At the crossroads: Decisions shaping the next decade

“Are we the first generation to leave the world and our communities worse off for future generations?” – Melissa Ross

Housing affordability, climate resilience, clean energy and mobility are reshaping how communities think about the future.

Drawing on GHD’s CROSSROADS research, a global study of 13,000 people across 10 countries, this conversation explores how different generations see the challenges ahead, where optimism and pessimism diverge and what communities expect from governments, industry and each other.

In this episode, Melissa Ross joins Ben Hall, Global Thought Leadership Manager at GHD, to reveal the major tensions shaping the next decade, from the housing affordability crisis and the clean energy paradox to public trust, technology and the future of resilient communities.

• Younger generations are often more optimistic about the future than older generations, despite cost-of-living pressures
• Housing affordability is reshaping priorities, with younger people increasingly valuing access and connectivity over ownership
• Communities want governments and corporations to do more on climate resilience and sustainability
• Support for clean energy remains strong, despite concerns around affordability and reliability
• Better public transport, safer active travel and trusted technology are emerging as universal priorities for resilient communities