The global issue of climate change has a considerable impact on urban living. Sea levels, the frequency of extreme weather events including droughts, floods, and storms, as well as the emergence of tropical illnesses are all impacted by rising global temperatures.
All of these have expensive effects on the essential services, housing, livelihoods, and health of those living in cities. Cities generate a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions as a result of human activity, which has a significant impact on climate change.
According to estimates, cities account for 75% of world emissions, and two of the largest sources of CO2 emissions in cities are transportation and construction.
Cities’ Creative Contributions to Global Climate Action
Cities are stepping up as this crisis develops to avert worst-case outcomes, and because of their combined clout, they can make major strides. Cities are responsible for more than two-thirds of the world’s energy consumption and more than 70% of its carbon emissions. Therefore, even little changes to urban policy can have a significant impact.
Cities must also work to combat climate change in order to survive. According to C40, nearly all cities are at risk and an estimated 70% already experience localised impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, severe storms, heat waves, and other disasters. Here are some methods that various cities are employing to counteract climate change.
Raising the price of carbon dioxide
Any significant climate action plan must include reducing greenhouse gas emissions. On this front, several cities all around the world are setting the standard.
Oslo was the first in the world to implement a climate budget, which controls emissions from industry and personal activities by charging carbon dioxide emissions.
Through a number of strategies, the initiative will hasten the shift to a sustainable society.
Addressing plastic pollution and working towards zero waste
Additionally, the production of plastic contributes significantly to landfill overpopulation, ocean and waterway pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, according to a recent study by the Centre for International Environmental Law, plastic manufacture might account for 17% of the global carbon budget by 2050.
The US produces the most waste per person in the world, yet some towns are starting to address this issue. San Francisco has made the decision to defy national precedent and pursue a zero-waste programme by the year 2020. This challenging objective is being accomplished by legislation that makes composting and recycling mandatory for all people and businesses, as well as through restrictions on plastic bottles, bags and takeout containers, with severe penalties for violators. Because of this, the city now keeps about 80% of its waste out of landfills annually.
Sustainability in transportation
Cars, boats, and airplanes made up the transportation sector, which was responsible for 15% of global emissions in 2017.
Many cities are constructing environmentally friendly transit systems in an effort to reduce pollution. Daily usage of public transport by more than 25% of city dwellers results in a 9% reduction in the use of private vehicles. The city today has one of the greenest and most effective transit networks on the entire planet.
Integrated urban planning
To combat the threat of rising sea levels and lessen their carbon footprints, coastal cities are increasingly relying on sustainable urban development.
Green Infrastructure is a component of sustainable urban development that includes green roofs, green streets that will capture stormwater, and pavements that will allow water to seep through. This technique involves effective stormwater management to avert flooding in the event of a heavy storm.
Green structures
Singapore is one of the finest instances of how buildings can do much more than merely improve a city’s skyline. Singapore, aptly known as the “Garden City,” is ingeniously addressing the climate catastrophe by utilising green building practices and technology.
By utilising energy and water more effectively, investing in cutting-edge recycling systems, and including green spaces, the city’s green buildings are created to be resource-efficient and have a good impact on the environment.
Conclusion
Cities alone are powerless to stop climate change. But cities are driving global climate action by taking the lead and developing tested solutions. In the upcoming years, cities will remain key participants in the fight to save the planet.
