In Edward Glaeser’s ‘Triumph of the City’, published in 2011, he describes how our biggest invention can make us richer, smarter, greener, healthier, and happier. This is mostly caused by economies of scale, and a smaller commuting time for most of us. Next to that, cities are a valuable way to look for innovation, as great minds are more likely to diffuse their knowledge and skills if they are within reach of each other.

But how can these advantages be created, and can the inequality in big cities be reduced? Are cities even the best way of creating a better and greener society, or does the smog and pollution in Asian metropolises prove otherwise?

We discuss these questions with Harvard professor Edward Glaeser.

Interviewers: Kari Spijker & Pierre Lievers
Music: Ruse by www.musicscreen.org