10 ways cities are tackling the global affordable housing crisis

Research finds that only 10% of cities worldwide are affordable.

The unprecedented rate of urbanization across the world has led to increased demand for good, affordable housing.

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Politics & Current Affairs

Bird-friendly buildings on the rise

Humans blame cats for killing birds, but our buildings are far worse.

The Jacob Javits Center in New York City, 2003. (Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images)
  • Nearly a billion birds are killed every year after flying into windows.
  • The American Bird Conservancy published an extensive guide to incorporating bird-friendly design into buildings.
  • Over twenty cities have programs to help reduce the number of avian deaths.
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Technology & Innovation

Growing up in nature reduces mental issues by up to 55%

As we urbanize, a new study flags the need for lots of green spaces.

(haireena/Shutterstock)
  • A childhood spent in green spaces reduces the chance of acquiring adult mental disorders by 15% to 55%.
  • A comprehensive study tracked the life stories of one million Danes to reach this conclusion.
  • Humanity is moving to cities, and the report underscores the need for ample green spaces for children.
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Mind & Brain

Copenhagen residents are torn over Denmark's proposed 'Silicon Valley'

It may create the conditions for further inequality.

Architectural rendering by Urban Power for Hvidovre Municipality
  • The Danish government is building nine artificial islands known as Holmene off the coast of Hvidovre.
  • The 33 million square feet of new land will house 380 businesses and 170 acres of parkland, creating 30,000 new jobs.
  • Local residents fear this project will alienate the middle class while disrupting traffic and public transportation systems in nearby Copenhagen.
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Technology & Innovation

The states with the happiest Americans spend more money on ‘public goods’

People prefer to live in states that invest in life-easing amenities.

  • Study reveals the Americans who live in states that spend more on tangible "public goods" are happier.
  • This spending makes communities "more livable."
  • Pain of higher property taxes largely balanced out by higher property values and quality of life.
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Politics & Current Affairs