21 st century (SD21) project. The project is implemented by the Division for Sustainable Development of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and funded by the European Commission – Directorate General for Environment – Thematic Programme for Environment and sustainable management of Natural Resources, including energy (ENRTP).
The study was done by Kaarin Taipale (CKIR, Aalto University School of Economics, under the supervision of David Le Blanc (UN-DESA). Others involved included Priyanka Kochar, Patricia Kranz, Ashok Lall, Steffen Lehmann, Noel Morrin, Chrisna du Plessis, AbdouMaliq Simone, Sanjivi Sundar, Beate Weber, Zhiqiang Wu and Annemie Wyckmann.
From the Executive Summary (which includes ten practical steps:
Urban issues have risen high on many agendas
that deal with global questions. Most of the world’s
resources are consumed in cities, where the majority
of people live. It has become obvious that the value
of a single “green” building or eco-labeled product is
marginal if it is not supported by sustainable urban
infrastructure and a culture of sustainability.
In all fairness, cities are at different stages in their
development, and many of them in the global South
have to struggle with enormous growth rates and
immigration. Some urban areas in the North have
opposite challenges of negative growth after old
industries have died out or left.
Inequity and segregation seem to be common
challenges to cities all over the world. Urban inequity
and segregation are also an indication of global
inequity. While more and more cities want to focus
on services and hi-tech, the dirty work of the world
remains to be done in the poorest cities with the most
meager resources to develop.
Cities compete with each other globally trying to please
investors. There is hardly any municipality that does not
in its official strategy claim that sustainability is one of its
key targets. However, it is a totally different story if one
asks into what actions this declaration translates.
Yes, sustainability criteria may be used at the City
Hall when envelopes are purchased – but what is
the point if every other product and service is the
outcome of an unsustainable process? Yes, there is
a Dow Sustainability Index – but what use is it if not
all companies, investments and financing support
sustainability? Yes, there may be a solar panel here
and there, but zero emissions mean nothing less than
100% renewable energy. Yes, there may be tree-lined
roads but as long as the pedestrian is not the king of
the street, the city is not sustainable!
The process towards sustainable cities starts with
profound analyses of the past and present culture
of the city. It builds on an inclusive and holistic
vision, applies integrated planning and transparent
governance, and monitors implementation rigorously.
Even a huge amount of excellent but disconnected
pieces does not make a well functioning whole.
Because money is not going to stop talking, its
language will have to become sustainability. A locally
rooted, democratized culture of sustainability has to be
the foundation of urban development.
