Every local government need to develop an Urban Conservation Emergency Evacuation Plan (#UCEEP)

Every local government needs to develop an Urban Conservation Emergency Evacuation Plan (#UCEEP) (.pdf-document for download here) (.pdf-Executive Summary for download here)

Dealing with a climate crisis has now gone planetary — Cities’ planners and policymakers must protect vulnerable citizens by having an Urban Conservation Emergency Evacuation Plan policy in place, for the outcome of the New Urban Agenda and monitored by the Sendai Framework, that is proven realistic in an actual emergency. Environment havoc in the footsteps of climate change require, for the first time, to mainstream local conservation against disasters in all relief planning…

Executive Summary

Paper on Urban Conservation Emergency Evacuation Plan (UCEEP 2.0)

The UCEEP (Safe #CitiinCiti) innovative project/initiative was realised with clarity that safeguarding, protection and shelter has overall the highest command in any emergency in relation to mass activities -> Climate Action response risk assessing urban resilience will by far have the most efficient adaptation/mitigation impact. Poor urban planning, lack of ecosystem restoration and short medium/long-term environment decisions are already affecting the human health globally.

‘A system of local conservation emergency evacuation urban craters, capturing rainwater will give a new town/city protection and balance megacities, second cities and their urban sprawl/spawn, it might even be a supportive link between the city and it’s green belt definition. Cooling carbon sinks against urban heat waves and balancing micro climates with positive green outcome can generate many health and safety benefits at the same time offer shelter and protection to its area districts.’
Regional offices, local governments, planners and policy makers must protect vulnerable citizens by having an ”Urban Conservation Emergency Evacuation Plan” policy in place, proven to be realistic in an actual emergency, when implementing our global frameworks. E.g. unavoidable human-made hazards which are related to our changing climate (climate-induced disaster). How can we ensure necessary mitigation/adaptation planning documentation is up-to-date? Key words Decarbonisation – Biodiversity – Greenfield land and Natural space Water resources and Air quality – Climate change – Public space Social inclusion and Integration – Restoration.

The creation UCEEP paper become clear when the 2015/16 when five globally binding agreements came in place changing the world agenda delivering to the Agenda 2030, the Global Goals; these are;

  • The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) – June 2015
  • The Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA) of the agreement Financing for Development. A global framework for financing development – July 2015
  • The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – September 2015
  • The Paris climate agreement (PA) is an agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – Dec. 2015
  • The New Urban Agenda (NUA), which will serve as a guideline for sustainable urban development for the next eighteen years – October 2016 http://nua.unhabitat.org/list1.htm#

The aim of a second draft UCEEP 2.0 paper is to equip member states with a state-of-art emergency solution, CO2lution if you so like.

An URBAN CONSERVATION EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN (UCEEP) is a physical cradle for the Global Goals. First and foremost an UCEEP provides protection and shelter to urban residents, it’s assets and urban environment. Secondary on medium-term building on the Sustainable Development Goals, investing in the UCEEP a scalable multi-function CO2lution will generate long-term health and well-being to the people and the planet.

Considering general emergency policies of the national government a second draft UCEEP to compliment the 2030 agenda, for urban settlement equipped with detailed evacuation plans for facilitating and handling climate crisis as seen daily in every continent on the planet. On the work of Climate Ambition with Governments and Stakeholders; Non-state actor’s, Multi-actor’s governance and Multi-stakeholders’ platforms; What role can regional partners play to bridge the national implementation agenda with the global guiding principles and frameworks? How can nations synergise and harness efforts to protect and offer urban preparedness to urban hazardous-zones and at what level?

United Nations expressed in report the urgency of implementation of the SDGs together with the New Urban Agenda. To embed an Urban Conservation Emergency Evacuation Plan (UCEEP) policy in place on the international agenda is a transformative change in urban risk-behaviour.
– First, give evidence that disaster risk assessment in every action will support mitigation efforts and further generate understanding and positive impact of carbon and methane reductions to help increase the ambition of states Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2020. UCEEP to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of urban ecosystems?

