The concept of resilient and sustainable cities

Resilient cities are designed to be economically productive, socially inclusive, and environmentally friendly. They rely on efficient transport networks and infrastructure for energy, water, and waste management. However, the high population densities in cities make them vulnerable to issues like air and water pollution, as well as land contamination. Sustainable urban development focuses on meeting the needs of the current generation without harming the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Comparing sustainable and unsustainable city models

The Rogers model from Cities for a Small Planet highlights the difference between sustainable and unsustainable cities through their resource use and waste management approaches.

This comparison shows how sustainable cities aim to reduce resource consumption and increase recycling, creating a more balanced and less harmful urban environment.

Reducing ecological footprints in urban areas

Cities have a significant impact on the environment due to their high resource consumption and waste production. Reducing their ecological footprint involves cutting down on fossil fuel use and promoting recycling, reuse, and reduction of resources.

Advantages of sustainable urban living

• Lower emissions in dense cities - Densely populated urban areas often produce less CO₂ per person compared to less dense areas, due to greater opportunities for efficient public transport systems.
• Energy efficiency in housing - Apartments and terraced houses emit less per person than detached homes, as they require less energy for heating and cooling.

Initiatives for sustainable urban living

• Transport initiatives - Many cities are expanding bus lanes, cycle paths, and pedestrian walkways to decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
• Bike-sharing schemes - These programmes encourage eco-friendly travel by providing accessible bicycles for public use in urban centres.
• Pioneering cities - In the USA, cities like Portland and Seattle were among the first to implement sustainability plans, setting examples for others to follow.

Strategies for achieving sustainability in cities like New York

New York City provides a leading example of urban sustainability planning, with specific goals to address growth and environmental challenges. With an expected population increase of approximately 1 million by 2030, the city is focusing on comprehensive strategies to ensure a greener future.

Key goals for a sustainable New York

• Housing and neighbourhoods - Create homes for almost a million more New Yorkers while making housing and neighborhoods more affordable and sustainable.
• Parks and public spaces - Ensure all New Yorkers live within a 10-minute walk of a park.
• Brownfield redevelopment - Clean up all contaminated land in New York City.
• Waterways improvement - Improve the quality of waterways to increase opportunities for recreation and restore coastal ecosystems.
• Water supply reliability - Ensure the high quality and reliability of the water supply system.
• Sustainable transport - Expand sustainable transportation choices and ensure the reliability and high quality of the transportation network.
• Energy efficiency - Reduce energy consumption and make energy systems cleaner and more reliable.
• Air quality targets - Achieve the cleanest air quality of any big U.S. city.
• Waste management - Divert 75% of solid waste from landfills.
• Climate change action - Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 30%. Increase the resilience of communities, natural systems, and infrastructure to climate risks.

Managing hazard risks in urban environments

Cities face significant risks from natural hazards, which can disrupt infrastructure and endanger lives. Effective strategies are essential to protect urban areas from such events and to ensure quick recovery.

Approaches to hazard risk reduction

• Infrastructure adaptation - Following events like Superstorm Sandy in New York, critical equipment such as electricity generators has been relocated from basements to higher floors to avoid flood damage.
• Protective barriers - In the Netherlands, tidal barriers safeguard reclaimed land (polders) from flooding, while remaining open under normal conditions to support natural tidal flows and ecosystems.

Geopolitical risks facing cities

Urban areas are often focal points for geopolitical tensions due to their dense populations and economic significance. These risks can manifest as social unrest, security threats, or economic conflicts, impacting city stability.

Types of geopolitical challenges in urban settings

• Rising nationalism and protests - Increasing anti-globalisation sentiments and anti-government demonstrations often occur in cities, where large groups of people can gather.
• Terrorist threats - High-profile attacks in cities such as Paris, Brussels, Manchester, and London highlight the vulnerability of urban centres to terrorism.
• Interstate and cyber conflicts - Modern conflicts are not always physical; economic sanctions and cyber warfare, such as alleged interference in national elections, target urban-based interests and infrastructure.
• Examples of urban impact - Events like political unrest in the USA leading to riots in cities such as Miami and Atlanta, or territorial disputes in areas like Sevastopol (Crimea), demonstrate how geopolitical issues directly affect urban populations.
• Global risk assessment - According to the World Economic Forum (2016), geopolitical risks including interstate warfare, terrorism, and state crises rank among the most probable threats to global stability, with cities often at the forefront of these challenges.