Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
informal areas, with more areas added daily. This poses a number of
concerns, such as how these areas contribute to the growing phenomenon
of climate change, how these areas will be affected, and most importantly,
how these areas can assist in improving the environmental conditions and
reversing the effects of climate change.
This area is yet to be developed because, currently, it lacks adequate
research. There are some initiatives worldwide to address this issue; however,
they are still individual instances that have not yet formed policies. Growing
recognition of this issue was addressed by the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs). Target 7.6 requires 'By 2030, expand and upgrade as appropriate infra-
structure for supply, transmission, and distribution of modern and renewable
energy services in rural and urban areas, including with a view to doubling
primary energy supply per capita for Least Developing Countries (LDCs') [3].
10.6 Awareness Regarding Climate Change, Energy
Crisis and Resource-Efficient Urbanism
Climate change is a driving issue in current debates regarding sustainable
urban development. It is closely linked to issues of resilience and to the ability
to withstand shocks, especially regarding weather catastrophes. It is appar-
ent that informal areas are more efficient than other areas; however, they
contribute to increasing the causes of climate change by their continuous
encroachment on agricultural land or on risk zones and by their emission of
CO
2
without any absorption. It is vital to note that these areas are efficient in
reusing their products; however, garbage separation and recycling has not
received much attention. This is an issue that accentuates their contribution
to climate change.
A number of interventions could help improve the performance of urban
areas (of which informal areas comprise a majority in the developing coun-
tries' cities) in combating climate change. However, a vital issue is aware-
ness regarding the importance of climate change, its magnitude and its
effects.
1. Many efforts should be directed toward raising awareness about
climate change plans for both municipalities and residents.
2. Enhancing cyclability and promoting cycling through awareness
campaigns would highlight its benefits and its trendiness worldwide.
3. The use of solar energy should be encouraged, especially because
many cities in the developing world have very good solar expo-
sure, in many applications (such as water heaters or street lighting).
This could be done through a government initiative to subsidise the
initial cost or to offer other appropriate incentives.
