In 2023, environmentalists were startled to see the highest surface temperature on Earth after nearly two centuries. And 2024 was another disappointment, with the global surface temperature increasing by 0.10°C. These increasing temperatures and extreme climate change events have become unavoidable serious threats to Mother Earth, the ecosystem, and the millions of lives inhabited. Undoubtedly, the prosperity of the future depends on the sustainable efforts that we make today and sustainable cities are one among them.
Sustainable cities as a weapon to fight climate change
Countries across the globe have made significant efforts to combat undesired environmental changes. Promoting new sustainable cities and renovating existing cities with green infrastructure are significant weapons everyone relies upon today. In the long run, only these changes can foster a clean environment and make our earth a safe place to live.
Promising green infrastructure measures in sustainable cities
As we all know, green energy is the primary contributor to planning and developing a truly sustainable city. The benefits of green energy are vast than what you can imagine—environmental, economic, operational, and most importantly, health.
Listed below are some of the successful green infrastructure measures taken by the most green and clean cities of the world—Copenhagen in Denmark, San Francisco in California, Vancouver in Canada, Stockholm in Sweden, and Singapore.
- Clean logistics
Logistics fueled by conventional petrol and diesel are the major contributors to polluting the air and the environment. Having said this, electric vehicles are already popular. But this is not sufficient. So, we have to plunge into complete electric fleets even in the commercial space. And public transportation systems are no exception. This complete change to electrification can help us transform the way we need—the use of renewable energy to make the air clean and safe to breathe.
Some countries have leaped and have limited the number of cars an individual can own. That’s truly incredible!
- Efficient water recycling
Many countries have already begun experiencing water scarcity. Not just limited water usage, but recycling the used water is crucial. As a result, water management becomes efficient and ensures everyone is conscious of every usage. Strictly, no more people can use drinking water to wash their bikes or cars.
- Green roof buildings
Green buildings feature green energy (renewable energy), green roofs, sustainable materials, emission control systems, waste management systems, recycling units, thermal collectors, efficient windows, and many more. Above all, following the new energy codes for green buildings is a must to get the plan approved.
- Food waste management
Efficient disposal of segregated food waste, recycling, and composting the food waste are some ways to create a sustainable city with zero food wastage.
- Clean industrial operation
Industries should follow a cleaner production technique, with all regulations and rules in place. Be it the consumption of energy, or the emission control systems, every aspect of the industry must abide by the latest green city norms and plans.
Conclusion
Integrating green energy in sustainable city planning is crucial. However, it depends on factors like green energy production, technological expertise, governmental policies, the density of people, etc. But, once well planned and executed, a green city can reduce about 60–70% of CO2 emissions. Over time, we can make it a carbon-neutral city.
