But the potential for communities to help themselves can be a major force for change. As described in the previous chapters, some of the most severe environmental degradation is occurring in cities of the developing world, with the poorest citizens being the most severely affected. This is where the most concerted action for urban environmental improvement is needed. For that reason, this chapter focuses primarily on the developing world, examining the challenges facing local governments and strategies for enhancing their capacity as managers of the urban environment. It then looks at strategies for empowering and encouraging low-income communities and giving them access to the resources they need to improve their own lives.
Community mobilization is by no means limited to cities in developing countries, however.
This chapter also describes related initiatives in developed country cities such as New York City and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Finally, it concludes by examining the vital role that cities must play in achieving the goals of sustainable development.