Sustainable Cities and Communities

 

1.      FIVE TRAITS OF A SUSTAINABLE CITY

 

a) Add EV charging stations

Whereas conventional fuel-driven vehicles generate an average of 4.6 metric tons per year, hybrids can cut that in half, and electric vehicles produce zero. Cities aiming for carbon neutrality must include EV charging stations in their sustainable city planning. Urban areas can incentivize the construction of these stations, and planners can team up with developers to map out appropriate locations for charging stations. Key benefits include:

·         Lower transportation costs

·         Reduced strain on traffic management infrastructure

·         Massive reduction of carbon emissions

·         Cleaner air

b) Provide access to public resources and green spaces

Access to nature and walking/biking paths are key elements of a sustainable city. Resources like parks, nature preserves and recreational areas get people out of cars. And studies have shown that green spaces help improve mental health. Infrastructure designs and urban landscaping can go a long way toward enhancing public resources and making cities more vibrant. Some of the benefits of this feature include:

·         More livable urban centers

·         Improved urban mobility

·         Support for a diverse ecosystem, including birds, bees and butterflies

·         Mental health for residents.

c) Improve water conservation and wastewater management

Technology to monitor water systems and provide leak detection is key, along with incentives for citizens and businesses to save water. Likewise, waste disposal processes can shift toward a circular economy model, and sustainable city waste management. Programs to minimize waste by recycling, composting, and repurposing materials are some proven ways cities can be more sustainable with waste management.
 The benefits are many:

·         Fewer water shortages

·         Enhanced availability of water for recreational purposes

·         Reduced waste, and the energy used to manage it

·         Less environmental pollution

d) Support urban farming

Food is second to energy as the most in-demand city resource. Urban farming enhances food production, reduces food insecurity and mitigates the environmental effects of food transportation. And growing food locally reduces the distance from farm to consumer. Urban farming practices include vertical gardens, rooftop farming, community gardens, and encouraging schools and restaurants to grow food. 
There are several great benefits:

·         Meeting the growing demand for local food

·         Boosting the local economy

·         Transforming under-utilized spaces into vibrant and edible landscapes

·         Reducing the environmental impact of agriculture supply chain.

e) Implement green architecture

When we talk about sustainable development and cities, green architecture is a key component. Green architects are discovering innovative ways to reduce resource use and lower greenhouse gas emissions — from using natural building materials and solar panels, to improving ventilation and insulation, planting more shade trees and installing smart HVAC systems. Green buildings can meet certain requirements to get LEED-certified, which is increasingly desirable for tenants. Benefits include:

·         Energy savings

·         Reduced greenhouse emissions

·         Improved air quality

·         Better health

2. FOUR UNESCO CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES IN INDIA

·         Agra Fort: Near the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16^th Century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5 km long enclosure walls.

·         Ajanta caves: The first Buddhist cave monument at Ajanta date from the 2^nd and 1^st Centuries B.C. During the Gupta period many more richly decorated caves were added to the original group.  

·         Ellora Caves: It illustrates the spirit of tolerance that was characteristic of ancient India. These 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2km.  

·         Taj Mahal: An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. 

 

3.                  TOP THREE CITIES IN THE WORLD WITH POOR AIR QUALITY INDEX, WHICH SHOWS ADVERSE PER CAPITA ENVIRONMNETAL IMPACT

 

·         Kolkata, India: Air Quality Index, the PM2.5, the air is currently 24 times above the WHO annual air quality guideline value

·         Dhaka, Bangladesh: Air is currently 21.5 times above the WHO annual air quality guideline value 

·         Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina: The air quality is 16 times above the issued guidelines.

 

4.                  TWO CONFERENCES TO BE HELD ON SUSTAINABLE CITIESS

 

·         World Urban Forum, which aims at transforming our cities for a better Urban Future is the premier global conference to be held in the Polish City of Katowice from 26-30 June 2022.

·         International Conference on Sustainable Cities and Regions, July 28-29, 2022 in Zurich, Switzerland: It aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences a research results on all aspects of Sustainable Cities and Regions. 

 

5.                  ONE OBJECTIVE 

 

The UN special rapporteur on adequate housing defined the human right to adequate housing as “The right of every woman, man, youth and child to gain and sustain a safe and secure home and community in which to live in peace and dignity”.