The purpose of an eco-city, town, or village is to test and promote human settlements that minimize environmental impact. Many such are still on drawing boards, but a few have already been built. Now, what is the purpose of Dongtan, a planned eco-city on an alluvial island near Shanghai, designed by Arup, a leading British design group, to house half-a-million people? Judging by what you have to say on the subject, it is but a stunt (“City of Dreams,” March 21, 2009). Arup envisages a compact and mostly car-free community involved in green research and related industries. They would also buy local produce and use renewable energy. A new road link would put Shanghai within commuting distance. Given that much of China is an environmental disaster area, all this is simply silly. Clearly, Dongtan is a plaything of Shanghai politicians with little or no interest in testing and promoting human settlements that minimize environmental impact. All they are actually doing is cleverly maximizing the value of the property entrusted to their care. And Arup is dutifully playing along.