Climate Disaster Action CO2lutions to Sustainable Cities and Communities in partnership “Making Cities Resilient” to achieve the goals. Well-designed urban growth, in e.g. urban regeneration and disaster risk management adaption with Urban Conservation Emergency Evacuation Planning is a way forward; We need an operative Climate Action Agenda Foster implementation – Citizens integration in practice Hi policy level endorsement Monitoring minimal criteria Identify capacity overlaps for implementation – pressure points Green force new sectors Attention to biology and ecology knowledge / Millennials Eco-implementors? Great big product moving in on direction Data visibility Learning from taking stock ~ “Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss”.

An UCCEP will offer each one protection in urban safe-zones while empowering people and offer to everyone a place where one genuine feel inclusiveness and equality (as part of something bigger). Any successful  realistic UCEEP will require regular effectiveness drills. Can you imagine a physical place doing good for humanity and at the same time healing the urban/natural environment… ?

The main purpose with the second draft UCEEP paper is to fast-track Agenda 2030, at the same time slow carbon emissions and protect urban vulnerable people from disaster, support business contingency with the UCEEP concept “Safe CitiinCiti” all in one transferable Multipurpose Conservation CO2lution.

The UCEEP concept is set for development and is looking for “Declaration of interest” from new state/non-state actors to form a universal multi-partnership for Disaster “Safe CitiinCiti” CO2lutions.

The UCEEP paper has as a concept been recognised by several global organisation, leaders, scientists, politicians, from the global climate change action (CCA) agenda, the disaster preparedness community (disaster risk reduction (DRR)), SDG stakeholders, World Urban Forum etc. 2019 is momentum for change, support creation for a Global UCEEP Standard. Looking at CO2lutions globally, you might save $$$ in any other cases, the point really is that investing… Investing in resilience always pays. Mobilise finance for skills enhancement, technology transfer and demonstrations to put in place the tools needed for early warning systems, preparedness, risk-informed development planning and better use of natural resources for sustainable energy practices

Climate Change Centre Reading, UK
(Civil Society/Non-profit organisation. Project/initiative to take place inside and outside the European Union.)

#APAN2018 #UR2018 #90drills #ThisIsZeroHour #UCEEP #iddr2018 #SendaiFramework #Disaster #Storm #ClimateAction #climatechange #planning #climate #urban #cities #globalization #resiliency #urbanplanning #drilling #urbandesign #placemaking #urbanism #urbanization #urbanagriculture #storms #announcements #urbangardening #googling #urbanecology #urbanforestry #urbangeography #rdguk #co2lutions #climateambition #sdgdrr #sdg18 #undevelopment #globalisation #rdg #clties4climate #rdgnews #globalgoals #haemorrhagingdisaster #urbanisation #howto

#ConservationAction #LandStewardship #TalanoaDialogue #GCAS2018 #CitiesIPCC #COP24 #FutureofPlaces #Greenbelt #DRR
#Placemaking #COP21 #COP22 #COP23 #UrbanAction #Habitat3 #NewUrbanAgenda #PublicSpace
#WUC #TheFutureWeWant #TheCityWeNeed #UrbanSDG #UrbanAction #UrbanThinkers #NetZero
#Youngplacemakers #Roadmap2030 #ClimateAction #Vulnerability #Planetary #SDG11 #Listen2Cities
#NoCountryAlone #NewUrbanGovernance #NAZCAportal #UNEA2 #Cities4Climate #G7EMM
#Listen2Cities #SB48Bonn #SB44 #APA1 #Bonn #Pre2020Action #C40Award #AOSIS #GUANXI

#ClimateAction #UNEA2 #NewUrbanGovernance #Cities4Climate #FortMacFire #yeg #ymmfire #NAZCAportal #climatechance

The draft National Planning Policy  Framework #NPPF

 Jul 18 The government is due to publish the draft National Planning Policy  Framework (NPPF) imminently. Will it past our eight placemaking tests?”

 

1 Does it restore a genuine commitment towards sustainable development and the welfare of future generations?

 

2 Does it reflect the Garden City Principles by committing to using part of the profits from development for the long-term benefit of the community?

