Welcome to the Anthropocene, an era built on centuries of economic growth, In the 50 years before this new age, the human economic footprint grew faster in terms of GDP than at any time in recorded history. By the year 2100, it could grow to Bigfoot proportions, severely straining the global commons we all depend upon. Now it's time to tame Bigfoot. Andrew Steer explains.
cities
Leaders from 167 countries today adopted the New Urban Agenda, the blueprint for creating sustainable, livable cities around the world. Following is a statement from Ani Dasupta, Global Director, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities:
The Habitat III conference next week will see more than 45,000 leaders, decision-makers and experts sign into force the New Urban Agenda for sustainable cities. But the Agenda and the Habitat process don't stand alone -- going forward, they will be part of intensified efforts to achieve sustainable, equal development and combat climate change.
Rapidly growing cities are finding it increasingly difficult to provide their residents with core services, like housing, water, energy and transportation — a challenge that is exacerbated as the share of poor people living in urban areas grows. New research from the World Resources Institute finds that in most cities in the Global South, more than 70 percent of residents lack reliable access to basic services like livable, well-located housing; clean water; sustainable energy; and accessible and affordable transportation. The World Resources Report: Towards a More Equal City examines whether prioritizing access to core urban services will create cities that are prosperous and sustainable for all people.
A good home gives families a base to build the foundations of society, but in urbanizing areas, good housing can be difficult to find. People like Jussara and her family in Porte Alegre, Brazil, face a trio of critical challenges to locating affordable housing that apply in many growing cities worldwide.
We invite you to join a press briefing call for the upcoming Habitat III convening. The United Nations hosts an intergovernmental conference for member states and stakeholders every twenty years and this third convening of Habitat on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development will take place in Quito, Ecuador from October 17th-20th with over 45,000 delegates in attendance.
When delegates gather in Quito for Habitat III to adopt the New Urban Agenda for sustainable cities, they should keep in mind people like Adelaida, a banker and mother in Accra, Ghana, where unreliable, expensive electricity is a challenge. As a forthcoming paper of the World Resources Report shows, ensuring access to affordable energy and the economic opportunity it brings will be essential for a sustainable, prosperous urban future.
World Resources Institute will host a press call Tuesday, October 11 at 11:00 am EDT as urban leaders from around the world prepare to meet in Quito, Ecuador, to set the global agenda for the future of cities.
WRI is engaging in Habitat III -- the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development in Quito, Ecuador, October 17-20 -- to help create the sustainable, equitable, prosperous cities of the future. Ani Dasgupta, Global Director of WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, answers key questions to explain what's at stake.
Tackling inequality in the world's cities can be a crucial way to foster urban development, improve the environment and spur the economy.