THE VISION

From space, the human impact on the planet can be seen most clearly through the spread of cities. However, cities themselves are spreading into much larger sprawling areas around and between them. The planet has arguably entered the 'Peri-cene' – a new global human-environment system shaped by peri-urbanisation. Around the world, peri-urban areas contain global hubs and local enclaves, sprawl and disorder, and crucial urban infrastructure. Peri-urbanisation leads to the the disruption of communities and livelihoods and, in particular, there is growing ecological disruption and climate risk.

The focus on periurbanisation points both towards a growing urban reality and a new way of thinking about urban environments. The idea of 'pericene' is very interesting and persuasive.The focus on urban labs and governance relates to the cutting edge on urban research, and points towards new areas ofwork which can potentially be transformative.

The Peri-cene project aims to provide the first ever comprehensive assessment of global peri-urbanisation, with its climate impacts, risks and vulnerabilities.