housebuilders
buying land in advance of the construction and sale of homes, for
profit, and without knowing the final price at which they will sell
the homes), with the alternatives being affordable housing,
self-build, and build-to-rent.
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l11 level2=
lfo1;
tab-stops:list 72.0pt'> :"Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The paper notes th=
at
this form of housebuilding is greatly impacted by the business cy=
cle
and macroeconomic outlook, i.e. housing demand r=
ather
than housing need, and tends to under-deliver housing
relative to the socially desirable level .
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l11 level2=
lfo1;
tab-stops:list 72.0pt'> :"Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The paper also
suggests that instead of building houses as quickly as possible,=
a
range of evidence shows housebuilders tend to build them at a rat=
e that
is consistent with the local absorption rates, lE>ie,
the rate at which houses can be sold without needing to reduce th=
eir
prices.
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l11 level2=
lfo1;
tab-stops:list 72.0pt'> :"Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The study notes
further that the profitability of the 11 largest housebuilders h=
as
been generally higher than we would expect in a well-functioning
market during those periods outside the Global Financial Crisis a=
nd
its immediate aftermath.

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The housing shortfall is also found to be
impacted to a lesser degree by weak competition in the following:

/o:p>

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l0 level1 l=
fo2;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Quality of new home=
s class=3DGramE>produced and service provided by housebuilder=
s
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l0 level2 =
lfo2;
tab-stops:list 72.0pt'> :"Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The study acknowle=
dges
limitations in how far competition drives quality:
=
an>
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l0 level3=
lfo2;
tab-stops:list 108.0pt'> ly:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-=
GB'>Consumers
are limited in the attention they give to quality over other
factors, such as location, availability, and price.
=
span>
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l0 level3=
lfo2;
tab-stops:list 108.0pt'> ly:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-=
GB'>Consumers
only have limited information available on quality when making
purchase decisions.

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l0 level2 =
lfo2;
tab-stops:list 72.0pt'> :"Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The study also
considers that redress routes are not sufficiently clear and
comprehensive to offer effective consumer protection for resolving
issues after purchase.

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l0 level1 l=
fo2;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> e:9.0pt;
font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times =
New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB=
'>Low-levels style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fa=
reast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fare=
ast-language:
EN-GB'> of innovation
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l0 level2 =
lfo2;
tab-stops:list 72.0pt'> :"Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The study finds th=
at
levels of innovation in the industry are lower than we might exp=
ect
in a dynamic, well-functioning market .
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l0 level2 =
lfo2;
tab-stops:list 72.0pt'> :"Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>It notes that the
take-up of modern construction methods has been slow, largely due=
to
high upfront costs, even where these are expected to reduce costs
over time, and the need for multiple stakeholders (including local
authorities, lenders, and warranty providers) to buy into take-up=
.
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l0 level2 =
lfo2;
tab-stops:list 72.0pt'> :"Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The study instead
argues that the key drivers for innovation in energy efficiency =
have
predominantly been government intervention through regulation,
stewardship, and funding rather than competition.
=
an>
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l0 level1 l=
fo2;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Private management =
of
public amenities on housing estates such as roads, sewers and
drainage, and public open spaces
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l0 level2 =
lfo2;
tab-stops:list 72.0pt'> :"Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The paper identifi=
es
significant consumer detriment in this regard:
/li>
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l0 level3=
lfo2;
tab-stops:list 108.0pt'> ly:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-=
GB'>Arrangements
often come with inadequate protections for consumers and create
significant detriment for households over an extended period. p>
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l0 level3=
lfo2;
tab-stops:list 108.0pt'> ly:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-=
GB'> The
root cause of detriment for such households is the reduction in
levels of adoption, meaning that households end up paying for
amenities which are used by the public. This has resulted in a
proliferation of private management arrangements in which estate
management companies may possess significant market power and fa=
ce
limited competitive constraints to deliver services at a reasona=
ble
price or to an acceptable level of quality.
=
li>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Nevertheless, the study does not consider =
that
competition in the land market, or the land banks held by different
housebuilders individually or in aggregate either locally or nationally=
, is
significantly distorting competition between housebuilders in delivering
houses , but that these reflect underlying issues in the operation of =
the
market such as the planning system. It does suggest further investigat=
ion
for this sector, however.

