Masdar City is to be the first zero-carbon, zero-waste, car-free city. But opponents insist it will become a playground for the rich and is only a smokescreen to hide sponsoring nation, Abu Dhabi's, environmental irresponsibility.
Masdar City is an 8-year project that will cost over $20 billion. When finished, it will house 50,000 people and 1500 businesses. The city will be powered mostly by solar panels and transportation will be provided by pods on magnetic tracks. Water will be provided by solar-powered desalination plants and the design of the buildings will provide occupants with natural air conditioning from wind towers. The city will need 1/4 the amount of energy of communities of a similar size and 60% less water.
The project has the support of the WWF.
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
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