How can we build sustainable cities?

Chapter Outline and Key Questions:

1. What are cities?

Characteristics of cities

o Large population size

o High population density

o Built-up area

o Range of functions (e.g., administrative, commercial)

Relationship between cities and rural areas

o Rural-urban migration

o Provision of goods and services (e.g., food, hospitals)

2. How do cities impact the environment and the people living in them as they continue to grow?

Impact of cities on the environment and their inhabitants

• Opportunities

- Education and employment

- Technological innovations (e.g., reduce carbon emissions, improve mobility)

• Challenges

- Increased environmental pollution (e.g., water pollution, air pollution)

- Competition for natural resources (e.g., land, water)

3. How can people sustainably build cities?

Sustainable management of cities

• Environmental management

- Physical environment (e.g., reduce water pollution, minimise air pollution)

- Hazards (e.g., use of better-quality building materials, land-use planning)

• Improve quality of life

- Providing safe housing

- Providing a variety of transportation modes

- Considering the needs of different groups (i.e., the elderly, persons with disabilities)