SUSTAINABLE CITIES & COMM
Problems and Targets to achieve UN Global Goal no. 11
PROJECT BASed learning
September 14, 2022
GROUP MEMBERS ROLE
Muhammad Inshal Group Leader
Hassaan Abdullah Research Leader
Javeria Mehmood Group Member
Sohaiba Sohail Group Member
Ayesha Musab Group Member
SUSTAINABLE CITIES & COMMUNITIES
Problems and Targets to achieve UN Global Goal no. 11
Objective:
The objective of this project is to find the factors responsible for the existing
problems and crisis in the global cities and communities and to elaborate the
target goals identified by the United Nations to become sustainable.
Introduction:
The world’s population is constantly increasing. To accommodate everyone,
we need to build modern, sustainable cities. For all of us to survive and
prosper, we need new, intelligent urban planning that creates safe,
affordable and resilient cities with green and culturally inspiring living
conditions. Everyone can help to make sure that we meet the Global Goals.
We can use these ten targets to create action to make cities and
communities sustainable. This is one of the 17 goals identified by United
Nations that we need to achieve by the year 2030.
Target Goals:
1. By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable
housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
2. By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable
transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding
public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in
vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and
older persons.
3. By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity
for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement
planning and management in all countries.
4. Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and
natural heritage.
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5. By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of
people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses
relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters,
including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor
and people in vulnerable situations.
6. By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities,
including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and
other waste management.
7. By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible,
green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older
persons and persons with disabilities.
8. Support positive economic, social and environmental links between
urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and
regional development planning.
9. By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human
settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans
towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to
climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in
line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030,
holistic disaster risk management at all levels.
10. Support least developed countries, including through financial
and technical assistance, in building sustainable and resilient buildings
utilizing local materials.
Problems of urban cities:
1. Over population:
Due to their high concentration of people, infrastructures, housing and
economic activities, cities are particularly vulnerable to climate change and
natural disasters impacts. This also leads to unemployment, lack of
education, medical care and accommodation.
1. Lack of resources:
Cities need resources such as water, food and energy to be viable. Resource
efficient cities combine greater productivity and innovation with lower costs
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and reduced environmental impacts, while providing increased opportunities
for consumer choices and sustainable lifestyles.
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2. Pollution and traffic:
Worldwide an estimated 4.2 million people a year die because of outdoor air
pollution. More recently, some cities have cleaner air because of severe
restrictions on economic activity due to COVID-19. The concentration of
nitrogen dioxide produced by vehicular traffic has dropped sharply.
Statistical Data Analysis:
The world’s cities occupy just 3 per cent of the Earth’s land, but account for
60-80 per cent of energy consumption and 75 per cent of carbon emissions.
Below is the list of top 10 sustainable cities which have achieved the goals
by adapting to certain traits:
Sustainable Adapted traits
City
1 Copenhagen, With its continuous investment in green tech and
Denmark network of bicycle lanes, Copenhagen is one of the
most sustainable cities. The city aims to be the first
carbon-neutral city by 2025.
2 Amsterdam, Promotes electric vehicles with citywide EV charging
Netherlands stations. Residents are encouraged to install rooftop
solar panels and grow their own food or purchase
locally, which contributes to the local economy.
3 Stockholm, Well-planned sustainable city with a goal to
Sweden eliminate the use of fossil fuels within 20 years.
4 Berlin, Germany With over 400 EV charging stations, and has been
investing in green spaces since World War I.
5 Portland, ¼ of its citizens commute by bike or public
Oregon transport. Rideshare systems and bike paths also
support green commute methods.
6 San Francisco, With a zero waste program designed to divert 100%
California of waste from landfills by 2020. The city also banned
products like plastic bags and water bottles.
7 Cape Town, It began installing wind farms to produce
South Africa sustainable energy in 2008. The city’s residents also
use solar panels and grow urban gardens for food
production.
8 Helsinki, Finland A large percentage of the city’s hotel rooms have
been certified as eco-friendly. The city is also
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developing sustainable living communities.
9 Vancouver, It produces the lowest amount of greenhouse gases
Canada in North America.
1 Reykjavik, The city encourages walk, cycle and use of electric
0 Iceland vehicles and plans to triple the number of hydrogen
buses by 2030.
Conclusion and Solution :
A sustainable city concept incorporates eco-friendly practices, green spaces
and supporting technology into the urban environment to reduce air pollution
and CO2 emissions, enhance air quality, and protect natural resources.
These practices lead to a healthier environment for city residents and a
lower carbon footprint for the city. Sustainable cities are becoming essential
in the quest to reverse global climate change. Cities can do a number of
things to support sustainable practices:
Make it easy to get around without a car- bike, walk or take public
transport
Add EV charging stations
Provide access to public resources and green spaces
Improve water conservation and wastewater management
Support urban farming
Implement green architecture
Take advantage of your right to elect the leaders in your local
community.
Supporting neighbourhood businesses keeps people employed and
circulates money back into your community.
You can volunteer in slums to help with building houses, fixing existing
ones, setting up public or green spaces - water the greenery, trim and
plant trees, renovate sports areas and playgrounds, organize a
cleanup.
