Introduction: Integrating Environmental Quality Improvement and City Planning

Citizens in cities around the world are expressing greater interest in and are lobbying for improved environmental conditions (Werna and Harpham, 1995). They want clean air, clean water, reduced noise, more vegetation and protection of habitat areas, and safety from dangers from contaminated and unstable soil conditions (Dobson, 1995). These are all seen as contributing not only to their health but to their quality of life (Mega, 1996).