The Cities of the Future and Sustainable Development
5 min read
The cities of the future will have to adapt to population growth and urbanization, finding solutions that are for the environment and society. These solutions are based on three pillars: renewable energies, housing renovation and alternative forms of transport. Cities such as Copenhagen, Johannesburg and Seattle are examples of sustainable cities.
Use renewable energies
Renovate housing
Promote alternative transportation
What Long-Term Solutions Are Available for Sustainably Managing the Cities of the Future?
Close Up
In 2050, the global population will be between 9 and 10 billion. 66% of people will live in cities, versus 54% in 2014.
What Are the Challenges?
- Air pollution
- Unavailability of certain energy resources
- Water supply
- Waste treatment
The result could be a decline in the economic appeal of certain cities, and reduced quality of life for residents.
What Are the Possible Solutions?
- Use renewable energies
Example: Copenhagen is aiming to become the world’s first “carbon-neutral” capital city.
How?
- Mainly by improving its heating networks.
- By building new plants.
- By investing in the creation of new wind farms.
- Renovate housing
Example 1: One-third of Russia’s energy saving potential lies in its housing.
New buildings being built in Moscow consume on average half the energy of existing ones.
Example 2: Johannesburg has launched a major renovation plan in 15 slums, including solar panels, solar water heaters and methane production from waste.
- Promote alternative transportation
Example 1: Shanghai is promoting the use of electric cars by subsidizing the most popular models.
Electric scooters and bikes are also proliferating.
Example 2: Copenhagen is aiming to reduce the use of cars by creating more than 400 km of bike paths and 3 new metro lines to promote public transportation.
In short:
- 2050 = Global population of between 9 and 10 billion
- Challenges for big cities:
- Pollution and lack of energy resources.
- Complex waste treatment and water supply.
= reduced economic appeal
= reduced quality of life - 3 broad solutions:
- Use renewable energies
- Renovate housing
- Promote alternative transportatio
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