54% of people live in cities: how can we make them sustainable? | Environmental news

by time news

2024-10-15 08:03:00

The need to promote sustainable cities It has become particularly relevant in a world where 54% of the population already lives in these large cities and where, according to United Nations data, this percentage is expected to increase to 66% by 2050.

This month of October, as Cities Day and Energy Saving Day coincide, offers an ideal opportunity to reflect on our consumption habits and the importance of adopting more efficient practices.

As cities face increasingly complex environmental challenges, it is essential to adopt approaches that promote sustainability and urban resilience. Cities, due to their high population density, play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and promoting a more equitable future.

In this context, the concept of Sustainable cities. These types of cities are the ones that They seek to balance urban development with environmental protection, resource efficiency and social well-being. of its citizens. This concept involves the implementation of practices, policies and companies that support sustainable development.

Efficient and sustainable transport

Large cities are a source of pollution due to the high density of vehicles using fossil fuels. These generate large emissions of polluting gases which deteriorate the quality of the air and affect the health of citizens, increasing respiratory problems.

Furthermore, constant traffic causes congestion, which increases waiting times and, therefore, emissions per vehicle in circulation.

Implement a sustainable transport network in cities it has become fundamental to address all the environmental and social challenges of current urban planning. This type of transportation reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and mitigating climate change. Ultimately, a sustainable approach to transportation is essential to creating more liveable, resilient and sustainable cities for future generations.

An example of this can be found in Madrid, which is the Spanish city with the largest number of 100% electrified routes and with the largest fleet of electric buses, according to data from Mobility Portal. Furthermore, according to Anesdor data, Madrid is in first place when it comes to vehicle registrations.
electric motorcycles from all over the country. The mobility alternatives offered by the city are not limited exclusively to buses; More and more electric operators are emerging that promise to transform the city into a much less polluted place.

This is the case of ZEWAY, a sustainable service private rental of electric motorbikes whose batteries can be changed at changing stations in less than 50 seconds in an intuitive and simple way. Charging conventional electric motorcycle batteries can take up to 4 or 5 hours, but ZEWAY has created a system so that the batteries can be changed in less than a minute, which makes this alternative ideal for large cities, such as Madrid where many they already have 15 charging stations.

These electric motorbikes, both mopeds and 125cc equivalents, are an ideal way to get around the city thanks to their energy efficiency and their ability to reduce noise and air pollution. Furthermore, they are economical in terms of maintenance and charging, making them a sustainable and convenient option for city dwellers.

Green spaces and biodiversity

Even large cities need large green spaces to help fight air pollution. Trees in a city perform several very important functions, they absorb CO2 and produce oxygen, work as thermoregulators, significantly reduce noise pollution and even filter radiation.

The presence of plants and trees is necessary not only in large concentrations, as in the case of Central Park in New York, or the Retiro in Madrid, but also along large avenues, squares and even in the most residential streets.

Sustainable buildings

Sustainable buildings are those designed, constructed and operated in this way reduce their environmental impact and promote the efficiency in the use of resources such as energy, water and materials. These buildings are designed to maximize the entry of natural light, promote cross ventilation and use non-toxic materials, which have a positive impact on the health and well-being of the people who live there.

From the foundation, these buildings are built with waste generation in mind throughout their life cycle, which promotes reuse, recycling and waste reduction, contributing to the conservation of the natural environment.

Cities offer many alternatives for leisure and work, they allow you to easily expand your social, working and sentimental circle, and are perfect environments for developing a future.

However, pollution caused by gentrification is a growing problem in large cities that needs an immediate solution. Green areas and buildings and sustainable mobility are just some of the options for improving the quality of life in cities, but citizens’ commitment to sustainable practices and the responsible use of natural resources are key to addressing the challenge of pollution in urban areas .

Source: Zeway

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