Rethinking Urban Future: Towards Sustainable Cities and Communities

Abstract

Urbanization is considered as the key driver of social and economic progress, nationally and globally but such progress often comes at a cost of environmental degradation, resource depletion, and increasing inequalities. Despite occupying only 2–3% of the Earth’s surface, cities consume 75% of global resources, use 80% of energy, and are responsible for 50% of waste and 70% of greenhouse gas emissions. These challenges are further intensified by rapid population surge and uneven urbanization, which puts immense stress on natural ecosystems and existing urban infrastructure. These urban trend poses a significant threat to sustainable urban future, impacting both developing and developed countries. Therefore, the study dwells into evolving such urban landscapes into sustainable cities, in line with global sustainability goals, majorly aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The study takes lessons from global case studies featured in Sustainable Cities Indexing (2024) like Amsterdam, Singapore and others, highlighting the significance of integrating mixed land use, data-smart technology, active mobility, nature-based solutions and green infrastructure to enhance liveability and resilience in urban areas. Additionally, the study also emphasizes the urgent need of smart urban planning which blends compact-polycentric model encompassing smart connectivity, multifunctionality, governance and environment as well as adopting smart-eco designs comprising data-driven smart-nature technologies with active community involvement. Thus, implementation of such strategic urban growth models enables cities to grow sustainably, putting people, planet, and profit at the center, paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient tomorrow.