Make cities a sustainable place to live guaranteeing an inclusive urbanization process.
Sustainable
Cities Mission.
Problem introduction.
The world population is expected to increase from 7 to 10 billion people by 2050, a fact which poses great challenges for life in cities around the world. Currently more than half of the population lives in urban areas, expecting to reach 80% by 2050.
Faced with the rapid process of urbanization, we must guarantee an inclusive transition that encourages the maintenance of rural spaces and the promotion of the local economy. It is also essential to guarantee a healthy and quality life in cities by reducing pollution and promoting sustainable mobility.
Growth of cities (Nº cities).
Source: Paul Bairoch. Cities and economic development.
Life in cities emerged in developed countries from year 1000 to 1980. This rapid growth is still accelerating at the moment due to the population growth in emerging economies.
Energy and emissions of buildings.
Source: IEA. World energy statistics and balances & Energy technology perspectives, buildings model.
Building and construction accounted for 36% of the energy use and 39% of energy related emissions. As one of the most important industries of cities, the transformation of the sector is critical to make cities a sustainable place to live.
Projection of rural vs urban population. (Billion people).
Source: United Nations. World Urbanization Prospects (The 2019 revision).
The population growth is linked with the urbanization process and the increasing number of people living in the cities. Rural population is facing big challenges to remain living in rural areas and also maintaining their quality of life.
Mission description.
This mission aims to promote the sustainability of cities and the quality of life and well-being of the people who are part of it. A sustainable city needs to be resilient, not only to physical risk related with climate change or natural disaster, but also to other sustainable trends such as population growth and the rapid urbanization process. It is also essential to guarantee a sustainable and inclusive process that offers all people the possibility of a decent life regardless of their place of residence, ensuring also a sustainable mobility to their citizens. Cities should also integrate people in the decision making process, allowing them to be part of a bottom up approach which lets them have a voice in the creation of a sustainable city they want to live in.
Problems included
in the mission.
New cities.
- Increase the sustainability of buildings and housing.
- Reduce the pollution of cities.
- Increase citizenship participation in the development of a city.
- Increase and improve urban resilience.
Sustainable mobility.
- Increase new forms of sustainable mobility and transportation.
- Increase efficiency of transportation.
- Reduce the number of car accidents.
Rural depopulation.
- Promote rural inclusion in the rapid urbanization process.
Sustainable tourism.
- Promote a sustainable tourism system.
SDG alignment.
Good health and well-being.
- 3.6 Reduce car accidents.
Decent work and economic growth.
- 8.9 Promote sustainable tourism.
Industry, innovation and infrastructure.
- 9.1 Develop sustainable infrastructure.
- 9.4 Promote sustainable industries.
Sustainable cities and communities.
- 11.2 Provide inclusive transport.
- 11.3 Enhance sustainable urbanization.
- 11.6 Reduce environmental impact of cities.
- 11.7 Accessibility in public spaces.
- 11.a Support rural areas.
- 11.b Climate change planning.
- 11.c Sustainable buildings in developed countries.
Potential solutions.
Below you can find some of the innovative impact solutions we are working on.