Urban areas face a series of environmental challenges arising from the consumption of natural resources and the subsequent generation of waste and pollution, which contribute to the development of social and economic imbalances. According to current trends, the population is concentrating in urban areas that continue to grow all over the world. Old and new problems tend to become more acute and require the development of innovative solutions to create liveable urban areas without endangering our common future.

The task of researchers is to improve the capacity to manage human activities, pursuing welfare and prosperity in the urban environment. Any investigation or planning in a city ought to consider the relationships between the parts and their connections with the living world. The dynamics of its networks (flows of energy-matter, people, goods, information and other resources) are fundamental for an understanding of the evolving nature of today’s cities.

Coastal areas and coastal cities have some specific features, their study is therefore an important topic covered by this book. Their strategic location facilitates transportation and the development of related activities, but this requires the existence of large ports, with the corresponding increase in maritime and road traffic and all of the inherent negative effects. 

Urban agriculture and food sovereignty are crucial issues that are included due to their impact on city life. In recent years, there has been a rapid expansion in initiatives and projects exploring innovative methods and processes for sustainable food production. 

Other specific issues addressed in this volume include: urban strategies, urban metabolism, urban transportation and planning, green infrastructure and sustainable urbanism, environmental management, planning for mitigation of and adaptation to climate change and other natural hazards, water resources and public health.

Large cities constitute a fertile ground for architects, engineers, city planners, social and political scientists, and other professionals able to conceive new ideas and time them according to technological advances and human requirements. Their works are essential in order to help public policies progress and become more committed to environmental challenges.