Lessons From The World's Least Sustainable City

Bird on Fire: Lessons from the World's Least Sustainable City

by Andrew Ross

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5103 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	308 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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In a world where climate change is becoming increasingly urgent, cities are under pressure to become more sustainable. However, many cities are still struggling to make progress, and some are even moving in the wrong direction.

One such city is Dhaka, Bangladesh. Dhaka is the world's least sustainable city, according to the Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index. The city is home to over 20 million people, and it is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Dhaka also has a number of environmental problems, including air pollution, water pollution, and solid waste management.

While Dhaka is a unique case, there are many lessons that can be learned from the city's experience. These lessons can be applied to other cities to help them improve their sustainability.

Lessons From Dhaka

Here are some of the key lessons that can be learned from Dhaka:

1. Rapid population growth can put a strain on a city's resources. Dhaka's population has grown rapidly in recent years, and this has put a strain on the city's infrastructure and environment.
2. Air pollution is a major health risk. Dhaka has some of the worst air pollution in the world, and this is a major health risk for residents. Air pollution can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.
3. Water pollution is a serious problem. Dhaka's water supply is contaminated with sewage and industrial waste, and this is a major health risk for residents.
4. Solid waste management is a challenge. Dhaka produces a large amount of solid waste, and this is a major environmental problem. Solid waste can pollute the environment and attract pests.
5. Climate change is a major threat. Dhaka is located in a low-lying area, and it is vulnerable to flooding and other climate change impacts.

How To Apply These Lessons To Other Cities

The lessons that can be learned from Dhaka can be applied to other cities to help them improve their sustainability. Here are some specific steps that cities can take:

1. Control population growth. Rapid population growth can put a strain on a city's resources, so it is important to control population growth. Cities can do this by providing access to family planning services and by promoting sustainable development.
2. Reduce air pollution. Air pollution is a major health risk, so it is important to reduce air pollution. Cities can do this by promoting clean energy, improving public transportation, and reducing traffic congestion.
3. Protect water resources. Water pollution is a serious problem, so it is important to protect water resources. Cities can do this by investing in water treatment plants, reducing water consumption, and protecting watersheds.
4. Improve solid waste management. Solid waste management is a challenge, but it is important to improve solid waste management. Cities can do this by investing in waste collection and recycling programs, and by reducing waste generation.
5. Prepare for climate change. Climate change is a major threat, so it is important to prepare for climate change. Cities can do this by investing in infrastructure, developing emergency plans, and promoting sustainable development.

Dhaka is a cautionary tale, but it is also a source of hope. The lessons that can be learned from Dhaka can help other cities avoid the same mistakes and improve their sustainability. By taking action to control population growth, reduce air pollution, protect water resources, improve solid waste management, and prepare for climate change, cities can create a more sustainable future for their residents.

Bird on Fire: Lessons from the World's Least Sustainable City

by Andrew Ross

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5103 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	308 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE