Reconstructing the Future : Cities as Carbon Sinks The built environment is a critical factor in the climate equation. Approximately 40 percent of global emissions derive from the construction operation and demolition of human settlements. The 21st century must be the century of re entanglement where quintessential functions (housing work culture recreation etc.) are reintegrated within urban spaces; where socioeconomic and ecological systems form a mutually supportive network of networks; and where past present and future are perceived as interwoven waves in the river of time. Fortunately opportunities exist to transform the built environment from a carbon source to a carbon sink through e.g. timber construction high rise buildings circular bioeconomy methods AI assisted design smart recycling technology multifunctional land use integrated regional resource management and community based urban development to name just a few