Initial recommendations include:

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l8 level1 l=
fo3;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Public amenities
(roads, sewers and drainage, and public open spaces)
=
pan>
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l8 level2 =
lfo3;
tab-stops:list 72.0pt'> :"Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Address the increa=
sing
prevalence of private estate management arrangements and the nega=
tive
effects this can have and consider options to support the adoptio=
n of
public amenities on estates currently under private management
arrangements.

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l8 level1 l=
fo3;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Housing quality
>
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l8 level2 =
lfo3;
tab-stops:list 72.0pt'> :"Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Improve quality and
redress routes for consumers.

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l8 level1 l=
fo3;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Planning system
>
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l8 level2 =
lfo3;
tab-stops:list 72.0pt'> :"Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Acknowledging the
other political objectives impacting regulations etc. the study
limits itself to proposals such as
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l8 level3=
lfo3;
tab-stops:list 108.0pt'> ly:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-=
GB'>More
objective and effective use of targets to ensure housing need is
met.
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l8 level3=
lfo3;
tab-stops:list 108.0pt'> ly:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-=
GB'>Streamlining
the planning system to significantly increase the ability of
housebuilders to begin work on new projects sooner.
=
span>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>However, the paper emphasises that even if
policymakers make the changes we have proposed, the market may still not
deliver the quantity of homes, supporting a level of affordability, that
policymakers find acceptable . Indeed, the paper acknowledges that =
looking
at the history of this market, it is notable that housebuilding has only
reached the levels that are currently being targeted in periods where
significant supply was provided via local authority building .



The paper acknowledges that:

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l2 level1 l=
fo4;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>market outcomes are
heavily influenced by external factors, such as interest rates,
mortgage availability, the rate of new household formation,
demographic change and the level of household =
incomes;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l2 level1 l=
fo4;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>market cyclicality =
and
the speculative housebuilding model means that private housebuilde=
rs
do not collectively have the necessary incentives to build houses =
at
the rate required to meet policymakers objectives.
=
an>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The paper therefore further recommends:

>

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l9 level1 l=
fo5;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>encouraging non-spe=
culative
housebuilding models including self- or custom-build homes.

=
o:p>

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l9 level1 l=
fo5;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>considering reformi=
ng
the land market or building on existing measures to further support
increasing build-out rates. For instance, governments could consid=
er a
more active role for the public sector in the purchase and assembl=
y of
land for development.
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l9 level1 l=
fo5;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>increasing
significantly their delivery of publicly-funde=
d
housing by local authorities or housing associations.
=
span>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Competition probe launched into 8 major house builders by the
Competition and Markets Authority  href=3D"https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2024/02/26/competition-pro=
be-launched-into-8-major-house-builders/"> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>>>>>=
an> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
b>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Urban Theory by and for Whom? Engaged Research, Authorship and
Transformation Beyond the Academy -  href=3D"https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/27541258241236879=
"> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Dialogues in Urban
Research ",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>This paper is a personal response to Loretta
Lees   href=3D"https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/27541258231210201"> an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#F46C32;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>plenary 9.0pt;
font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New R=
oman";
color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'> at the Association of American Geographers Annual Meeting =
in
2023, where she emphasised the importance of engaged research and dialo=
gue,
reflecting on her experience as a working class academic as well as on =
her
own discomfort as an inside-outsider in urban studies as a result of =
her
perception of its privileged position and tendency to marginalise other
forms of knowledge.



The paper explores how to bring critical urban studies closer to the
communities and concerns that animate it, from extending opportunities=
for
dialogue and engagement beyond academia to expanding urban scholarshi=
p to
include non-academic authorship .

