Sustainability In Urban Areas

Question 1

What was the ‘Hoy no circula’ scheme in Mexico City?

Answer 1

-The Hoy no circula (car free day) launched in Mexico City in 1989, saw air pollution fall by 21% in the first year.

Question 2

How can cities achieve sustainability?

Answer 2

-Reducing the use of fossil fuels (via promoting public transport)
-Keeping waste production to within levels that can be treated locally
-Providing sufficient green spaces
-Reusing and reclaiming land (via brownfield sites)
-Encouraging active involvement of local community
-Using renewable resources

Question 3

Liveability

Answer 3

Aspects of urban living which make life more comfortable and endurable for city dwellers, measured by the Global Liveability Rankings. May mean parks and green space, cultural diversity, career opportunities, economic and political stability or basic safety

Question 4

How is Copenhagen sustainable?

Answer 4

-Regulary topping the happiest city in the world rankings
-only 2% workers work more than 40 hour weeks
-400km cycling paths; bikes have complete right of way and are the norm of transportation
-City is home to a UN city complex, which works hard on delivering sustainability globally.
-Hosts some of highest wages and lowest unemployment rates in the world
-Reasonable rent prices, allowing young entreprenurs to flourish
-It is estimated that residents have 1 million fewer sick days due to cycling so much.
-Society is seen as fair and egalitarian.

Question 5

How to reduce the urban heat island effect (albedo)

Answer 5

-Lower the albedo, darker the surface eg. Black tarmac, will absorb more heat and be hotter
-Therefore, lighter surfaces to reduce UHIE, eg. White houses in Greece