Doughnut Economics for Cities

"Doughnut Economics for Cities" is a resource developed by Kate Raworth and the Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL). It provides tools and methodologies for applying the Doughnut Economics framework to urban planning and policy. This model challenges the traditional growth-centric approaches to urban development, instead focusing on how cities can ensure every resident has enough to thrive while respecting ecological limits.

The Doughnut model visualizes a safe and just space for humanity as a ring, illustrating two key boundaries: the inner ring, known as the social foundation, represents the minimum standards of well-being that everyone should meet, including access to essentials like food, water, health, education, housing, and social equity. The outer ring, the ecological ceiling, delineates the planetary boundaries that should not be exceeded, covering issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

The Amsterdam City Doughnut initiative, launched in April 2020, was the first public application of the Doughnut to city-scale planning. Developed in collaboration with various organizations, this approach offers a holistic view of a city's interconnections through four lenses: Local-Social, Local-Ecological, Global-Social, and Global-Ecological. This comprehensive perspective encourages cities to assess not just local metrics but also their broader social and ecological impacts.

The resource equips urban practitioners with essential tools for applying the Doughnut framework effectively. Key offerings include the City Portrait methodology for assessing a city's status in relation to its social foundation and ecological ceiling, updated Doughnut Data Portraits guidance, workshop facilitation guides for engaging diverse stakeholders, and assessment frameworks to evaluate policies against Doughnut criteria. Additionally, it provides access to a community of practice for cities implementing the Doughnut approach worldwide.

Since its introduction in Amsterdam, the Doughnut Economics framework has been embraced by cities across Europe, including Brussels, Berlin, and Barcelona. Its principles are influencing urban strategy documents, community development plans, and housing policies. The framework addresses interconnected challenges such as housing affordability, climate action, social equity, and the circular economy, promoting sustainable urban development.

The Doughnut framework is particularly pertinent for tackling housing issues by ensuring access to adequate, sustainable housing for all residents. It aligns urban development with planetary boundaries while addressing inequalities in access to services and opportunities, fostering social equity and sustainability within the housing sector.

For more information, visit the Doughnut Economics for Cities — DEAL.