Sustainable Urban Development

Question 1

Ecological footprint ?

Answer 1

Total area of productive land and water required to produce the resources a population consumes and absorb the waste produced.

Question 2

Liveability ?

Answer 2

Characteristics of a city which improve the QOL for people living there.

Question 3

What is a sustainable city ?

Answer 3

A city which provides employment, a high standard of living, a clean, healthy environment and fair governance to all its residents.

Question 4

What is urban resilience ?

Answer 4

Capacity of individuals, communities, institutions, businesses and systems within a city to survive, adapt and grow no matter kind of stresses and shocks they experience.

Question 5

Social developments which provide a sustainable city ?

Answer 5

Adequate education, Clean water and sanitation, Green energy access.

Question 6

Economic developments which provide a sustainable city ?

Answer 6

Decent employment opportunities, Production and distribution of renewable energy, Investment in tech

Question 7

Environmental management developments which provide a sustainable city ?

Answer 7

Waste and recycling management, Energy efficiency, Water management, Air quality conservation

Question 8

Urban governance developments which provide a sustainable city ?

Answer 8

Adoption of green urban planning, Strategies to reduce inequalities, Strengthening of civil and political rights.

Question 9

What are some key features of a sustainable city ?

Answer 9

Access to affordable housing, Renewable resources, Public transport more viable than cars, Community links are strong, Resources and services are all accessible.

Question 10

Issues with building sustainable cities ?

Answer 10

Rapid Urbanisation :
Fast-growing populations outpace infrastructure, leading to informal settlements or slums.
Difficult to plan sustainably when demand outstrips resources.

Cost and Investment :
High initial costs for renewable energy, sustainable buildings, and infrastructure.
Funding may be limited, especially in low-income countries.

Social Inequality :
Risk of gentrification, where green or sustainable improvements raise costs and displace poorer residents.
Ensuring access to sustainable benefits for all can be difficult.

Political and Institutional Barriers :
Inconsistent policies or lack of political will can prevent sustainable planning.
Short-term goals often prioritized over long-term sustainability.

Environmental Constraints :
Geographic or climatic factors (e.g., risk of flooding, lack of water) make sustainable development harder.

Waste and Pollution :
Managing urban waste, air pollution, and water contamination remains a challenge in densely populated areas.
Cultural and Behavioral Resistance