<h5>What is the concept of 15-minute cities?</h5><p>Consider a scenario where a person can skip driving or travelling in a packed metro or bus daily to reach an office, school, college, etc. All these places are just 15 minutes away from one’s house. Not only these, but even hospitals, parks, cinema halls, and other important city destinations are only 15 minutes away from someone’s house.</p><p>This is the concept of the 15-minute city. This was first suggested by Professor Carlos Moreno (a Columbian-French author and urbanist) many years ago. It acquired much relevance during the Covid-19 pandemic.</p><p>During the pandemic, people avoided public transport and chose to walk or ride bicycles. This made the 15-minute city concept more relevant. Even Paris’ mayor, Anne Hidalgo, has been promoting initiatives to turn Paris into a 15-minute city. This concept is also being promoted in cities like Melbourne, Shanghai, Oslo, etc.</p><h5>What are some benefits of 15-minute cities?</h5><p>When Carlos Moreno developed this concept, he thought about ways to improve city people's quality of life while protecting the environment. In the European Union (EU), road transport causes a lot of carbon dioxide emissions.</p><p>The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that a passenger vehicle also emits a lot of carbon dioxide annually. The emissions from automobiles also contribute to the climate change. That’s why the EU promotes cycling, walking, taking public transportation, etc.</p><p>In 15-minute cities, cleaner modes of transportation would be used, causing less carbon dioxide emissions. Residents would not need a car if everything were a 15-minute walk or bicycle ride away. This will reduce carbon footprints and pollutants.</p><p>Less usage of private cars will also cause fewer traffic jams and less noise pollution. People would walk or use the bicycle, which will increase physical activity. We all know physical activity is good for one’s health. These are some benefits of 15-minute cities. However, there has been some controversy regarding such cities.</p><h5>What are the controversies surrounding 15-minute cities?</h5><figure class="image"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/15-minute-cities-what-are-they%2Fprotest.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=2021f255-6d61-41a3-93e5-e82043fa0b98&amp;_gl=1*1crg39v*_ga*MTIzNjQ0ODg2NS4xNjgzNzk5MjMy*_ga_CW55HF8NVT*MTY5NzAxODQzMy4yMzYuMS4xNjk3MDE5NDI4LjMxLjAuMA.."><figcaption>A protest against 15-minute cities. Photo by NDTV.</figcaption></figure><p>Many conspiracy theorists say that the concept of the 15-minute cities has been developed so that governments can control people's lives. These people frequently make false claims about the concept. They say that in such cities, people will not be allowed to travel more than 15 minutes from their homes.</p><p>Some people believe that the concept of 15-minute cities violates their freedom to drive cars whenever and at whatever speed they want. Some have even argued that this concept was created so governments could keep people locked in their neighbourhoods. There have been protests against the idea.</p><h5>What’s the future of 15-minute cities?</h5><p>Despite the controversies, the 15-minute city concept is liked by many governments and people. However, it might take more time, effort, and monetary investment to transform large cities where people rely on cars to move around into 15-minute cities.</p>

Professor Carlos Moreno has created the concept of 15-minute cities.

15-Minute Cities: What Are They?

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15-Minute Cities: What Are They?

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