In cities such as Houston, Chicago and Los Angeles suburban sprawl forces people to live further and further from the city center. This sprawl forces people to drive long distances to their jobs, increasing traffic and greenhouse gas pollution. It also does not help those people feel happy to be in their cars for so long each day.

Good urban planning, attractive architecture and traditional city design helps people feel more comfortable living in the city center. When people feel comfortable living in cities, they live in dense enough populations that environment-friendly institutions such as public transit can flourish. When people live near where they work, they don’t have to drive, or drive as far as they would if they lived in the suburbs.

Good urban planning can therefore help us help ourselves. Housing types such as wall-sharing townhouses conserve energy because houses lose less heat and cool through their walls into the outside spaces. When houses share walls they in effect share heating and cooling expenditures, they don’t lose heat into the outside air.

Traditional neighborhood development and urban design advocates mixed use development, which combines residential and retail space in close proximity. This proximity, like people living near where they work, also cuts down on fossil fuel use and greenhouse gases. When someone doesn’t have to drive to the store to pick up groceries, or shop for whatever they need, without driving, it cuts down on exhaust and fuel use.

Finally, good urban design makes people happier and more able to live long and healthy lives. Living in dense urban areas encourages walking, which has obvious health benefits, as well as mental benefits. When people are out walking on the streets, sitting on their porches or enjoying public parks, it encourages socialization, getting to know ones neighbors and keeps the streets safe for everyone.