 

3 Does it rewrite the viability test to ensure that policy which enhances people’s lives and saves public money over the long term is equally as important as landowner and developer profit?

 

4 Does it prioritise good design and set out mandatory space standards for new homes?

 

5 Does it re-prioritise action on climate change, making clear that planning must deliver the carbon reduction target stated in the Climate Act?

 

6 Does it prioritise the promotion of people’s health and well being in planning decisions?

 

7 Does it focus on a meaningful definition of housing affordability based on people’s ability to pay, prioritising social rented homes?

 

8 Does it defend people’s rights to participate in the planning process?

 

More here, https://mainstreaminggreeninfrastructure.com/blog/posts.php?NPPF2-Hopes

Source: tcpa

 

#SB46 All Aboard! (Blog post about 4 years of non-ambitious #climateaction 2013-2016 in #Rdg #RdgUK)

This showcase is an attempt to prove the importance of working on climate preparedness Within the local council framework, not outside it (in any partnership)!

Reading Climate Change Strategy Consultation (the fourth I believe): https://consult.reading.gov.uk/css/reading-climate-change-partnership-strategy-review

(In 2013 the Reading Climate Change Partnership (RCCP) launched its climate change strategy: ‘Reading Means Business on Climate Change’. Produced in partnership with a range of key stakeholders, the strategy outlines Reading’s response to climate change.)

As you may know Climate Change Centre Reading (CCCRdg) is still waiting for a response to our submitted response per 14/12/12 on the first consultation from 2012/13. Now is also the last chance for Reading to apply for the European Green Capital Award, online! before the next govt catastrophe.

CCCRdg has only one thing to state over the “Reading Climate Action” from the last four years. How come this community scam “Reading Climate Change Partnership” is not within the Reading Borough Council framework!? Who are these climate officials and what committee/department to contact regarding climate change also about the ratified Paris Agreement in the RBC? Where is Reading’s expertise on COP22 and Habitat3? Four years later,, it is a fraud. Should there be an investigation due to failure to take bold inclusive accessible climate action, is this failure for community engagement because of lack of competence for climate collective action, is it illegal? Is this a waste of more time and resources? (We are on the edge of the abyss and the local government can’t ignore it) This is something we feel strongly about.

Also wonder whom from the RBC Climate Change Department will be representing at the COP23? (Exactly, there is non such)

How is the climate strategy linked to SDG11? Where can one find a local net-emissions city-area overview? What is RCCP’s plan to restore our changing climate? Does Reading has an #DRR evacuation plan in place #UCEEP? Does the partnership’s strategy so-called ‘Reading Means Business on Climate Change’ include fire corridors, prevention and restoration of land loss? A panic plan when our Kennet and Thames rivers dries up? Reading’s residents have long been cheated by this non-ambitious “follow target board management”. We feel sorry for all the years that has past, now there is NO more time to waste, the CLIMATE EMERGENCY is here, it has arrived. Wake up! For heaven’s sake, there is already a Global Action Plan in place. National, regions and local governments all have own responsibility to deliver these existing health and safeguarding plans in local legislation to its residents right now A.S.A.P.

Everyday a climate emergency occurs somewhere on the planet, this only the beginning…

Where is the transparency of this committee? Whois on-board the Reading Climate Change Partnership and their roles. Where are the notes from all previous meetings, the RCCP Board Meeting Minutes, in a link?

RCCP pretend they are doing good knowing human greed –> technological growth and business development/extraction of natural resource and population growth are the main causes behind climate change, still no mention of how to act in a non-greedy manner in the climate strategy, silence, we can neither find references to healthy business regulations, compact living or family planning. You all know how political climate change is. It affects everything everywhere and everyone (in that order?). An external Reading climate strategy means nothing, unless you have a genuine, honest and long term committed leadership. Who do we trust today with the future, your local lead councillor or an independent #IoT Reading leadership? Who has the comprehensive correct knowledge to implement the right climate change policies in your own local society? Will you, a citizen of your community, tolerate a slow and weak external climate strategy being thrown in your face? Don’t accept, challenge any targets in the climate strategy for better Within your local council, until zero emission target has been achieved. If you want more info on this, search in social media, follow hashtag #SB46, google it and READ more.

