Anthropolis: A Tale of Two Cities

A Tale of Two Cities

It's been over 18 years since Anthropolis was first published by the Mercer University Press - even longer since the seminal ideas began percolating in the early 1970's.  Much has changed - there is widespread recognition that global warming, climate change and even peak oil are realities; what hasn't changed is inadequate resolve in addressing the challenges - by governments, businesses and individuals alike.  At least the concept of sustainability has garnered public attention, with some countries, states and cities progressing beyond mere lip service.

Saddam Hussein did not follow the course I outlined - although I'm sure he thought about it.  But the treat to the United States and the world economy remains, given dependence on critical and limited resources over which we exercise even more limited control, acerbated by the pace of economic development in China, India and other developing countries.  Tightening of oil supplies is on the horizon, with only a short-term respite provided by the recent global recession.

We have made the one technological breakthrough I anticipated - better battery technology has made electric cars and hybrids a reality.  The next breakthrough will hopefully be cheaper, higher capacity and more durable batteries that can be quick-charged and allow greater range for pure electric vehicles.  The premise remains, however, that we must reduce dependence on the private automobile for day to day mobility if we are ever to approach a sustainable society.  Anthropolis remains as relevant as ever.

I wish again to acknowledge and thank those who have share my commitment to making the world and our cities more 'humane' and sustainable - those from my city government days in Colorado, and new compatriots who have joined me as citizen activists and educators in Macon, Georgia.  I also wish to thank the numerous students and professors at Mercer University who have read and reacted to Anthropolis - their observations have been most informative, and led me to refine many of my ideas. 

I have not edited Anthropolis for its e-book release, as it has stood the test of time.  I have, however, added several notable works to the suggested reading list - just a handful of the significant contributions that have been made in the last twenty years.