From COVID-19 to a "new normal": could we support a "healthy renaissance" for our cities?

Abstract

Background: At the beginning of 2020, worldwide public debate focused on the fight against the climate crisis. Many challenges are ahead of us, from health emergencies, with the pandemics underway, to the exhaustion of natural resources, to major climate change.

Discussion: Many cities face health threats related to urban and land use planning, while infectious diseases thrive in overcrowded cities: living in unhealthy environments killed 12,6 million people in 2012 and air pollution killed 7 million people in 2016. Urbanization is one of the major global trends of the 21st century and has a significant impact on health. Over 55% of the world's population lives in urban areas, a percentage that is expected to increase to 68% by 2050.

Conclusions: Developing new and more sustainable ways of living, moving, utilizing resources, and accessing services including healthcare and education, is crucial to preserve our future and the future of the next generations.