People I (Mostly) Admire 44. Edward Glaeser Explains Why Some Cities Thrive While Others Fade Away
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Sep 11, 2021 Edward Glaeser, a Harvard professor renowned for his expertise in urban economics and author of "Triumph of the City," delves into what makes cities thrive. He compares the surprising functionality of Mumbai’s slums to the empty luxury housing in China. Glaeser also discusses historical urban challenges, including how cities are resilient against pandemics. The conversation touches on the intricate relationship between local policies, education, and economic prospects, offering captivating insights into the anatomy of urban success and decline.
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Wealth, Poverty, and Safety
- In Rio, the proximity of wealth and poverty is striking, with armed guards protecting the rich near favelas.
- While India also has slums, they function differently with a sense of social order and safety.
China's Housing Vacancy
- China's large-scale city building has resulted in high vacancy rates in high-quality housing outside major cities.
- This suggests a mismatch between housing quality and affordability for many seeking urban life.
Urbanization Approaches
- Brazil's approach to urbanization allows informal settlements like favelas, while China controls urban development more strictly.
- While favelas have challenges, formal Western urban development wasn't always ideal either.
