Rooftop greenhouses and tree-lined buildings to save the world

All homes must have rooftop greenhouses and all buildings must have solar panels and trees if cities are to survive, a climate change expert has warned.

To avoid cities becoming economically unviable by 2050, Arup director Professor Peter Head warned Scottish leaders large urban areas require a dramatic overhaul.

Presenting his views on how cities in 2050 should look, he said UK cities currently use a quantity of resources that will require three planets to sustain.

He predicted cities will become denser over time, with people living closer together – leading to the abandonment of outer suburbs.

But a movement to a more ecological community, can bring economic rewards.

“First-movers will get the most in terms of jobs and opportunities,” he told the Scotsman.

“It also means you are going to look after your economy when circumstances are quite tricky.”