FEATURE
INGENIEUR
UNIDO ’ S APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE CITIES
Hubs of Innovation , Low-Carbon Industrialisation and Climate Action
By Prof . Emeritus Ir . Dr K S Kannan Centre for Energy Studies ISI Ventures Sdn . Bhd Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Sustainable and inclusive industrialisation of cities provides opportunities for developing synergies , such as decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation , while at the same time creating employment and fostering clean energy innovation . Cities benefit from the role of industries in local economic development through job creation and income generation . In industry also lie critical solutions towards limiting the carbon intensity of growth , considering the impacts of its activities as an energy consumer ( and in some cases energy producer ), major freight transport user , promoter of efficiency and clean energy technologies and solutions , preserver of green cover , and implementer of sustainability initiatives . A sustainable city serves the best interests of industry as it benefits from the efficient and peaceful functioning of its host city .
As the world continues to urbanise rapidly , the importance of shaping sustainable cities has begun to receive widespread recognition . This is particularly true in developing countries where urban growth is relatively high and the existing systems and infrastructure are not sufficient . Estimates show that more than half of the global population currently live in cities , and is expected to reach two-thirds by 2050 . This global megatrend of accelerated urbanisation , while bringing greater opportunities for growth and human well-being , will increase the inter-relations between cities and
InC luSIve and S u S taI nable I nduS trI al development
Picture : © fotolia
climate change . Cities are now the main sources of global greenhouse gas emissions , being responsible for 80 % of global CO 2
, according to UN-Habitat , while also being the very ones most vulnerable to climate change . Rapid urbanisation will bring more carbon emissions to cities and increase urban dwellers , who will be more frequently exposed to climate risks .
However , cities , if designed towards sustainability , have a high potential to prevent and resolve climate problems and contribute to
38 VOL 93 JANUARY-MARCH 2023