Cities in 2050 2050年的城市

2021-05-30王涛涛

疯狂英语·新阅版 2021年12期

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。

1 When 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

2 Out 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 ones quality of life.

Localized communities and urban hubs （中心;枢纽）

3 As cities of the future face higher density， there will be a need to create more localized communities. The way well 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， work?spaces， 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

4 Transportation 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. Theyll probably still be around， but maybe not to the extent that wed expect. Public transit will become more prevalent and should be safer， more affordable， and highly efficient.

Smart cities

5 Technology 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 thats where artificial intelligence and automation come in. Theyll 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 authors attitude to the smart cities according to the last paragraph？

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