Healthy Suburbs: A Case Study

Abstract

Studies of the low-carbon urban transition have tended to focus on the inner city, since this is where rapid progress can be made most readily. Low density suburbs in new, car-dominated cities have received less attention, although this is the setting in which the majority of the urban population live, in many countries. Why are these parts of the city neglected, and what prospects exist for climate mitigation with health co-benefits? I will attempt to answer these questions, with reference to early results from Te Ara Mua – Future Streets, a controlled before-after intervention study of street improvements to improve safety and increase walking and cycling. The setting is a low-income Auckland suburb with a high proportion of Māori and Pacific residents. Outcomes include physical activity, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, injuries and social wellbeing.