Sustainable Cities and Communities
Sustainable Cities and Communities is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations in 2015. It aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, with a focus on promoting sustainable urbanization and efficient resource management by 2030.
What are Sustainable Cities and Communities?
Sustainable Cities and Communities seeks to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and its impact on the environment, society, and economy. The goal emphasizes the need to create cities and communities that are environmentally friendly, socially inclusive, economically viable, and resilient to the impacts of climate change. It promotes the development of sustainable infrastructure, access to affordable housing, efficient transportation systems, and improved urban planning.
As the world's population continues to grow, cities are becoming centers of economic activity and innovation. However, poorly planned urbanization can lead to various issues such as increased pollution, traffic congestion, inadequate housing, and social inequality. Sustainable Cities and Communities aims to tackle these challenges by encouraging sustainable practices, fostering community engagement, and promoting the wise use of resources.
Definition of Sustainable Cities and Communities
Sustainable Cities and Communities Initiatives
Smart City Solutions
A critical endeavor aimed at addressing the pressing issue of housing affordability and accessibility in urban areas. The rapid pace of urbanization has led to increasing demand for housing, creating challenges for low and middle-income individuals and families to secure suitable homes. These projects seek to bridge the gap by offering housing options that cater to the needs and financial constraints of vulnerable and underserved communities.
Public Transportation and Adopt Sustainable Transportation
Embracing sustainable transportation practices and prioritizing the use of public transportation is a pivotal step toward achieving more eco-friendly and livable cities. In the face of rapid urbanization and the associated increase in private vehicle usage, promoting sustainable transportation has become a pressing necessity to combat climate change, alleviate traffic congestion, and enhance the overall well-being of urban communities
Affordable Housing Projects
A critical endeavor aimed at addressing the pressing issue of housing affordability and accessibility in urban areas. The rapid pace of urbanization has led to increasing demand for housing, creating challenges for low and middle-income individuals and families to secure suitable homes. These projects seek to bridge the gap by offering housing options that cater to the needs and financial constraints of vulnerable and underserved communities.
Why Sustainable Cities and Communities is Important
Quality Housing and Basic Services
Access to quality housing and basic services is a fundamental human right, and sustainable cities prioritize meeting these needs for all residents. Adequate housing not only provides shelter but also offers stability, security, and a sense of belonging. By ensuring affordable, safe, and well-planned housing options, sustainable cities create a nurturing environment where individuals and families can flourish.
Moreover, basic services such as clean water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and electricity are essential for human development and dignity.
Fostering Social Inclusion
Inclusive cities embrace diversity and promote social cohesion, allowing people from different backgrounds, cultures, and income levels to coexist harmoniously. By fostering social inclusion, sustainable cities ensure that marginalized and vulnerable populations are not marginalized further. They create spaces that celebrate diversity and provide equal opportunities for all residents to participate in social, economic, and cultural life.
Through community engagement and participatory decision-making processes, sustainable cities empower citizens to voice their opinions and influence urban development.
Reducing Pollution
Sustainable cities are at the forefront of combating environmental challenges, particularly pollution. By implementing green infrastructure, promoting energy efficiency, and adopting renewable energy sources, these cities reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts in mitigating climate change.
One of the significant contributors to urban pollution is transportation. Sustainable cities prioritize eco-friendly transportation options such as public transit, walking, cycling, and carpooling, thereby reducing emissions and alleviating traffic congestion.
Sustainable Cities and Communities Statistics
80% live in poverty
According to the United Nation, People who are vulnerable must be empowered. Those whose needs are reflected in the Agenda include all children, youth, persons with disabilities (of whom more than 80% live in poverty), people living with HIV/AIDS, older persons, indigenous peoples, refugees and internally displaced persons and migrants.
746 Million
According to United Nations, the urban population of the world has grown rapidly from 746 million in 1950 to 3.9 billion in 2014. Asia, despite its lower level of urbanization, is home to 53 percent of the world’s urban population, followed by Europe with 14 percent and Latin America and the Caribbean with 13 percent.
41.6 Million
Proper housing could increase economic growth by up to 10.5%, while life expectancy could go up by 2.4 years on average, the report said.
"Our findings show massive benefits to people’s health, education, and income when you make sure they live in suitable housing conditions, have access to basic services like running water and sewage systems, and are free from the threat of eviction or harassment," Alexandre Apsan Frediani, a researcher at the International Institute for Environment and Development, and one of the authors of the report, said in a statement.
Sustainable Cities and Communities in the News
Habitat for Humanity launches Home Equals campaign in support of people living in informal settlements around the world
More than 1 billion people around the world live in slums and other informal settlements, and that figure continues to rise. These communities have very limited access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation and electricity.
New White House initiative to tackle affordable housing crisis
According to 10news, to ease supply issues, Todman said $85 million will be provided to local and state entities to plan and innovate neighborhoods. Another $10 million will be available to help tenant education.
Smart City Technologies That Could Soon Change The Way We Live And Work
According to Forbes, The technical definition of a smart city—an urban area in which technology and sensors are used to collect data for resource management—may not sound all that exciting to the average citizen. While the “nuts and bolts” technology behind smart cities, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, is becoming better understood, what many people may not realize is just how big an impact combined smart city technologies could have on the ways we live and work in the coming years.
How to Help Sustainable Cities and Communities Initiatives
Advocate for Sustainable Urban Planning
Advocacy can take various forms, such as engaging with industry associations, participating in public consultations, and collaborating with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to influence policy decisions. Encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable manufacturing processes, resource-efficient technologies, and ethical supply chains can drive positive change. By supporting policies that incentivize sustainable practices and discourage environmentally harmful practices, advocates can foster an enabling environment for businesses to adopt sustainable approaches.
Support NGOs and Organizations
Contribute to organizations working towards sustainable urban development and community empowerment.
Supporting NGOs and organizations dedicated to sustainable urban development is a powerful way to drive positive change within cities and communities. These organizations play a vital role in implementing innovative projects, conducting research, and advocating for policies that promote sustainability and social equity.
Raise Awareness
Educate others about the importance of sustainable cities and the role individuals can play in building resilient communities.
Raising awareness about sustainable cities is essential to inspire collective action and drive meaningful change. Individuals can take on the role of advocates by educating others about the critical importance of sustainability in urban areas and the impact of individual actions on building resilient communities.
