Green urban living

More than 50 % of the world’s population live in urban areas and this proportion is expected to rise to 70 % by 2050. Growing cities contribute to economic growth, but they also contribute to increasing social inequalities and pressures on ecosystems. The large-scale, rapid urban migration creates new demands that need to be addressed in an ecologically, economically and socially sustainable way. Sustainable urban development includes sustainable construction and sustainable planning of housing, infrastructure, public spaces, transport, recycling and safer chemicals handling, which in turn require new technology and multi-sector cooperation. Inclusive and innovative urban planning is needed to make cities safer and sustainable for the future.

Research and innovation in this area can primarily be regarded from two currently dominant perspectives. One is the socio-technological, where sustainability is often addressed through increased efficiency in energy, transport and waste management, as well as densely urban environments that increase access to urban services. The other is the socio-ecological, which places greater emphasis on natural urban environments and their positive effects in the form of ecosystem services, improved health (mental, physical and social), as well as learning about nature and the environment and the impact on sustainable behaviour.