Urbanization in many ways has become inevitable as it acts as an accelerator for social and economic progress. It provides work opportunities and access to social mobility that is not otherwise found in rural areas. That said, it also causes a significant impact on the environment. Climate change, renewable energy, land use, clean air and water will continue to be concerns that draw attention to sustainability, and in particular to sustainable urban planning and development.
Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising on the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs by coming up with strategies and methods that ensure livable, self-sustaining communities over a considerably long period of time. It entails a lot of coordination among various disciplines like biology, environmental science, architecture, engineering, law, transportation, technology, economic development, finance, governance — the list goes on.
Professionals in the form of planners have to be brought in to deal with the physical, environmental, political, social and economic challenges that are stopping us from creating solutions, from implementing policies to manage the resources and from reducing their impact on the environment.
There are several ways in which cities can be built to be more sustainable and resilient. While green buildings, open spaces, alternative energy sources, green rooftops and streets for stormwater drainage, preference of bicycles over cars etc have been championed as ways to promote sustainable urban planning, some more concrete aspects of this are:
- Context-specific policy frameworks along with mobilisation of resources at regional and national levels to help reduce poverty and migration, streamline transportation and focus on energy infrastructure.
- Adequate and sustainable water, sanitation and health infrastructure.
- Investments in human capital.
- Decentralised governance and collaboration with business leaders, citizens and local communities. This kind of active engagement will give rise to accountability and transparency.
- Privatisation can provide better access to basic amenities, thus increasing employment opportunities and control over local resources.
With conscious and sustainable urban planning, the quality of life of the people and their communities can be greatly improved.