 

 

outline-level:
2'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Built Environment 

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>An exemplar 20-minute neighbourhood to be built outside
Edinburgh  href=3D"https://www.timeout.com/uk/news/a-massive-2-billion-town-is-bei=
ng-built-just-outside-edinburgh-022024"> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>>>>>=
an> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
b>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Landmark buildings that have been reinvented  href=3D"https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-68369406"> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>>>>>=
an> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
b>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Including Battersea Power Station, flour mi=
lls,
grain silos etc

 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>How the Barbican became one of London s most popular places&nbsp=
; href=3D"https://www.domusweb.it/en/architecture/gallery/2024/02/23/less=
ons-from--the-barbican.html"> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>>>>>=
an> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
b>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>A historical perspective.

 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>A data-driven approach to analyse the co-evolution of urban syst=
ems
through a resilience lens: A Helsinki case study - =
> href=3D"https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/23998083241235246=
"> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Environment and Plan=
ning
B: Urban Analytics and City Science ze:
10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New=
Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
p>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>This study uses a series of snapshots of
spatial data focusing on how the road infrastructure, socioeconomic sys=
tem
and buildings of Helsinki co-evolved and adapted to crises between
1991-2016.

The study s findings included the long-term effects of a recession in t=
he
1990s in terms of socioeconomic disparities, and it noted that buildings
and road infrastructure change relatively slowly, while socioeconomic
characteristics exhibit greater volatility.

The study further suggests that new development of buildings and road
infrastructure connectivity follows plans driven by factors such as the
availability of space, previous constructions or planning interests ra=
ther
than socioeconomic changes.

The study emphasises from its findings that urban planning should consi=
der
more flexible timescales and adopt a more holistic approach rather than
focusing on a single aspect of urban development, studying various syst=
ems
collectively.

           ⁼
        
 

outline-level:
2'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Humans, Health, Society

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'> Almost 10m UK households living in cold, damp, poorly insulated
homes   href=3D"https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/feb/22/almost-10m-uk-h=
ouseholds-living-in-cold-damp-poorly-insulated-homes"> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>>>>>=
an> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
b>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>The 'chronoworking' productivity hac=
k that
may help some workers excel  href=3D"https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240220-chronoworking-pro=
ductivity-hack"> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>>>>>=
an> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
b>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Urban Park qualities driving visitors
mental well-being and wildlife conservation in a Neotropical
megacity -  href=3D"https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-55357-2"> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Scientific Reports=
span> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
b>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>This study first divides the characteristic=
s of
greenspaces into naturalness (how natural an area seems), soundscape (h=
ow
pleasant the surrounding sounds are), management (maintenance of facili=
ties
and vegetation), and safety, and then surveys how far these contribute =
to
an individual s perceived restoration (Attention Restoration Theory). r>
The paper emphasises that the quality of the space impacts the user s
experience:

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l4 level1 l=
fo6;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> ly:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB=
'>Safety
was the strongest factor font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times =
New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB=
'>,
particularly for women, a basic condition for the others to be
effective.  This perception was impacted by how well-maintain=
ed
an area was explained by the Broken Windows theory: when signs =
of
disorder are left unrepaired the feeling of carelessness raises
fearfulness in residents, which may not be associated with an actu=
al
increase in crime rates .
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l4 level1 l=
fo6;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> ly:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB=
'>Naturalness
had the second strongest effect :9.0pt;
font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times =
New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB=
'>,
when users had an impression of being in a place similar to a nat=
ural
habitat with several animal and plant species , emphasising the
importance of biodiversity.
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l4 level1 l=
fo6;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>For vegetation the
beneficial effect of higher levels of tree canopy was noted.

/o:p>

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l4 level1 l=
fo6;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The study also found
that accessible and natural water features had a positive effect. o:p>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Teens benefit from "forest bathing" even in cities&n=
bsp; href=3D"https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1035684" target=3D"_bl=
ank"> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font=
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0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>>>>>=
an> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
b>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>This University of Waterloo study is the fi=
rst
to measure the impact of urban environments on adolescent mental
health through real-time surveys.

