More about topicMore than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas, trending upward. In Germany, too, many cities are growing. Climate protection, a liveable environment and adequate housing, incorporating environmental protection – all these are decisive factors for cities and rural areas alike. The German Sustainable Development Strategy calls for urban development that promotes “cross-cutting thinking”. The Council for Sustainable Development (RNE) contributes to this goal through its “Sustainable City” dialogue with city mayors and its 30-hectare land use goal.