NextWorld: Future of Cities

In a Science Channel airing of NextWorld, professionals are asked what the future holds for the world's major cities. By 2050, large cities within American will begin to overlap one another, creating sprawling urban areas holding 75% of the human population. Will these major cities be sustainable? It is a question that scares some, but the answers may be surprising.

Some researchers believe the huge advantages of growing food within major cities and saving on transportation costs will give rise to massive, vertical greenhouses that will be capable of producing much of the desired and needed food surpluses in the future. One scientist estimates 165 30-story greenhouses with bases the size of a New York City block will be sufficient to sustain the entire city.

What about another necessity to life? Water bills can be made substantially cheaper in most parts of the world by harnessing the rain that falls onto our roofs. With large water collectors placed on roofs, the cool falling rain can be circulated throughout buildings to help relieve the pressure on air conditioners, or filtered to be used in the plumbing.

However, the most interesting, and to some the most apocalyptic problem, is how to create cities that are energy independent of fossil fuels. Treasure Island, a self-sustained community planned in San Fransisco Bay, provides the blueprint. In order to create enough energy to sustain 12,000 inhabitants, the community will rely on energy from the sun, the wind, and the tides. Underwater turbines, wind turbines, and transparent photovoltaic cells that cover the tall office buildings are the solution.

To check out this episode, check out NextWorld on the Science Channel!