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l1 level1 l=
fo7;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> ly:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB=
'>Natural
spaces tica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> like parks,
trails, and waterways significantly reduce anxiety in teens compar=
ed
to busy downtown areas.
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l1 level1 l=
fo7;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Even brief exposure=
to
nature (2-3 minutes) shows positive effects.
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l1 level1 l=
fo7;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> ly:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB=
'>Urban
design elements ly:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB=
'> like
nature motifs on buildings, landscaping, and access to parks can
improve youth well-being.
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l1 level1 l=
fo7;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The study emphasizes
the importance of considering youth perspectives =
in
urban planning and design.

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Future research will explore the lo=
ng-term
effects of urban environments on mental and physical health,
including the impact of high-rise living on children.

=

bottom:
7.5pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:13.5pt'> t;
font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New R=
oman";
color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>This research highlights the positive effects of nature on teena=
ge
mental health and advocates for incorporating more natural elements into
urban design to enhance young people's well-being.

 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Exposure to more ready-to-eat food outlets linked to a higher ri=
sk
of heart failure, in a new study in the Circulation:  /b> href=3D"https://newsroom.heart.org/news/living-near-pubs-bars-and-fast-=
food-restaurants-could-be-bad-for-heart-health?preview=3Dfb9e&preview_m=
ode=3DTrue"
target=3D"_blank"> ns-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#F46C32;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Heart Failure journal :10.5pt;
font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
p>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Safe air-quality levels in US, UK and EU still harmful for heal=
th,
study says  href=3D"https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/21/air-polluti=
on-quality-harmful"> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>>>>>=
an> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
b>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Air Pollution - higher levels of air pollution impair team
performance according to University of Cambridge Study using London an
class=3DGramE>data

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>A new study finds that high levels of air
pollution decrease team's abilities to solve complex tasks, such as tho=
se
that are crucial for innovation in fields such as clean energy and
vaccines.

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l7 level1 l=
fo8;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The study used data
from 15,000 escape room games in London, class=3DSpellE>analyzing teams completing collaborative puz=
zles
within a time limit.
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l7 level1 l=
fo8;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Results showed a&nb=
sp;5%
increase in completion time for teams participating on hi=
gh-pollution
days compared to low-pollution days.
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l7 level1 l=
fo8;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>This effect
is more pronounced for corporate teams than younger grou=
ps
and occurs at levels below WHO air quality guidelines.

=
o:p>

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l7 level1 l=
fo8;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The study
suggests negative impacts on economic development in hig=
hly
polluted emerging economies where team-based innovation is crucial=
.
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l7 level1 l=
fo8;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Authors
recommend reducing air pollution as a potential way
to boost innovation and economic growth in these regions=
.

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The research will provide a boost to cities
introducing Ultra-low emission zones, and co=
uld be
critical to improving the competitiveness of the city economy. 

 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Early life exposure to air pollution linked to increased asthma
incidence in early and middle childhood  href=3D"https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/28=
15586?utm_source=3DFor_The_Media&utm_medium=3Dreferral&utm_campaign=
=3Dftm_links&utm_term=3D022824"
target=3D"_blank"> ns-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#F46C32;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>>>>> font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
p>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Why do people not prepare for disasters? A national survey from
China -  href=3D"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44304-024-00001-2"> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>npj style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> Natural Hazards=
an> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
b>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>This survey-based study found that the main
reasons for a lack of preparedness for disasters we=
re

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l6 level1 l=
fo9;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>lack of awareness, o:p>
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l6 level1 l=
fo9;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>limited access to p=
reparedness
products or services, and
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l6 level1 l=
fo9;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> "Helvetica",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>low perceived respo=
nse
efficacy.  (which probably means a feeling of helplessness) :p>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> The study therefore emphasises the importa=
nce
of community outreach and public education from disaster and emergency
management professionals and providing channels for the public to become
aware of and access either products or services or skills about disaster
risk reduction.



 

outline-level:
2'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Movement

outline-level:
2'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'> 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Case-control study of Vision Zero road safety projects in Seattle
concludes that they are unlikely to have negative impacts on local busi=
ness
sales  href=3D"https://www.washington.edu/news/2024/02/28/vision-zero-road-saf=
ety-projects-in-seattle-are-unlikely-to-have-negative-impacts-on-local-busi=
ness-sales-uw-study-finds/"
target=3D"_blank"> ns-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#F46C32;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>>>>> font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
p>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Seattle aspires to be both walkable and
bike-friendly, and its Vision Zero programme aims to eliminate traffic
deaths and injuries (Vision Zero) through infrastructure projects.&nbsp=
; class=3DGramE>However businesses sometimes oppose these projects
fearing revenue loss due to parking reduction and traffic disruption. A
University of Washington study has found no negative impact on business=
es
near such projects for three years after construction.