If the committee’s approach to divestment was a bit caring they would act together with Fossil Free UK and target carbon financing all over Berkshire authorities and beyond, READ here; https://campaigns.gofossilfree.org/petitions/campaign-to-divest-berkshire-public-bodies-and-instutions “It’s time to launder your money! Take it out of dirty institutions that invest in filthy fossil fuels.”

Neighbouring Boroughs like Cardiff, Poole, Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bristol and Southampton City Councils; if these six south unitary authorities can achieve proper action plans, what is Reading Council’s sorrow excuse? 100% Renewable energy asap, even supermarket TESCO is on-board!

Reading Borough Council need a Climate Change Committee.

I do hope you understand the do-or-die-time momentum for glocal climate change efforts

Sincerely

International Guidelines on Urban and Territorial Planning – UN Habitat

Green belt not refeered to nor mentioned in the New Urban Agenda! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_belt

The need for planning cannot be over-emphasized. Urbanization is progressing rapidly and by 2050, seven out of ten people will be living in cities. Inappropriate policies, plans and designs have led to inadequate spatial distribution of people and activities, resulting in proliferation of slums, congestion, poor access to basic services, environmental degradation, and social inequity and segregation.

The International Guidelines on Urban and Territorial Planning serve both as a source of inspiration and a compass for decision makers and urban professionals when reviewing urban and territorial planning systems. The Guidelines provide national governments, local authorities, civil society organizations and planning professionals with a global reference framework that promotes more compact, socially inclusive, better integrated and connected cities and territories that foster sustainable urban development and are resilient to climate change.

 

Download the IGUPT  Guidelines here: http://unhabitat.org/books/international-guidelines-on-urban-and-territorial-planning

COMMENTS ON DRAFT #NEWURBANAGENDA 28 JULY 2016

Referring to the result of the Surabaya conference, Climate Change Centre Reading a local stakeholder from UK acting as a climate change advocacy on sustainable urban opportunities (not development). Please consider our thoughts to the Informal Intergovernmental Meetings (HABITAT III)

7th – 9th September, New York, USA on the New Urban Agenda;
https://www.habitat3.org/the-new-urban-agenda

From another strong Habitat III meeting, before and after the PrepCom3 conference should completely merge foundational basic elements one#Agenda2030 consensus especially with #Goal11 in sustainable cities.

There has been growing consensus about the devastating impacts that climate change will have on urban areas. Concurrently, urban planning has a role to play in mitigating against climate change, which  are expressed in a number of governmental reports, national planning policies and evolving international legislations; including the draft urban agenda of 2016.  Urban areas are recognized as key sources of greenhouse gas emissions; however, they can also assist in initiating actions to both reduce emissions and confront the anticipated effects (Krellenberg et al., 2010). Hence the proposed policies being purported in the New Urban Agenda are critical.

Overall, the document is comprehensive and it took a majority of the issues affecting urban centres into consideration. However, it is a high level document that will have to be tailored when being implemented to suit particular context and country settings. The following are the comments I have based on the review that was done.

This document is a follow-up on a review that was done for the Draft dated July 18, 2016. I see where some of my previous comments were included in the present draft.

  1. Policy Proposal 60 (formerly 54): The notion of “decent job” is being promulgated a lot in development documents, however, what constitutes decent job is not known or understood by the poor and marginalized. This needs to be addressed as finding and accepting jobs by the poor, especially in countries in the global south is often not met with such scrutiny.
  2. Policy Proposal 63 (formerly 57): “environmentally sound planning”, A definition of this concept will have to be developed based on context to be used by respective urban managers, within specific urban centres.
  3. Policy Proposal 74 (formerly 67): “Sustainable and resilient buildings” there is need for inclusion of required guidelines in local government policies that has to be met before planning and building permission is granted by the relevant agencies.
  4. Policy Proposal 75 (formerly 68): The lack of good governance in some countries encourage and perpetuate the development of slums and informal settlements, however, there needs to be effective policies to address the creation of these and where existing to regulate them. This could also be included and addresses in the Building Urban Governance Structures section of the Agenda.
  1. Policy Proposal 85 (formerly 77): “Approaches to urbanization”, This would have to consider the policies that are existing and how they can be strengthened, again based on context. What is the aim? to temper or encourage urbanization?
  2. Policy Proposal 115 (formerly 106): “Sustainable water management systems” Any urban water management system must make allowances for reducing precipitation and increased temperatures, complete with the solutions to address how short fall from these these will be accounted for.
  3. Policy Proposal 140 (formerly 131): “collaborating with insurance and reinsurance institutions” Is this leaning towards climate insurance? If yes, how will it be implemented in urban centres in most countries in the Global south and how will it be financed and what role will developed countries play in this regard?

