1.9 Sustainable urban development

Question 1

Why is it important to have sustainable cities

Answer 1

Cities consume 75% of the world’s resources, and produce most of the world’s waste

For example, London’s ecological footprint is twice the size of the UK

Question 2

What is the main goal of sustainable cities

Answer 2

To have a minimal ecological footprint (meaning they don’t pollute or consume to much)

It has since expanded into social, liveability factors etc.

Question 3

What makes a city unsustainable

Answer 3

A city is unsustainable if the ecological footprint exceeds its biocapacity.

Question 4

What are the 4 dimensions of sustainability

Answer 4

Social, economic, environmental and political development/management to give cities a good ‘liveability’

Question 5

What is good liveability and what are the factors which decide it

Answer 5

Liveability assesses which locations around the world have the best living conditions, ranking them with a score out of 100

Question 6

How can we measure sustainability in cities

Answer 6

By measuring cities as a system. This way, you can measure inputs/outputs and easily compare them with other cities

2. By using the liveability ranking’s

Question 7

List some economic, social, environmental and political factors of sustainable cities

Answer 7

1. Affordable housing
2. Good employment opportunities
3. Accessible to all (non discriminatory)
4. Good public transport
5. Renewable energy
6. Lots of green open space
7. Legislation to reduce inequalities
8. Strengthen political rights

Question 8

Give an example of Europe’s most sustainable city

Answer 8

Copenhagen, Denmark

Question 9

List some economic and social features of Copenhagen

Answer 9

1. Financial centre of Denmark featuring TNC’s such as Just Eat
2. Low unemployment, high wages
3. Independent business thrives
4. Only 2% of people work >40 hours a week
5. They have over 250 miles of cycle lanes, which half of the city use, reducing sick days by 1 million

Question 10

List some environmental and political features of Copenhagen

Answer 10

1. Carbon Neutral by 2025 with large offshore wind farm
2. Cleaned up over 100 channels of overflow wastewater
3. 50% of wages go towards taxes, to maintain services and equality
4. Citizens dialogue project (example of ‘people centred planning’)

Question 11

List some strategies for developing more sustainable cities

Answer 11

Must focus on the specific challenges that each unique city faces. Once this has been identified, ideas include…

1. Investment in infrastructure
2. Investment in affordable housing
3. Investment in Waste issues (Curitiba)
4. Provision of green space
5. Investment in disaster risk reduction