The theme for this year’s observance of World Environment Day,
“Green Cities: Plan for the Planet!”, highlights the challenges
raised by one of the major trends of our times: the rapidly increasing
proportion of people who are living in urban environments.
In
the next quarter-century, almost all population growth will occur in
cities, most of it in less developed countries. By 2030, more than 60
per cent of the world’s population will live in urban areas. Such
rapid urbanization presents profound challenges, from poverty and unemployment
to crime and drug addiction. Already, one of every three urban dwellers
lives in a slum. And in too many of the world’s expanding towns
and cities, environmental safeguards are few and planning is haphazard.
Indeed,
the environmental consequences of urban growth are considerable. Cities
are prolific users of natural resources and generators of waste. They
produce most of the greenhouse gases that are causing global climate
change. They often degrade local water quality, deplete aquifers, pollute
the marine environment, foul the air and consume the land, thereby devastating
biological diversity.
The
rising concentration of humanity in cities and towns means the world
will not achieve the Millennium Development Goals unless environmental
planning is incorporated into all aspects of urban management. Creating
environmentally friendly cities is an admittedly big challenge, but
the technologies and expertise we need already exist. Clean transport,
energy-efficient buildings, safe sanitation and economical water use
are possible now, not just in the future, often in a manner that is
affordable for all.
On
this World Environment Day, I urge individuals, businesses, and local
and national governments to take up the urban environmental challenge.
Let us tap the great knowledge and natural dynamism of urban areas.
And let us create “green cities” where people can raise
their children and pursue their dreams in a well-planned, clean and
healthy environment. |
