Cities are complex and dynamic entities. They are also nodes in spatial economic, social and political geographical networks. They are focal points for many of the concerns that underlay current debates about sustainable development. The aim of this paper is to focus on the local environmental effects of urbanization and to consider ways in which they may be effectively treated within the confines of an isolated city context and more generally when urban areas are seen as part of a wider economic system. Particular attention is focused on information systems of all types and on feedback mechanisms (including automatic mechanisms) which help, in particular, the integration of economic and environmental considerations at the urban level. The underlying question being posed is that of deciding on the role that urban indicators (both economic and environmental) can play in assisting to improve the management of cities. The points made are general and conceptual rather than being of a quantitative and empirical nature. There is no effort to try and provide comment on the existing indicators which various urban actors use in their efforts to manage urban affairs. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
