Making new cities in climate emergency calls for respecting nature

city does not exist outside of its natural conditions, no matter how much air conditioning or bottled water we use. As Climate Change continues to increase in intensity and variability, it is necessary to pay attention to building sustainable cities as well as an inclusive and democratic urban fabric. New Towns, or new cities, can be exciting alternatives to congested cities but can equally fall into the trap of prevailing urban planning dogmas. City-making has to move from short-term profit goals, away from the old tabula rasa approach, towards an ecologically sustainable and socially equitable process. So, want to build a New Town? Plant a forest first.