More than half of the world population, and most people in Israel, are now living in urban environments. Cities are centers for social, economic, cultural and political activities, and contribute to human progress and prosperity. Urban environments and their relationship with the non-urban space take effect on ecosystems and impact the well-being of suburban, exurban and rural communities. One challenge ahead of humanity in the 21st century is to attain urban sustainability. Urban planning and management that promotes sustainability, will harness the physical and human advantages of cities to reduce adverse environmental impacts while improving the well being of urban citizens.
The Negev Center for Sustainability examines and studies different aspects of urban activities, both in the past and today, with focus on social, environmental, economic and political issues that affect urban environments and may contribute to promote urban sustainability.