Additionally, I would like to see throughout, policies that will stem the population growth within urban centres where applicable, in least developed countries and if not to ensure that all the required infrastructure and services are provided.

 

Ms. Donna Miller, Reading University

 

 

COMMENTS ON DRAFT #NEWURBANAGENDA 18 JULY 2016

Referring to the result of the Surabaya conference, Climate Change Centre Reading a local stakeholder from UK acting as a climate change advocacy on sustainable urban opportunities (not development), please consider our thoughts on the New Urban Agenda;

From another strong Habitat III meeting, before and after the PrepCom3 conference should completely merge foundational basic elements one #Agenda2030 consensus especially with #Goal11 in sustainable cities.

There has been growing consensus about the devastating impacts that climate change will have on urban areas. Concurrently, urban planning has a role to play in mitigating against climate change, which  are expressed in a number of governmental reports, national planning policies and evolving international legislations; including the new draft urban agenda of 2016.  Urban areas are recognized as key sources of greenhouse gas emissions; however, they can also assist in initiating actions to both reduce emissions and confront the anticipated effects (Krellenberg et al., 2010). Hence the proposed policies being purported in the New Urban Agenda are critical.

Overall, the document is comprehensive and it took a majority of the issues affecting urban centres into consideration. However, it is a high level document that will have to be tailored when being implemented to suit particular context and country settings. The following are the comments I have based on the review that was done.

