Cities are subject to external and internal influences that can have a transformative impact on their well-being, as well as on the well-being of humans. In this age of globalisation, climate change and cultural diversity, modern cities need to be agile and able to accommodate and respond proactively to disruptive events. Water quality, air quality and the resilience of ecosystem services are issues that cities must address in order to remain attractive and vibrant. This calls for new approaches to the infrastructural and regulatory changes required to manage urban transitions that arise from these issues.