Cities 1.5 Economics and the City
Jan 13, 2026
Cities worldwide are redefining success beyond GDP, focusing on human well-being and ecological limits. Kate Raworth discusses the principles of Donut Economics, which promote social and environmental balance. Milan's innovative food waste strategy showcases the city's commitment to sustainability. Tshwane is paving the way for inclusivity and skills development through green initiatives. Rotterdam ties circular economy concepts to resilience against global shocks. Overall, urban areas are emerging as hopeful hubs of innovation amid global challenges.
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Donut As A New Compass
- The Donut frames prosperity as meeting everyone's needs within planetary limits.
- It replaces endless GDP growth with a double boundary of social foundation and ecological ceiling.
Publish A City Portrait
- Cities should build a data or city portrait to visualize social shortfalls and ecological overshoots.
- Use that portrait to translate global impacts into local policy and public decision-making.
Reveal Hidden Global Impacts
- Visualizing global social indicators reveals hidden dependencies on more vulnerable countries.
- This makes environmental and social externalities visible and accountable in city planning.