  1. Throughout I found a greater emphasis on national governments, however, most urban centres worldwide are governed by local governments or municipalities, hence emphasis should also be placed on the role these organizations will play in implementing policies and plans and educating the population on urban climatic issues and impacts.
  2. Policy proposal 22: Under this section there will be a need to target communities, specifically through educational programmes etc.
  3. Policy proposal 28: “regardless of migration status”, Is the urban agenda independent of other policies on migration? Especially in England/Europe where there is now a migration problem and how will this will be addressed? This has to be discussed and refined further.
  4. Policy Proposal 51: “we commit to recognize the working poor in the informal economy” The informal economy has long been a part of cities. These economies play a critical role in cities, but can negatively hinder effective governance; throughout cities worldwide the need to practice good governance often trumps this aspect. However, in achieving this and to ensure inclusivity, the six priorities of inclusive cities (urban population growth, infrastructure provision, legal reform, access to support services, privatisation of services and citizens involvement in decision making) should be followed.
  5. Policy Proposal 54: The notion of “decent job” is being promulgated a lot in development documents, however, what constitutes decent job is not known or understood by the poor and marginalized. This needs to be addressed as finding and accepting jobs by the poor, especially in countries in the global south is often not met with such scrutiny.
  6. Policy Proposal 57: “environmentally sound planning”, A definition of this concept will have to be developed based on context to be used by respective urban managers, within specific urban centres.
  7. Policy Proposal 60: “Containing urban sprawl” with a thrust to reduce the use of fossil fuel and the emission of Carbon dioxide, It is pertinent to give consideration to increasing densities vertically instead of horizontally and leaving more green paces to assist with both the mitigation and adaptation to climate change impacts.
  8. Policy Proposal 66: Commitment to develop renewable and affordable energy sources should be taken a bit further and include options to let the remaining fossil fuel stay in the ground (in oil producing countries).
  9. Policy Proposal 67: “Sustainable and resilient buildings” there is need for inclusion of required guidelines in local government policies that has to be met before planning and building permission is granted by the relevant agencies.
  10. Policy Proposal 68: The lack of good governance in some countries encourage and perpetuate the development of slums and informal settlements, however, there needs to be effective policies to address the creation of these and where existing to regulate them.
  11. Policy Proposal 77: “Approaches to urbanization”, This would have to consider the policies that are existing and how they can be strengthened, again based on context. What is the aim? to temper or encourage urbanization?
  12. Policy Proposal 79: Proper checks and balances has to be implemented to ensure that all the relevant guidelines and procedures are adhered to.
  13. Policy Proposal 85: I particularly like this policy statement and it is to be incorporated in all aspects of the management of all cities as inclusivity and promoting rights to the city is key to guaranteeing that all the other aspects work.
  14. Policy Proposal 88: This policy statement will also be critical in contributing to the reduction of fossil fuel use and the emissions of carbon dioxide. Whether this will be enough to push us towards the target decided on in the Paris climate Agreement is left to be seen, however it is a start.
  15. Policy Proposal 89: This needs to be broken down further to include actual evacuation plans for urban centres/cities and an aspect to educate the residents about these plans.
  16. Policy Proposal 91: I would suggest creating a Geographic Information System that will be able to accommodate and incorporate all the aspect to readily undertake an analysis.
  17. Policy Proposal 94: “Shifting from predominantly private ownership to rental and other tenure options” “to prevent segregation” Is this purporting that government will be renting through subsidies etc? Needs to be clarified as this would be contradictory as renting through the private sector will not address segregation it will further promote it.
  18. Policy Proposal 97: This needs to be further broken down to include the mandatory inclusion of climate change mitigation and adaptation measures to reduce the effects from the expected impacts.
  19. Policy Proposal 103: “Support better coordination between transport and urban… Is this referring to the designated transport authority and/or ministry etc.? Needs to be clarified
  20. Policy Proposal 106: “Sustainable water management systems” Any urban water management system must make allowances for reducing precipitation and increased temperatures, complete with the solutions to address how short fall from these these will be accounted for.
  21. Policy Proposal 108: The addition of waste to energy should be factored in as well.
  22. Policy Proposal 111: Life and lifestyles in urban centres are often eclectic therefore preservation of heritage should be at all levels and should include cuisine as well.
  23. Policy Proposal 127: This could be done through public/private partnerships
  24. Policy Proposal 130: Mention is made about the Green Climaet Fund, however, there might be need to access other financial avenues.
  25. Policy Proposal 131: “collaborating with insurance and reinsurance institutions”Is this leaning towards climate insurance? If yes, how will it be implemented in urban centres in most countries in the Global south and how will it be financed and what role will developed countries lay in this regard?
  26. Policy Proposal 149: “It should avoid duplication” There should be a mandatory policy which speaks to integration and coordination in this regard, as for too long urban centre management has suffered from duplication, which is also a deterrent to effective management.
  27. Policy Proposal 153: This is setting out a timeline for review and reporting on progress, however, in policy proposal 147, there is mention of this being voluntary? This needs to be revisited and a mandatory review and reporting set that should be agreed by everyone concerned.

 

Ms. D Miller, Reading University

#Goal11 City Levels Green, Amber or even Red

#Goal11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Today, more than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas. It is thus incumbent upon states and societies to foster policies that help make cities and human settlements more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, as SDG number eleven states. In this cross-national comparison we look at two aspects that can be ascribed to this complex and multidimensional goal.

11_1

Click on the picture to enlarge

The first indicator refers to air pollution and potential health stresses caused by high particulate matter concentrations. Figure 11.1 shows the respective proportion of the population whose exposure to “PM2.5” is above the WHO threshold of 15 micrograms per cubic meter. In 17 OECD member states, including several small countries such as Estonia, Iceland, Luxembourg, and Slovenia, but also some large countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, the population is on average not exposed to particulate matter concentrations exceeding this threshold. However, in the other half of the OECD nations, the picture looks different. In the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Belgium, for instance, more than 50 percent of the population is on average exposed to particulate matter levels above the threshold. These three countries lag farthest behind. And also countries such as Germany (25 percent of the population), Switzerland (28 percent), the Netherlands (32 percent), Austria (32 percent), and Italy (35 percent) still have some catching up to do.

