Sustainable cities: what are, characteristics and examples

A sustainable city is that which gives you a good quality of life to its inhabitants and manages to guarantee their rights such as access to decent housing, health, education, drinking water and sanitation, food safety and quality public transport. It also gives citizens the right to a healthy environment.

A sustainable city too Identify and reduce the vulnerabilities of its population and increases its adaptive capacity against the adverse impacts generated by climate change, increasing its resilience. In turn, it forms a Cultural belonging space where ties are built through generations, promoting gender equality and ensuring effective participation for minorities and access in decision making.

Did you know that sustainable cities are part of the Sustainable Development Objective (SDG) 11 of the 2030 Agenda? This establishes: “ensure that cities and human settlements are inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.”

• HOME WASTE MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY PROMOTION: Sustainable cities reduce the amount of waste that reach final disposal through different valorization processes such as reuse and recycling. They also promote the circular economy where dominant patterns of production and consumption are modified. In this way waste can be used as resources and reintroduce in the market.
• Energy efficiency: Some cities implement technologies that seek to reduce consumption and optimize the use of energy, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Sustainable mobility: Cities promote sustainable mobility through the use of cycle paths and public transport avoiding the use of private cars. They also stimulate the walk, improving the quality of life of the citizens.
• Sustainable Urban Planning: Sustainable cities are based on strategic planning that organizes and designs urban fabric with the objective of establishing a balance in social, economic and environmental needs. This approach seeks to improve the quality of life of citizens through an orderly, functional and inclusive development, prioritizing the well -being of people without compromising the resources of future generations.
• Conservation of green spaces: contribute to the mental health and well -being of the population. In turn, they decrease the temperature of the urban heat islands and constitute biodiversity shelters.
• Citizen participation and governance: Citizen participation and effective and transparent governance are indispensable elements for the development of these cities. Citizens must participate in decision -making and city management.

It is important to note that there is no sustainable city ideal, but that this is formed according to the characteristics of each region and its historical processes. Here are 10 sustainable cities and communities around the world:

Characterized by the good quality of life it offers to its citizens, the Danish capital stands out for its extensive cyclevías, its green spaces And for being one of the safer cities living. As established in its climate plan, by 2025 it seeks to be the first city in the world free of carbon dioxide.

Recognized as one of the cleanest capitals in Europe, Stockholm combines innovation and sustainability. Your system of electric public transport and its extensive network of parks They are key examples of their environmental commitment. In addition, it was the first city to implement a Urban toll to reduce traffic and carbon emissions. In 2010 she was awarded by the European Union for being the first green city of Europe that combines the principles of the circular economy with other policies promoted from her government.

Amsterdam has More bicycles than people and a completely adapted infrastructure for this means of transport. The city is also a pioneer in Clean energywith neighborhoods that work almost entirely with renewable sources and buildings designed under energy efficiency standards.

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This Canadian city is a reference in sustainability in North America thanks to the use of hydroelectric energy, the protection of its urban forests and a strict environmental regulation. His “Green City 2020” plan promoted the creation of more green spaces and significantly reduced greenhouse gase emissions.

Zurich stands out for its focus on sustainable mobility, with an extremely efficient public transport system and the incentive for the use of bicycles and walks. In addition, the city promotes energy efficiency through Construction of buildings with ecological certifications and the use of solar energy.

Singapore is a unique example of how a densely populated city can be sustainable. Your innovative rainwater collection system and the integration of Vertical gardens and green ceilings In buildings are just some of the strategies implemented to be considered a sustainable city.

Known as the ecological capital of Germany, Friburg is a solar energy and sustainable communities and aspires to reduce their emissions by 50% in 2030. Neighborhoods like Vauban stand out for being free of cars and self -sufficient in energy terms. The city also encourages Urban agriculture and the reuse of resources.

Chosen as green capital in 2019, Oslo leads the adoption of electric vehicles and is committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 95 % by 2030. The city has an extensive electric public transport system and has implemented projects to reforest natural spaces and protect its biodiversity.

Awarded as the green capital of Europe in 2016, Ljubljana is known for its zero waste policies and its revitalized automobile -free historical center. In addition, it has expanded its green areas and has improved air quality to offer its inhabitants a healthier environment.

Known as the most sustainable city in Latin America, Curitiba stands out for its Innovative public transport systemwhich includes fast articulated buses (BRT) and modern stations that prioritize efficiency and accessibility. In addition, it has a Vast network of parks and green spaces Designed to mitigate floods and improve the quality of life of its inhabitants. It has been recognized in reports that measure the level of sustainability of the most important cities in the world and has been distinguished as one of the most green and clean cities in Latin America.

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