Technology and medical advances enable people to live longer, healthier lives. However, this brings up problems and concerns with overpopulation and overcrowding. As the population increases, so does the need for living space. Increasing the number of homes and neighborhoods often results in the destruction of forests and other habitats. This limits our natural resources, endangers wildlife, and threatens to disrupt our ecosystem. This problem cannot be overlooked. Otherwise, the destruction of the planet and its inhabitants is inevitable. The human population continues to rise at an alarming rate. If action is not taken, a critical mass will eventually be reached. In other words, the environment will no longer be able to support us. You might be wondering how to live a sustainable life. People are starting to look to the vertical city concept as a solution to this growing and unavoidable problem.

Vertical City

In short, a vertical city is an entire human habitat contained in a massive skyscraper. Vertical cities hold the key to solving overpopulation and overcrowding. Rather than destroying forests and swamps to build houses, shopping centers, and factories, they can be placed in a vertical tower, serving to preserve the environment. Sky high construction enhances available living and working space, which reduces the impact of overpopulation. In a vertical city, people would live, work, and go to school. Vertical towers also hold the key to preserving natural resources.

As the population increases, it will become increasingly difficult for farmers to grow enough food to feed everyone. There simply won't be enough land to farm on. But vertical towers can be used for farming and agriculture. The possibilities offered by vertical cities are absolutely stunning and breathtaking. Some people believe vertical cities are impossible, but this is untrue. With the proper planning, these towers are can easily become a reality. The key to making this concept successful is spreading awareness. As the dangers of overpopulation become apparent, so does the demand for a solution. Unless someone discovers a better answer, vertical cities currently hold the key to sustainability.

Concept Versus Reality

If vertical cities are to become a reality, it's vital to separate concept from reality. In other words, the difference between what's possible and what isn't must be distinguished. While we have no actual cities to base facts on, there is growing demand for apartments contained within skyscrapers. The biggest concern at the moment seems to be funding. Creating and maintaining a vertical city will be a costly and time-consuming project. The issue of construction finance must be addressed. Those with the resources must be convinced this solution is viable before proceeding, which might prove difficult and challenging. But this is not an impossible task, a little planning and research is all that's needed.

The next question is one of emotional well-being. A lack of sunlight can cause sadness and depression. Most people naturally enjoy the outdoors. So, how will vertical cities affect the mood and emotional state of its inhabitants? There is not much doubt that remaining indoors can have an adverse impact on emotional well being, but this can be solved. Open areas near the outer parameters can provide access to fresh air and sunlight. It would even be possible to install outdoor swimming pools and recreational areas. It's also important to remember living in a vertical tower does not mean you are confined to it. You will be free to come and go as you please.

Design

There are several design possibilities for vertical cities, and it's important to separate work areas from residential areas. It's also important to have several emergency evacuation routes in case disaster strikes. It's likely that inhabitable towers would be separate from agricultural and farming towers, but the two could be connected via one or more bridges. Self-contained farming areas allow crops from around the world to be grown and harvested in the same location, which would be made possible by internal temperature control and artificial sunlight.

Internal transportation would likely consist of a complex network of elevators and monorails. The first vertical city will probably be designed with comfort in mind. Workers tend to be more productive when not feeling sad or depressed. As a result, these sites in the sky will likely come complete with a variety of entertainment options, such as movie theaters, parks, and amusement rides.

Looking to The Future

Whether or not we will see the first vertical city within the next decade is uncertain. It's important to remember that projects of this magnitude require a large amount of planning before they can be implemented. It's vital to consider the safety and health aspects of vertical living. Questions of power and maintenance must also be addressed. While vertical cities offer great possibilities for the future, it's vital to ensure they are built correctly

It might be tempting to rush in and start building these towers right away, but this could cause more problems than it solves. As much as we need an answer to overpopulation and environmental destruction, we also need do take the proper steps to ensure it's done properly. Any oversight or miscalculation could be dangerous and destructive. When the future and lives of so many people are involved, there is little margin for error. However, with the proper foresight, vertical towers could be the answer for which humanity has been looking.

Final Thoughts

With the problems of overpopulation and environmental destruction looming over us, we are desperate for a solution. Waiting too long to address this issue will undouble be disastrous and destructive. However, moving too fast without the proper foresight will likely prove equally damaging. The key to making the dream of the vertical city a reality is ensuring it's done right. It's vital to learn as much as we can to avoid possible problems. But we can only wait so long. Time is not our side, but even a few vertical cities could have a profoundly positive impact on our environment.