Difference between revisions of "Empowerment of city centers"

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== 2010 - 2015 ==
== 2010 - 2015 ==
The 2008 financial crisis was a major turning point in the history of mankind, opening a new era of doing business. The great recession caused high levels of unemployment in western countries, economic slowdown in emerging markets and saw government support consolidation in the finance industry. This credit crisis revealed cracks in an economic system that was the gold standard for decades. The system, fuelled by greed and speculation, created an artificial and ephemeral value for companies and people. Since, people showed lack of confidence in the financial system and professionals started to reconsider financial measurements in their performance and control systems.
Austerity measures implemented by governments helped balance budgets and restored consumer confidence. However pushed by constituent anger, the governments enacted legislation to overhaul the financial industry. Stricter regulations against excessive speculation and financial market abuse as well as more independent controls were implemented. Companies were forced to find innovative ways to create value out of the pure financial bubble. Thus started the beginning of an economic transformation.
Markets were geared toward sustainable growth and industry was focused on producing and recycling quality products. Gone are the days of profit seeking by mass production and economies of scale and in are the days of business strategies devoted to quality and sustainability.
Between 2010 and 2012, three major oil spills happened in the Golf of Mexico, in the Persian Gulf and in the North Sea, releasing about 20 million barrels of crude oil in the water.  By mid -2012, the oil price rose to $250/barrel.
A new consumer emerged, an eco-friendly consumer.  People started to reduce their energy bills by changing using recycled products and economical solutions for lighting and travelling. Demand for substitutes to oil increased (LPG, ethanol, buthanol, electricity...) Businesses modified their processes and their products to limit waste, reduce raw materials in production and to cut energy consumption. Offices spaces were reduced and concentrated in city centres.
From 2013, increasing flows of population migration to cities were observed as well as higher concentrations of companies in the city centre. People reduced the use of personal car to commute more economically.  Real estate price rose in big cities, but remained affordable for households as standards of living and consuming changed.


== 2015 -2020 ==
== 2015 -2020 ==
In 2015, the economy recovered to 2008 levels, investors regained confidence and began investing in businesses that demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development. Governments gave fiscal incentives to green companies, producing carbon-neutral, recyclable, or renewable energy-based products. This transformation led to the adoption of biometrics-based transactions, reducing the use of credit cards, paper money, and paper tickets etc....
To counter act an ageing population, western countries eased immigration legislation. Immigrants provided support to welfare systems and healthcare infrastructures.
Increased demand for green products caused heavy investment in the sector and a steep reduction in prices.  Technology kept pace with consumer demand and the green wave gave birth to green cities, with high-density population, using more environment-friendly infrastructures and solar energy supplied skyscrapers for office spaces, public buildings and housings. Living a green lifestyle became a powerful movement as cities invested in walking paths, public transit, and other forms of green transportation.  Cities centres became bigger, extended horizontally as well as vertically to welcome an increasing population. Cities dwelling became a symbol of a healthy happy life and people longed to live there.


== 2020 - 2025 ==
== 2020 - 2025 ==
By 2020, the cradle-to-cradle system became a standard in business. The C2C certification delivered by the independent auditors and governmental institutions became as important as the ISO quality certifications. This new business model had a positive impact on GHG issues as 40% of the worldwide energy produced in 2025 was from fossil fuels as opposed as 90% in 2010. Nuclear power (25%) and renewable energies (35%) were promoted and supported by fiscal stimulus. Cleaner city center continue to attract business and social activities.

Latest revision as of 10:11, 28 August 2010

Overview

2010 - 2015

2015 -2020

2020 - 2025

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