By Sabina Di Giacobbe
Sustainable urban development is a key objective under the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically within SDG 11: “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable”. With over 56% of the global population currently residing in urban areas – a number expected to rise to nearly 70% by 2050 – urban centers are positioned as engines of growth, producing over 80% of global GDP. However, rapid urbanization presents significant challenges, from affordable housing shortages to infrastructure demands, alongside the need to manage energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Cities account for two-thirds of global energy use and 70% of emissions, making their role in climate change mitigation pivotal.
Measuring progress and addressing challenges
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), comprising 17 goals and 230 indicators, offer a framework for tracking urban progress. A pilot study in Gothenburg, Sweden, and four other cities, reveals the complexity of measuring SDG 11, emphasizing the need for better governance structures to promote sustainable cities. These findings highlight a critical need to reassess urban governance, especially in terms of incorporating health, equity, and environmental resilience into urban planning.
A major concern in rapidly urbanizing regions, such as parts of Asia and Africa, is how urbanization shapes human health outcomes. With most research focusing on the impacts of rural-to-urban migration, more exploration is needed to understand how sustainable urban design can simultaneously improve public health and environmental sustainability.
The role of governance in sustainable urbanization
The importance of governance in achieving urban sustainability has long been recognized, yet it remains understudied. Governance frameworks, alongside political will, are essential to sustainable policy implementation. Research on governance highlights how power dynamics shape urban outcomes, particularly in processes like Environmental Assessments (EAs) and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs). For example, while Saudi Arabia’s top-down governance system allows for rapid policy implementation, its effectiveness in achieving long-term sustainability is limited by the state’s willingness to address political and environmental costs.
The relationship between governance and sustainable urban development (SUD) is particularly critical in the Global South, where weak governance frameworks impede progress toward sustainable development. While centralized governance can be seen as conflicting with sustainability goals, it also offers the potential for implementing large-scale environmental reforms, as seen in cities like Masdar in the UAE.
Sustainable Urbanization in Africa
In Africa, the Agenda 2063 sets forth a long-term regional strategy to achieve sustainable development. Urbanization, while challenging, offers opportunities to unlock economic potential through agglomeration and enhanced productivity. Nigeria, for example, is experiencing rapid urban growth, particularly in Lagos, where rural-to-urban migration is accelerating the city’s development. However, this rapid expansion is accompanied by housing shortages, transportation challenges, and environmental degradation. To address these challenges, and environmental degradation. To address these issues, sustainable urban development initiatives must focus on creating resilient, inclusive, and economically vibrant cities.
A call for integrated urban planning
Urban sustainability is a complex, interdisciplinary field that requires a comprehensive approach to balance economic growth with environmental protection. As urban populations continue to grow, the need for innovative solutions in governance, infrastructure, and environmental management becomes more urgent. By integrating sustainable mobility, resilient infrastructure, and effective governance, cities can lead the way in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and promoting a healthier, more equitable future for all.
In conclusion, sustainable urban development is not only a necessity but also an opportunity for cities to become more inclusive, resilient, and environmentally conscious. As the world moves towards an increasingly urban future, the success of global sustainability efforts will depend on the ability of cities to manage growth while protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for their residents.
Sources
留言