Cities in 20502050年的城市

安徽 王涛涛

2050年，我们期待中的城市不仅应具备先进的技术，还应实现更大的可持续发展。

1When we think of the year 2050,we should expect life to be more intertwined with not only advanced technology,but also sustainability.Here are some characteristics we can expect of the cities of 2050.

Densely packed cities

2Out of the population of 9 billion in 2050,70 percent are expected to live in cities.Cities will be more densely packed than ever before.We can expect a greater emphasis on quality of life and ensuring citizens have accessibility(可达性)to reducing the negative effects of overcrowding.This enhanced accessibility will likely involve streamlined access to nature,technology,desired services,and practically anything that can improve one's quality of life.

Localized communities and urban hubs（中心；枢纽）

3As cities of the future face higher density,there will be a need to create more localized communities.The way we'll likely combat this by 2050 is via “urban hubs”,which are localized communities that include mixed-use buildings and developments.Instead of one city center,there might be five or so urban hubs throughout a city.Architects will design buildings for all-in-one use:residences,workspaces,social hangouts,farming,etc.This creates an entire localized community of everything one might need to maximize space and reduce the carbon footprint per person.

Redefined transportation

4Transportation in 2050 is probably not going to be what most of us might have expected.Streets in 2050 will likely be less present and instead will favor more space for pedestrians and alternative(可供替代的)transportation.Cars go against the idea of reducing sprawl and make city experience less enjoyable by the area they take up and the impact they have.They'll probably still be around,but maybe not to the extent that we'd expect.Public transit will become more prevalent and should be safer,more affordable,and highly efficient.

Smart cities

5Technology in 2050 will need to first and foremost aid sustainability.The tech sector is already becoming more involved,and we can expect that trend to continue.Cities will be driven by smart technology that will make people connected in more ways than before and hopefully boost city-life experience.Efficiency will be vital,and that's where artificial intelligence and automation come in.They'll likely be the backbone(支柱)of the economy and everyday life.

Reading Check

Ⅰ.Choose the best answers according to the text

Inference 1.How is the text mainly developed?

A.By analyzing causes. B.By giving solutions.

C.By describing features. D.By showing differences.

Detail 2.What can we learn about cities in 2050 according to the text?

A.Over 9 billion population in 2050 will live in cities.

B.The problem of overcrowding in cities will be more serious.

C.Urban hubs will be worked as residences and workplaces.

D.Public transportation in 2050 will be less enjoyable.

Inference 3.What is the author's attitude to the smart cities according to the last paragraph?

A.Favorable. B.Intolerant. C.Doubtful. D.Unclear.

Ⅱ.Complete the following poster with only one word for each blank according to the text Cities in 2050

◆ Densely packed cities

√ Emphasis on life 1.__________

√ Citizens have accessibility to overcoming the 2.__________.

◆ 4._________transportation

√ Streets will be less 5._________and favor more space for pedestrians and alternative transprtation.

√ Cars will probably still be 6._________but not to the extent that we'd expect.

√ Public 7. ___________will become more prevalentand should be safer, more 8. ,and highly efficient.

◆ Localized communities and urban hubs

√ Localized communities will be created.

√ People might need to 3._________ _space and reduce the carbon footprint.

◆ Smart cities

√ Cities will be driven by smart technology that will make people 9.__________in more ways than before and hopefully boost city-life experience.

√ 10.___________will be vital,and that's where artificial intelligence and automation come in.

Language Study

Memorize some text-centered chunks

advanced technology先进技术 densely packed cities密集的城市

emphasis on强调；重视 localized community本地化社区

urban hubs城市枢纽 carbon footprint碳足迹

public transit公共交通 be driven by被……所驱使

artificial intelligence人工智能