ABSTRACT
Efficient energy use and related environmental management constitute nowadays a massive challenge to technology and policymaking. Effective energy and environmental policy is necessary in view of the global problems of the burning of fossil fuels and the loss of vegetation which as a result of the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere contribute to the greenhouse effect. Cities have always played a prominent role in the histories of our cultures and societies. Urbanization presupposes an intricate and efficient organization of space and time for all human activities. Mainly due to the division of labour, humanity has managed to help significantly from economies of scale in geographical concentrations. Therefore it is possible to claim that modern urbanization is almost literally fuelled by the large-scale introduction of fossil fuels. This also suggests that the transition of developing countries to a higher stage of development may cause a massive rise in energy consumption.
