GSIF09 SUMMARIES
Plenary 4: The Emerald City: The Green Brick Road to Gold Friday, 2 October • Urooj Malik • Freddy Numberi • Amb Ong Keng Yong • HE Mr Jörg Alois Reding • John Shilling Moderated by • Tim Ferguson In Mindanao, the Philippines, there is conflict among factions and religious groups, aside from increasing environmental destruction. But a group of people still took the risk and made an investment in the area. It employed 7000 people, developed a clinic and constructed a school by working with indigenous communities and giving them incentives to build a sustainable community. There were lessons to be learnt from this case study: Enlightened leadership is essential, as there needs to be a leader with vision and guts. Recognition of local values and culture is also important. Creation of social capital reduces violence, brings food to the table and helps alleviate poverty. There has to be incentives in place for safeguarding resources. In order to achieve sustainability, a city needs to look at its urban layout and change people’s decision-making practices and lifestyle habits. Put workspaces, shopping, and living places in the same areas so that people can walk around instead of driving and taking transport to reduce carbon emissions significantly. Slow down the rate at which housing size grows. Cooperation between public and private sectors through the use of new technologies for industrial waste recycling can promote sustainable living. In the rural villages, it helps to create regional and specific laws that tailor to the needs of the villagers, instead of broad, national laws, in order to solve the specific problems that each village faces. There is a need to change the habits and mindsets of traditional people in small villages so that they know how to sustain their environment, and stay in their villages instead of moving to the cities. Swiss cities are among the world’s most livable cities due to three main success factors: Personal security through the establishment of a well qualified police force and the important recognition of citizen rights; excellent educational policies; and a first-class public transport system where people can cycle and walk safely. In order to get the support of people living in a sustainable city, it has to be, first and foremost, affordable. Green houses might cost more, but in the long run, people can save more through energy efficiency. In addition, in the Tianjin eco city, the play factor is important in order to foster community spirit and a sense of belonging to the place. Creating a sustainable green city is a holistic approach. But factors like energy efficiency and water management can be prioritized over others because they can work on their own for a while.
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