New York City's bosses have declared stair-climbing as key to their citizens' survival. In fact, they've sent 'Active Design Guidelines' to architects and city planners, pushing them to build more exercise into their grand plans. While in the UK the emphasis is more on parks and green spaces and the relationship they have to our health and well being.

Listen again to Costing the Earth: The Revenge of the Stairs the Radio 4 podcast Here