11_2

Click on the picture to enlarge

The second indicator used here and portrayed in figure 11.2 refers to potential overcrowding as measured by the average number of rooms in a dwelling per person. The indicator thus Today, more than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas. It is thus incumbent upon states and societies to foster policies that help make cities and human settlements more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, as SDG number eleven states. In this cross-national comparison we look at two aspects that can be ascribed to this complex and multidimensional goal. The first indicator refers to air pollution and potential health stresses caused by high particulate matter concentrations. Figure 11.1 shows the respective proportion of the population whose exposure to “PM2.5” is above the WHO threshold of 15 micrograms per cubic meter. In 17 OECD member states, including several small countries such as Estonia, Iceland, Luxembourg, and Slovenia, but also some large countries such Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable 11.1 Particulate matter provides some information on housing conditions in terms of space. The top five countries in this respect are Canada, New Zealand, the United States, Australia, and Belgium, where the respective room per person ratio is between 2.3 and 2.5. The midfi eld comprises a number of countries with on average 1.6 to 1.8 rooms per person. Countries such as Japan, Germany, France, Sweden, Austria, Portugal, and Switzerland belong to this group. At the bottom of the league table, however, we find several countries where a person has – on average – only one room at his or her disposal: Mexico (1.0), Turkey, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary (all 1.1).

Further indicators which could be relevant to this goal include, but are not limited to, widespread access to public transport or the number of people killed in road accidents. These domains are particularly relevant outside the OECD nations since 90 percent of global road deaths, for instance, occur in low- and middle-income countries.

 

Source: SDG Index and Dashboards – Global Report

The tiers of the #SDG cake (Hence the partnership)

Dear Enablers,

Sustainable Urban Development is an important target of the outcome agreement at the Habitat III conference.  It is strongly interlinked with SDG Goal 11 among others.

I wish to bring to the discussion this new illustration of the economic, social and ecological aspects of the #SDGs. For effective implementation the graph enabling the tiers of the cake and the importance of “the partnership“.

SDGs

 

Source: Unknown

18h – #right2protection

What does global democracy look like? Interview of Jan Aart Scholte

An interview of Jan Aart Scholte (Faculty Chair of Peace and Development, School Global Studies, University of Gothenburg) in the monthly seminar “Séminaire du développement durable et économie de l’environnement” organised jointly by IDDRI, EDF Sustainable Development Centre at the Ecole Polytechnique, and Columbia Global Centers Europe at Reid Hall.

One day launch – What priorities will guide the New Urban Agenda?

What priorities will guide the New Urban Agenda?

Beyond the specific technocratic solutions of economics and governance, several core ideas will form the ideological underpinnings of the New Urban Agenda. Initial documents suggest that, for instance, democratic development and respect for human rights will feature prominently, as will the relationship between the environment and urbanization.

Similarly, the New Urban Agenda will almost certainly include significant focus on equity in the face of globalization, as well as how to ensure the safety and security of everyone who lives in urban areas, of any gender and age. Risk reduction and urban resilience will likewise play prominent roles. And the new agenda will place key importance on figuring out how to set up a global monitoring mechanism to track all of these issues and concerns.

Meanwhile, the core issues of the Habitat Agenda — adequate housing and sustainable human settlements — remain on the table, as the number of people worldwide living in urban slums continues to grow. Indeed, in the time since the Habitat Agenda was adopted the world has become majority urban, lending extra urgency to the New Urban Agenda.

There is also an increasing recognition that cities have morphed into mega-regions, urban corridors and city-regions whose economic, social and political geographies defy traditional conceptions of the “city”. The New Urban Agenda will have to address these trends in urbanization while also recognizing that cities and metropolitan areas are the major drivers of national economies.

This fact in particular should entice member states to give credence to the tenets of the New Urban Agenda.

 

Full story here http://citiscope.org/habitatIII/explainer/2015/06/what-new-urban-agenda