Cracks and Wrinkles

We've known for some time that as cities get larger, they become more productive. The Kleiber effects hows that, with remarkable consistency, the number of patents, average pay, and a range of other factors increases by 15% per head of population if the city doubles in size. People also walk 15% faster too. 

There is a limiting factor, though. Resources. All the energy to feed that activity has to come from somewhere. Cities, as yet, do not feed themselves, provide their own power, provide their water, make their own products, or even grow their own populations. Most of it is brought in from somewhere else. And over half of us live in cities now, with the percentage increasing.

We've had a slight indication, during Covid-19, as to the knock-on effect of extended supply chains, as things don't get made, and basics like containers end up in the wrong place. 

Today has seen the publication of a report in the UK saying we are "woefully unprepared" for the effects of climate change, as that i…