Environment/Economy
In chapter 6, we discuss in six parts how the environment and the economy stack up against each other. First, we show how the cities, until very recently, have had similar energy histories. Second, we detail how Houstonians have similar rates of pro-environmental views compared to Copenhageners, but more specific questions, such as about climate change, show that they are less committed than it might otherwise appear. Third, we inspect Copenhagen’s ambitious carbon neutral plan, and Houston’s plan for its government to reduce risky emissions. Fourth, we measure the levels of carbon emissions in the city, finding that they are much higher in Houston than Copenhagen. Fifth, we analyze the environmental implications of the city’s new waste initiatives. Sixth, we study recent responses to natural disasters in the cities. Across these six parts, we find that Copenhagen has a more sincere commitment to the environment than Houston does.