Sustainable Cities for Enhanced Community Well-Being
Sustainable Cities for Enhanced Community Well-Being Greener Ideal
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The Importance of Sustainable Cities for the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
As our world modernizes and urbanizes, the need for sustainable cities becomes increasingly important. To ensure our communities thrive holistically, we must prioritize renewability in all city planning and development aspects.
By definition, a sustainable city focuses on meeting the needs of its present population while safeguarding the resources and environment for future generations. This means creating environmentally conscious, socially equitable, economically viable, and resilient cities.
This article will delve into the health challenges urbanization brings and various ways cities can promote sustainability for the well-being of their community.
Urban Health Challenges
Residing in urban environments poses distinct health challenges, including exposure to air pollution and noise disruptions. With climate change, these challenges are further exacerbated by extreme weather events and rising temperatures. In addition, the rapid pace of urbanization can lead to overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to green spaces.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, climate change may lead to elevated blood pressure and bacterial infections that can be life-threatening. It has also been linked to aggravated offenses and mental health issues.
Hypertension
Temperature extremes are linked to adverse health outcomes, including hypertension or high blood pressure. In cooler climates, lower temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, resulting in a rise in blood pressure. Conversely, extreme heat can also lead to hypertension due to dehydration and intense sweating, which can deplete electrolytes. When combined with poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress from urban living, these factors can significantly enhance the risk of heart disease.
Mental Health Issues
Your mental well-being can be affected by the environment you live in. Exposure to stressful surroundings, and living in unsustainable areas with high levels of crime, pollution, and noise can contribute to mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.
This is due to overcrowding in urban areas that leads to competition for limited resources, poor air quality control and the lack of green spaces that enhance feelings of isolation and stress.
Furthermore, events triggered by climate change, such as natural disasters or extreme weather conditions, can increase stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for those affected by these situations.
Sustainable urban planning can alleviate these mental health issues by fostering green spaces, promoting active transportation options like walking and cycling, and implementing noise and air pollution reduction measures. Additionally, it can enhance social cohesion, community engagement, and access to essential services such as healthcare that are crucial for mental well-being.
Respiratory Health Concerns
Air pollution is an ongoing health concern in urban environments, particularly with rising vehicle emissions and industrial activities. These pollutants can irritate the respiratory system, worsening existing conditions like asthma and emphysema.
Every year, around seven million people die prematurely due to air pollution, according to the World Health Organization. These toxins boost the risk of illnesses like lung cancer and acute respiratory infections, leading to higher mortality rates.
Understanding these urban health challenges highlights the urgent need for renewable cities that prioritize green spaces and innovative construction techniques that mitigate the effects of these issues.
Sustainable Urban Development for Enhanced Health
Sustainable urban development is rooted in the principles of environmental protection, social equity, economic viability, and resilience. The goal is to create settlements that not only reduce their ecological footprint but also promote healthy lifestyles and equitable opportunities for all community members. Here are some ways green communities can encourage better health outcomes:
Green Infrastructure
Green infrastructure refers to the natural and semi-natural elements in urban areas that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Various forms of green infrastructure innovations are being used worldwide. For example, in Italy, solar terra cotta tiles have been utilized to generate electricity while avoiding importing materials that harm the environment.
In Germany, green roofs are installed on buildings to improve air quality and reduce heat
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
- Indicator 3.9.2: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation, and lack of hygiene.
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SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all.
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.
- Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted).
- Indicator 11.6.1: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated, by cities.
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets under SDG 3 are Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
Under SDG 11, the specific targets identified are Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, and Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. For Target 3.9 under SDG 3, the indicators mentioned are Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution and Indicator 3.9.2: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation, and lack of hygiene.
For Target 11.2 under SDG 11, the indicator mentioned is Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.
For Target 11.6 under SDG 11, the indicators mentioned are Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted) and Indicator 11.6.1: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated, by cities.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution. Indicator 3.9.2: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation, and lack of hygiene. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. |
Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities. Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted). Indicator 11.6.1: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated, by cities. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: greenerideal.com
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