Until 2030 near 60% of the world's population will be living in urban centers – it is necessary to evaluate and transform these spaces. Cities are the vital centers of modern life, but they are also major consumers of natural resources and responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions. Nonetheless, a growing awareness of the need to preserve the environment and create a sustainable future has driven the adoption of greener urban practices.
What are?
a green city, also known as sustainable city, is an urban space that seeks to harmonize economic growth, the quality of life of citizens and the preservation of the environment. These cities adopt policies, practices and infrastructure that promote efficient use of resources, the protection of biodiversity, reducing pollution and mitigating climate change.
There are many examples of green cities around the world.. A notable example is Curitiba, No brazil, which stands out for its efficient public transport system, wide green areas, bike lanes and recycling programs. Another inspiring city is Copenhagen, in denmark, recognized for its comprehensive cycling infrastructure, sustainable urban planning and ambitious carbon emission reduction targets. Furthermore, some cities are striving to achieve Green City or Sustainable City certification, like the case of vancouver, not canada, and Stockholm, in Sweden. These certifications attest that these cities are implementing sustainable policies and practices in various areas., including energy, transport, construction, waste and environmental quality.
How to assess whether a city is green?
To assess whether a city is really green, it is possible to consider different criteria. To help with this definition, the website specialized in sustainability “Treehugger” listed 10 important criteria, being them:
- Green areas: Public green spaces improve people's quality of life in many ways. According to the SOS Mata Atlântica Foundation, the vegetation cover can absorb and filter a large part of the particulate matter and toxic elements, like sulfur and manganese, that are trapped in the trunks of trees, in addition to the fact that trees produce oxygen through the process of photosynthesis, reducing greenhouse gases. Therefore, the denser the green area, greater protection of our health.
- efficient public transport: The most sustainable transit systems use clean technologies and reduce CO2 emissions.
- Public space for the population: living spaces, as linear parks built on viaducts, or buildings that have been transformed into cultural centers. When people want to get together, they can have access to places that receive them well, for free.
- Bike lanes: bike lanes, bike racks, charging stations for electric bikes, offering bike-sharing and allowing cyclists to take their bikes on buses and trains for longer journeys.
- ecological constructions: Ecological architecture has as its main objective the use of materials available on the construction site itself, made in an artisanal or semi-handcrafted way and that use, mostly, renewable materials such as straw and plant fibers. Furthermore, green roofs can be mentioned, water reuse, vertical gardens and sustainable architecture as examples present in buildings around the world.
- Recycling and Composting: A green city offers selective collection, discard points, well-located bins and information on the importance of waste management.
- smart occupation: Wholly residential or wholly commercial neighborhoods end up generating some problems. Just as in a balanced natural environment, biodiversity is important, mix different uses and services in the same urban area, eliminates the need for large displacements and ensures quick access to what we need for a good quality of life: school, green areas, work, home.
- Green Leadership: Political leaders and those working in public administration need to understand and promote the concept of a green city, prioritizing clean energy in their decisions, sustainable urban mobility, the maintenance of green areas and the quality of life of the population.
- green energy: In addition to reducing its environmental impact and contributing to the fight against climate change, a sustainable energy matrix helps the city and citizens to save money.
- Entertainment: It is important to celebrate the ecological lifestyle with events and spaces that reinforce the benefits that these choices bring to those who live in the city.
Furthermore, the preservation of green areas, the promotion of sustainable mobility and the availability of basic services, such as clean water and quality air, are also important aspects to be considered..
Current and future scenario
In the current scenario, many cities are facing challenges related to sprawling growth, the pollution, environmental degradation and social inequality. Nonetheless, there is a growing awareness of the importance of sustainability and a global movement towards greener cities. governments, Business, non-governmental organizations and civil society are coming together to promote positive change in urban areas.
not future, green cities are expected to become even more common and pervasive. The advancement of technology, such as the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, enable the development of smart cities, that will be able to optimize energy consumption, improve waste management and provide more efficient public services. Furthermore, transport and urban planning policies are likely to be overhauled, prioritizing sustainable solutions, how to use public transport, car sharing, active mobility and clean energy.
Therefore, green cities are a vision of the future, where urban development is aligned with environmental sustainability and quality of life for citizens. Although there are still challenges to be faced, Green city initiatives are gaining momentum around the world. With the continued commitment of governments, companies and citizens, we can build a scenario where cities become models of balance between development and environmental preservation.
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