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Reading - The Future of Sustainable Cities

The document discusses the importance of sustainable urban development in addressing global challenges such as climate change and social inequality in cities. It highlights key elements like green spaces, sustainable transport, energy efficiency, water management, and social inclusion, with examples from cities like Singapore, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Rotterdam, and Medellin. The principles of sustainable urban development are essential for creating resilient and livable urban areas for current and future generations.

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10 views2 pages

Reading - The Future of Sustainable Cities

The document discusses the importance of sustainable urban development in addressing global challenges such as climate change and social inequality in cities. It highlights key elements like green spaces, sustainable transport, energy efficiency, water management, and social inclusion, with examples from cities like Singapore, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Rotterdam, and Medellin. The principles of sustainable urban development are essential for creating resilient and livable urban areas for current and future generations.

Uploaded by

isaacchu.oldmacau
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Future of Sustainable Cities

Urban areas face many global challenges, including climate change and social inequality. As more people
live in cities, the idea of sustainable urban development has become very important. This approach aims
to create cities that meet the needs of current residents while ensuring future generations can meet their
own needs.

One important part of sustainable urban development is the inclusion of green spaces. Parks, urban
forests, and community gardens help improve air quality and biodiversity, and they also benefit residents’
mental and physical health. Cities like Singapore have led the way with “biophilic” design, which brings
nature into urban architecture and planning. For example, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, with its
famous Supertrees, shows how green technology can be both useful and attractive.

Another key element is sustainable transport. Many cities are investing in public transit systems, bicycle
paths, and designs that make it easier for people to walk. Copenhagen, often considered one of the most
sustainable cities in the world, has made cycling a major part of its urban planning. With over 350
kilometres of dedicated bike lanes, nearly half of all commuters in the Danish capital now travel by
bicycle.

Energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy are also crucial for sustainable urban development.
Cities consume a lot of energy, and shifting to cleaner sources can greatly reduce their carbon footprint.
Barcelona has made significant progress with its “Superblocks” initiative. This innovative urban design
creates car-free zones that prioritise pedestrians and cyclists while also using renewable energy systems
and energy-efficient buildings.

Water management is another important challenge for sustainable cities. As climate change causes more
frequent droughts and floods, urban areas need to improve their water infrastructure. Rotterdam, a low-
lying city in the Netherlands, has become a leader in climate adaptation. Its water squares serve as
recreational areas during dry periods and turn into water storage spaces during heavy rain, helping to
prevent flooding in nearby areas.

Sustainable urban development also includes social and economic factors. Cities need to provide
affordable housing, equal access to services, and opportunities for all residents. Medellin, Colombia,
which was once known for its high crime rates, has transformed through smart urban interventions. The
city’s public transport system, including cable cars that connect hillside communities to the city centre,
has improved social inclusion and economic opportunities for disadvantaged areas.
As cities keep growing and changing, the principles of sustainable urban development will be vital for our
future. By adopting innovative solutions and comprehensive approaches, urban areas can become not only
centres of human activity but also examples of sustainability and resilience in the face of global
challenges.

Questions 1-4

Complete each sentence with ONE WORD from the passage.

• Copenhagen has made cycling a major part of its urban ___(1)___, with extensive bike lanes.
• Barcelona’s “Superblocks” initiative creates car-free zones that prioritise ___(2)___ and cyclists.
• Rotterdam has become a leader in climate ___(3)___, using innovative designs like water squares.
• Medellin’s cable car system has improved social inclusion and economic opportunities for __(4)__
areas.

Questions 5-7

Read the statements below and write:

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information in the passage.

FALSE if the statement contradicts the information in the passage.

NOT GIVEN if there is no information in the passage about it.

5. Sustainable urban development aims to meet the needs of people today while considering future
generations.
6. Gardens by the Bay in Singapore is an example of bringing nature into city design.
7. The passage mentions that all cities around the world are using sustainable development strategies.

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