Researchers analysed seven different safety projects and compared
businesses near them to similar ones unaffected. Neither case or control
businesses saw any significant sales change, suggesting minimal economic
harm from the projects.  The study has limitations, like not
considering specific business types or the impact of unaffected parking
options.



Overall, the study suggests that Seattle's Vision Zero projects might n=
ot
negatively impact local businesses, potentially even benefiting them in
some cases. This can help encourage collaboration between city officials
and businesses in creating safer and more walkable communities.



 

outline-level:
2'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Natural Environment 

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> 

Growing certain , such as maize, can cause soil erosion and runoff on
high-risk soils leading to pollution and flooding - =
n> href=3D"https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/dcis/managing-land-su=
stainably/"> style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#F46C32;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Environment Agency style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

Sandy soils are vulnerable to soil erosion.

Clay soils are vulnerable to compaction, loss of permeability and
consequent increases in run off.

Growth of maize involves creating a bare seed-bed at times of year which
may also increase run-off.

Past research suggests that healthy, uncompacted soils play a crucial r=
ole
in flood risk mitigation.

 

style=3D'font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-f=
ont-family:
"Times New Roman";color:black;display:none;mso-hide:all;mso-font-kerning:0p=
t;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

 

dth=3D"100%"
style=3D'width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;mso-yfti-tbllook:1184;mso-p=
adding-alt:
0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'>
align=3Dleft
width=3D"100%" style=3D'width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;mso-yfti-t=
bllook:
1184;mso-table-lspace:2.25pt;mso-table-rspace:2.25pt;mso-table-anchor-ve=
rtical:
paragraph;mso-table-anchor-horizontal:column;mso-table-left:left;mso-pad=
ding-alt:
0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> 

outline-level:
2'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Energy, Climate Change

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Wetlands, parks and even botanical gardens among the best ways to
cool cities during heatwaves   href=3D"https://www.surrey.ac.uk/news/wetlands-parks-and-even-botanical=
-gardens-among-best-ways-cool-cities-during-heatwaves"> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>>>>>=
an> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
b>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>These are the findings of a systematic revi=
ew
of the efficacy of Green Blue Infrastructure (GBGI) for mitigating urban
heat by researchers at the University of Surrey. The findings show that
GBGI offers a promising strategy for urban cooling, with various
co-benefits such as stormwater management and carbon sequestration.
However, unintended consequences like increased maintenance costs and
potential land-use conflicts also exist. The effectiveness of GBGI vari=
es
depending on factors like location, type of environment, and climatic
conditions. Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps in are=
as
like water availability, optimal design strategies, and long-term
performance.



Results obtained by measurement, modelling a=
nd
mixed methods:

 

0 width=3D680
style=3D'width:510.0pt;border-collapse:collapse;mso-yfti-tbllook:1184;
mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'>

b> style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>FEATURE: :"Arial",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

b> style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>AVERAGE COOLING EFFECT: 0pt;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Rom=
an";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> o:p>

b> style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>VARIATION: ly:
"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>Botanical gardens

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>-5.0 C

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>-2.2 C to -10 C

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>Wetlands

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>-4.7 C

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>-1.2 C to -12 C

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>Rain gardens

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>-4.5 C

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>-1.3 C to -7 C

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>Green walls

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>-4.1 C

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>-0.1 C to -18 C

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>Street trees

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>-3.8 C

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>-0.5 C to -12 C

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>City farms

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>-3.5 C

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>-3.0 C to -3.9 C

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>Parks

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>-3.2 C

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>-0.8 C to -10 C

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>Reservoirs

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>-2.9 C 

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>-1.8 C to -5 C

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>Playgrounds

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>-2.9 C

span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-=
font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast=
-language:
EN-GB'>-2.8 C to -3 C

