SDG 11: Building Sustainable Cities and Communities in Pakistan – Challenges, Solutions, and Global Examples.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Statement:
SDG 11 aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by addressing challenges such as inadequate housing, inefficient transportation systems, and urban planning. This goal emphasizes the need for well-managed urbanization, where everyone can benefit from urban growth while minimizing environmental impact.
Key Points of SDG 11
Affordable Housing: Ensure access to safe, affordable, and adequate housing and basic services.
Sustainable Transport Systems: Provide accessible, affordable, and sustainable public transport for all.
Inclusive Urbanization: Foster inclusive and sustainable urbanization, focusing on participatory urban planning and management.
Cultural Heritage: Protect and safeguard cultural and natural heritage in cities.
Disaster Resilience: Reduce the number of people affected by disasters through improved resilience and urban planning.
Environmental Impact: Minimize the adverse environmental impacts of cities, especially regarding air quality and waste management.
Green Spaces: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces.
Some characteristics of sustainable cities include:
l High levels of satisfaction for their inhabitants.
l Good health system.
l Access to education.
l Environmentally friendly transportation.
l Large green spaces.
l Renewable energy for most of its industries and services.
Examples from the World(Sustainable Cities)
1.Copenhagen
This city is known as the greenest in the world, with a progressive environmental policy, lots of green spaces, and green transportation
2.Curitiba, Brazil: Known for its innovative and sustainable urban planning, Curitiba has successfully implemented an efficient and affordable public transport system and preserved green spaces, setting an example for other cities.
3.Vienna, Austria: The city is globally recognized for providing affordable housing and implementing environmental measures such as energy-efficient buildings.
4.Amsterdam
This city was the first to adopt the doughnut economic model, which encourages businesses and citizens to be aware of their impact on the planet.
5.Oslo
This city is considered one of the world’s most sustainable, despite being relatively compact and squeezed into a thin strip of land.
6.Stockholm
This city is home to the world’s first carbon sink, with five biochar production facilities that capture emissions.
7.Singapore:
This city is known for its sustainability efforts, with green spaces, green buildings, and world-leading infrastructure.
8.San Francisco:
This city has reclaimed public space and streets to create a walkable network with lush gardens for food and leisure.
9.Reykjavík:
This city is considered one of the cleanest and most eco-friendly in Europe, with hydrogen-powered public transpor.
10.Zürich
The city of Zurich, a global center for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history. Waterfront promenades like the Limmatquai follow the river toward the 17th-century Rathaus (town hall)
Examples from Pakistan:
1.DHA City Karachi
This city, located outside of Pakistan’s most populated city, is an example of how sustainable initiatives can have a positive impact.
2.Islamabad
This city was planned in the late 1950s with the concept of sustainability in mind, even though the term wasn’t used at the time.
Some challenges to sustainable cities in Pakistan include:
1.Traffic
Traffic jams can prevent ambulances and rescue vehicles from responding to emergencies.
2.Corruption
Corruption and poor policy making can lead to a lack of attention to the needs of the population.
3.Urbanization
Pakistan is the most urbanized country in South Asia, and the rapid increase in urbanization is projected to increase the slum population.
How These Challenges Can Be Addressed?
I.Enforcing stricter urban planning regulations and policies to control sprawl and promote sustainable urban growth.
II.Developing affordable and eco-friendly public transport systems can reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
III. Invest in flood-resistant infrastructure, water management, and disaster preparedness to reduce urban disaster risks.
IV.Encouraging partnerships between the government and private sectors to address housing shortages, especially affordable housing projects.
V. Promote urban reforestation, green spaces, and environmental awareness programs to combat air pollution.
Role of Developed and Developing Countries:
Developed Countries:
Developed nations have the resources and technology to lead by example through urban sustainability projects. They can share best practices, technical expertise, and funding for sustainable development in cities. Cities like Copenhagen, Denmark, or Portland, USA, are leading in energy-efficient urban living and can offer blueprints for sustainable city planning.
Additionally, they can provide financial support through climate funds or grants for cities in developing nations facing urban challenges.
Developing Countries:
Developing nations must focus on adapting these models to their local contexts. This includes leveraging international aid, technology transfers, and adopting policies that support affordable housing, efficient transportation, and climate resilience.
Initiatives like the Sustainable Urban Development in Pakistan (SUDP), backed by international aid, aim to improve urban planning practices in cities like Lahore and Islamabad.
Collaboration between developed and developing countries will be key to ensuring SDG 11 is achieved globally by 2030.
Conclusion:
Achieving SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities is essential for ensuring urban areas in Pakistan and around the world become more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. While cities like Lahore and Karachi face challenges like unplanned urban sprawl, inefficient transport, housing shortages, and environmental degradation, there are viable solutions through urban planning reforms, improved infrastructure, and public-private partnerships. Learning from global examples such as Curitiba and Vienna, Pakistan can implement sustainable practices that enhance resilience and provide better living conditions. The role of both developed and developing countries is crucial, with developed nations offering financial and technical support while developing countries adapt these practices locally. Through collaboration and innovation, urban areas can become sustainable hubs of growth, helping to achieve SDG 11 by 2030.