Japan Recommends Urban Centralisation
Urban Ecology News. 2007.8.24
Japanese Ministry of the Environment recommends the centralization of cities to curb global warming and improve urban amenity.
In Japan residential areas and large-scale retail stores are being built in the suburbs and even public facilities such as city halls and hospitals are being transferred to the suburbs. Such decentralization prevents people leading convenient lives without driving their own cars.
Centralized cities will increase daily life convenience for seniors and others who cannot drive, reduce infrastructure maintenance and other burdens on public finances, and revitalize local communities.
Cities should treat natural resources such as waterfronts, green areas and ventilation pathways as important city infrastructure for improving the quality of life. Such infrastructure can be developed through large-scale street tree planting projects and appropriately designed public transport.
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Source: Japan for Sustainability