World-wide, most global cities are located in coastal zones, but a paradox of sustainability is especially striking for US global cities. This article examines such a paradox, drawn between globalisation-induced development and coastal ecosystems. It focuses on two developmental components found principally in global cities: the agglomeration of foreign waterborne commerce and global business services; and, the accelerated activity and mobility habits of a global professional class. Despite formidable gaps in research, some anecdotal evidence suggests that unique hazards exist for the coastal ecology as globalisation pressures expand a global city’s urban footprint.
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