Due to large greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from urban areas, the global average temperature is expected to reach or exceed 3 degrees F within the next few decades, according to NASA, which will significantly affect regions worldwide. To combat this issue, implementing eco-cities will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the environment.
Eco-cities are all urban alternatives that will promote a livable future for all, as they will help prevent the rising global temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions. Eco-cities, also known as green or sustainable cities, are urban settlements that are built on a self-sustaining and ecological structure. In other words, eco-cities are ecologically healthy cities. Eco-cities are used in hopes of combating climate change and improving living environments.
The components of eco-cities have been proven to help with global warming, pollution, and waste management. During this time of mass industrial expansion, eco-cities will be extremely helpful when it comes to the negative effects of climate change. To fight against global warming, eco-cities include renewable energy sources, which significantly decrease pollution. The article “Green Cities” explains that Oslo, Norway, was able to derive about 98% of its electricity from sustainable energy sources, becoming recognized as one of the cleanest cities in the world.
In addition, switching to eco-cities will significantly decrease greenhouse gas emission levels, which will therefore help with climate change. By implementing renewable energy sources, sustainable transportation, and green buildings, cities can lower their level of greenhouse gas emissions. About 70% of greenhouse gas emissions come from our cities, which is extremely harmful for the environment (“The Importance of Sustainable Cities”). This goal can be achieved, as many cities like Stockholm, Sweden, were able to decrease their greenhouse gas emissions by more than half (“Top 10: Sustainable Cities”).
The benefits of eco-cities also apply to humans, physically and mentally. By adding natural components to industrial cities, people can become more connected to the natural ecosystem. This can be achieved through green building, which involves the addition of vegetation and green land into cities. A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that children who grow up near an urban green space are at a lower risk of mental health issues compared to children without similar exposure to green space (“Green Cities”). Green space also helps with air and water pollution, which is crucial in large cities, and will improve the physical health of the citizens living in urban areas.
However, many individuals argue that the cost of building eco-cities is much too expensive, and that it will disrupt the natural environment. Although the cost for eco-cities is very high, building them now, when we still have time to reset the climate clock, is an opportunity that should not be overlooked. We have been disrupting the environment for centuries now, but with eco-cities, we can work alongside the environment and help solve the problem we created.
