How can we make our towns and cities more inclusive, resilient and sustainable? Our panel of researchers discuss the challenges of SDG11.
More than half the world’s population lives in cities. By 2030, it is projected that 6 out of 10 people will be urban dwellers. Despite numerous planning challenges, well-managed cities and other human settlements can be incubators for innovation and ingenuity and key drivers of sustainable development. However, many cities around the world are facing acute challenges in managing rapid urbanization— from ensuring adequate housing and infrastructure to support growing populations, to confronting the environmental impact of urban sprawl, to reducing vulnerability to disasters.
We’ll be joined up Alison Harvey (Heritage Council) who will discuss Ireland’s Collaborative Town Centre Health Check; Gerald Mills (UCD School of Geography) on urban climates and access to green space; and Michelle Norris (UCD School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice) on adequate, safe, affordable housing.
The seminar is hosted by Karen Foley (UCD School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy) and Nessa Winston (UCD School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice), leads of the Sustainable Communities research theme in the UCD Earth Institute and is part of the UCD Sustainable Development Goal seminar series.