How ‘compact cities’ guide growth while protecting people and planet

The World Economic Forum highlights compact cities as a crucial solution for balancing urban growth with environmental and social sustainability. Compact cities promote dense, mixed-use development that reduces land consumption, cuts carbon emissions, and improves access to services and public transport. They are seen as essential for protecting both people and the planet amid rapid urbanization. Learners are encouraged to explore this guide to understand how smart urban design can create resilient, livable, and inclusive communities while addressing the urgent challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and inequality.