This report contains ideas and case studies from around the world that showcase best practices in sustainable design for arid cities. At the heart of the report sit three key recommendations to shape the next century of city building in arid regions: Learning from the past.

Cities are a magnet for people as centres for jobs, economic activity and innovation, and urban mobility systems lie at the very heart of what makes cities attractive and viable.

Cities could tackle the global problem of rising levels of waste and depleted resources by using organic waste, such as bananas, potatoes and maize as building materials, Arup predicts. Globally the construction industry is one of the largest users of raw materials; in the UK alone it accounts for 60 per cent of all raw materials consumed.

The effects of global warming on water supply represent one of the greatest challenges for cities in the 21st century. City administrations are seeking ways to meet demand for water from growing populations while grappling with the issues presented by climate change - extreme rainfall and drought, rising sea levels and flooding.