City planning policies to support health and sustainability: an international comparison of policy indicators for 25 cities
Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: City planning policies influence urban lifestyles, health, and sustainability. We assessed policy frameworks for city planning for 25 cities across 19 lower-middle-income countries, upper-middle-income countries, and high-income countries to identify whether these policies supported the creation of healthy and sustainable cities. We systematically collected policy data for evidence-informed indicators related to integrated city planning, air pollution, destination accessibility, distribution of employment, demand management, design, density, distance to public transport, and transport infrastructure investment. Content analysis identified strengths, limitations, and gaps in policies, allowing us to draw comparisons between cities. We found that despite common policy rhetoric endorsing healthy and sustainable cities, there was a paucity of measurable policy targets in place to achieve these aspirations. Some policies were inconsistent with public health evidence, which sets up barriers to achieving healthy and sustainable urban environments. There is an urgent need to build capacity for health-enhancing city planning policy and governance, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries.
Source: The Lancet Global Health
Authors: Melanie Lowe, Deepti Adlakha, James F Sallis, Deborah Salvo, Ester Cerin, Anne Vernez Moudon, Carl Higgs, Erica Hinckson, Jonathan Arundel, Geoff Boeing, Shiqin Liu, Perla Mansour, Klaus Gebel, Anna Puig-Ribera, Pinki Bhasin Mishra, Tamara Bozovic, Jacob Carson, Jan Dygrýn, Alex A Florindo, Thanh Phuong Ho, Hannah Hook, Ruth F Hunter, Poh-Chin Lai, Javier Molina-García, Kornsupha Nitvimol, Adewale L Oyeyemi, Carolina D G Ramos, Eugen Resendiz, Jens Troelsen, Frank Witlox, Billie Giles-Corti
Institutions: The University of Melbourne, North Carolina State University, University of California San Diego, Australian Catholic University, Washington University in St. Louis, University of Hong Kong, University of Washington, RMIT University, Auckland University of Technology, University of Southern California, Northeastern University, Queen's University Belfast, University of Technology Sydney, The University of Sydney, Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya, Palacký University Olomouc, Universidade de São Paulo, Ghent University, Arizona State University, Universitat de València, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, University of Maiduguri, University of Lisbon, Centro de Investigação em Arquitetura Urbanismo e Design, University of Southern Denmark, University of Tartu, The University of Western Australia
Language: English
Subfield: Transportation
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $5,500
Funders: Washington University in St. Louis, Arizona State University, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, UK Research and Innovation, Northeastern University, Department for the Economy, Queen's University Belfast, Australian Catholic University, Queen's University, Universitat de València, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Universiteit Gent, Universidade de São Paulo, Universidade de Lisboa, Syddansk Universitet, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chicago Center for Diabetes Translation Research, Economic and Social Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
OpenAlex ID: W4280507206