outline-level:
2'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>



s-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>For convenience we are repeating the following research summary =
from
last week's Urban Update pt;
font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
p>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>When it comes to cooling cities, polycentric development with lo=
ts
of dispersed green spaces works best  href=3D"https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2024/02/multiple-city-hubs-dis=
persed-parks-keep-metro-areas-cooler"> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB;text-decoration:none;
text-underline:none'>>>>> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
b>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>This Cornell University study investigated =
how
urban design affects heat mitigation in cities. Researchers compared two
scenarios:

1. Monocentric: A single, dominant city centre with sprawl =
of
impervious surfaces (e.g., concrete) absorbing heat.

2. Polycentric: Multiple, smaller city centres with dispers=
ed
green spaces throughout the urban area.



The findings showed that polycentric development with dispersed
green spaces cools cities down more effectively than monocentric
development due to several factors:

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l10 level1 =
lfo10;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> ly:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB=
'>Reduced
heat absorption: ily:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB=
'> Smaller, dispersed
green spaces break up large swathes of heat-absorbing
surfaces, offering more cooling throughout the city.

=
p>

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l10 level1 =
lfo10;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> ly:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB=
'>Improved
air circulation: ily:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB=
'> Multiple
city centres allow for better air flow, preventing heat from
getting trapped.

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>This effect is particularly benefic=
ial
for larger metropolitan areas, highlighting the importance of =
coordinated
regional planning for heat mitigation strategies. While denser
urban development has other sustainability benefits, it's crucial to
integrate green spaces and avoid sprawling heat traps.

The study suggests that regional-level planning can:

=
o:p>

mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l3 level1 l=
fo11;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> ly:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB=
'>Promote
polycentric development: font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times =
New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB=
'> Create
multiple, smaller city centres instead of a single, domi=
nant
one.
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l3 level1 l=
fo11;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> ly:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB=
'>Coordinate
green space patterns: font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times =
New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB=
'> Ensure
green spaces are dispersed throughout the region, not just
concentrated in one area.
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:13.5pt;mso-list:l3 level1 l=
fo11;
tab-stops:list 36.0pt'> ly:
"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB=
'>Increase
density in suburban nodes: t;
font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times =
New Roman";
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB=
'> Make
existing suburban areas more compact and walkable, reducing
reliance on cars and heat-generating sprawl.

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>These strategies, beyond mitigating the urb=
an
heat island effect, offer additional benefits like limiting sprawl,
promoting public transit use, and increasing affordable housing.

  

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Japanese cherry blossom set to start 10 days earlier this year d=
ue
to global warming  href=3D"https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240223-climate-change-thwa=
rts-cherry-blossom-travel"> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>>>>>=
an> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
b>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Megacities are causal pacemakers of extreme heatwaves -&nbs=
p; class=3DSpellE> 148-x"> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>npj style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> Urban Sustainablity=
style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
b>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Of interest if you are a researcher working=
in
this area. 

 

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>Solving Singapore's Urban Heat Island Effect  href=3D"https://research.smu.edu.sg/news/2024/feb/01/solving-singapore%=
E2%80%99s-urban-heat-island-effect"
target=3D"_blank"> ns-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#F46C32;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>>>>> font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
p>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Discusses creating a "digital twin&quo=
t;
of Singapore to model the effect.  Digital Urban Climate Twin
(DUCT).

outline-level:
4'> mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetic=
a;
color:#222222;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-langu=
age:
EN-GB'>

Interactive Coastal Flood Risk Map  href=3D"https://coastal.climatecentral.org/"> 0.5pt;
font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#F46C32;mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>>>>> /a> style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;mso-fareast-fon=
t-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;color:#222222;mso-font=
-kerning:
0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>

=
b>

an
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;mso-fareast=
-font-family:
"Times New Roman";color:#202020;mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;
mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>An interactive map showing areas threatened=
by
sea level rise and coastal flooding. Combining the most advanced
global model of coastal elevations with the latest projections for futu=
re
flood levels.