Cities around the world are growing and increasingly more people are moving from rural to urban areas. Today, 55 % of the world’s population lives in cities, and by 2050, the number is expected to be about 68%.
Increased urbanization has many positive outcomes such as connecting people, reducing poverty, and fostering human development. At the same time, the increased pressure on cities leads to a stronger need to build sustainable cities that offer adequate housing and provide essential services such as sustainable public transport systems, waste management, and efficient energy solutions.
Image by Per Pixel Petersson/imagebank.sweden.se
To ensure these solutions are effective and create cities that are sustainable in the long term, it is crucial to incorporate new technological innovations alongside good governance that considers the social aspects of sustainability.
Sweden is working to create smart cities where the interplay between social and environmental sustainability plays a major part. For example, green areas can serve as meeting places while also providing ecological benefits, playing the role of air cleaners, water collectors, and noise reducers. By building in favour of bikes and pedestrians, car traffic and emissions have been reduced in city centres, leading to better health among the residents.
- Read more about placemaking
- Read more about renewal of city districts
- Read more about smart & sustainable buildings
- Read more about wooden construction
