ABSTRACT
The environmental paradox is central to this comparative study, as well as a very timely benefit to a rapidly urbanizing planet. Social and demographic inclusiveness is essential to sustainability; without it civilization will not endure. Before discussing Landscape Urbanism (LU) and New Urbanism (NU), some of the environmental downsides of cities should be mentioned. A critical comparison of the two is illuminating and timely in an era of increasing ecological degradation and climate disruption, as well as of rapid urbanization. Before comparing the two, the environmental merits and demerits of urbanism in general will be discussed. For the climate scientist, the environmental paradox is more complex: On top of producing a higher amount of Greenhouse gas (GHG) per acre, the city also tends to warm the local climate. Its extensive dark rooftops and pavements absorb solar radiation and release heat into the atmosphere.
