This paper is effectively about the smart use of Social capital, bureaucratic organisations understand and use that term frequently. But many would argue that social capital and grass roots ownership of processes are far apart. What I am explaining here is how that gap can be bridged in a way that truly empowers and values communities. It is not a generic process but is based on the complex characteristics of the individual area, socially, geographically and economically. It looks at individual precincts within cities, at their heritage and culture, customs, traditions, even language and place...


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This paper is effectively about the smart use of Social capital, bureaucratic organisations understand and use that term frequently. But many would argue that social capital and grass roots ownership of processes are far apart. What I am explaining here is how that gap can be bridged in a way that truly empowers and values communities. It is not a generic process but is based on the complex characteristics of the individual area, socially, geographically and economically. It looks at individual precincts within cities, at their heritage and culture, customs, traditions, even language and place...


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Alex Steffen: The shareable future of cities Alex Steffen,  a long time climate change campaigner, journalist and founder of online magazine www.worldchanging.com recently gave an inspiring talk at www.ted.com which I wanted to share with you here. Steffen explains that in the developed world, our response to climate change has focused largely on a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy which he says is a recipe for disaster. Not because renewable energy is a bad idea, but because the trajectory of emissions growth posed by a rapidly urbanising world is likely to outstrip any capacity...


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