Sustainable City and Community
Around the world, countries are facing the challenge of creating sustainable communities. To be considered sustainable, a community must demonstrate resilience, enabling it to withstand unforeseen shocks and adapt to climate change challenges such as rising sea levels, extreme heatwaves, floods, wildfires, and droughts. These challenges are caused by climate change and are critical in ensuring sustainability.
A sustainable community prioritizes the education of its residents, provides a secure and stable living and working environment, and offers opportunities for employment, medical care, and a healthy environment to raise a family. To fully leverage the many opportunities available, a sustainable community must operate within the local ecological boundaries and respect the native ecology. In other words, it should work in harmony with the natural system and avoid building infrastructure that may interfere with or alter the existing ecosystem.
There are cities around the world that are excellent examples of sustainable communities. Oslo, Norway, for instance, is one of the most sustainable cities globally, with a "fjord city" strategy emphasizing green spaces (47% of the city is green!) and renewable energy, targeting carbon neutrality by 2030. Public transportation is also prioritized, with electric buses and a vast network of bike lanes reducing car dependence.
Curitiba, Brazil, is another city that has transformed itself into a model of eco-friendly living. Innovative waste management programs convert trash into usable materials, while extensive car-free zones prioritize pedestrians and cyclists. Residents enjoy a network of parks and gardens, breathing fresh air thanks to a billboard ban and a commitment to green spaces.
Freiburg, Germany, is known as "the solar city" for its world-leading solar energy integration. Sustainable architecture is standard, with buildings designed for maximum energy efficiency. Cycling is also a popular mode of transportation, with over half the population commuting on two wheels, thanks to the city's extensive network of safe paths.
Responsibility is a fundamental trait of a sustainable community and city. Such a community should be aware of its ecological footprint and take action to minimize its environmental impact. This may include enacting new laws and policies that deter harmful behavior toward the environment.
