By 2030 about 60 percent of people will live in urban centers. We flock to cities for their energy and opportunity, but that bustle can take a toll on our health. City dwellers often deal with more pollution, noise, crime and social isolation. And those uniquely urban problems mess with our ability to breathe, sleep and relax. On this episode, we explore ways to make modern cities work for people. 

Also heard on this episode:

Joel Kurth from Bridge Magazine explains the connection between demolitions and elevated lead levels in Detroit.

Poet Eileen Myles reads “Our Happiness” – a poem about New York City during a power outage.

Psychiatrist Irene Hurford from the PEACE program discusses the link between schizophrenia and cities.

Psychologist Thea Gallagher talks about the impact of loneliness.

Reporter Irina Zhorov checks if white roofs make for cooler houses.

Reporter Jaye McAuliffe tracks down noise pollution in Phoenix.