Bringing About Sustainable Change: The EcoLogistics Principles
Urban freight has to become more sustainable. ICLEI's EcoLogistics Community has developed eight principles to guide this process.
Urban Health
Combatting COVID-19, Cars, And Climate Change Through Innovations in Urban Mobility
During the COVID-19 pandemic, cities saw that another urban transport is possible – can they make it last? Chris Dekki on the resilient and innovative nature of urban settlements.
COVID-19 Responses: The Urban Innovations that are Here to Stay
Cities, citizens, and institutions constantly evolve and are typically very resilient – according to Isidora Larraín and Pauline Claramunt. The authors present three urban innovations implemented in cities around the world that may just prove that COVID-19 responses hold the potential to become long-term solutions to long-standing problems, especially in South America.
#SolutionsForCities
Cities around the world are facing similar challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The need for physical distancing has once more emphasised the need for digital innovation in local governance processes. The ideas competition #SolutionsForCities provides a platform where cities and solution providers can further develop and adjust solutions for urban challenges in times of a pandemic.
Why Housing Matters: The Impact of Affordable Housing for People on Low Incomes
Good and affordable housing is key to people’s well-being. Andrew Jones presents the latest research from social enterprise Reall and unpacks what impact it has on the bottom 40 per cent of the income pyramid.
Jakarta’s Pandemic Water Stress: Hitting the Economy and the Urban Poor
The Covid-19 pandemic increases the already existing water scarcity in Indonesia's capital, affecting already disadvantaged inhabitants most of all, writes Akash Sahu.
Sustainable Africa: Why Cities of the Future Must Consider Health in Urban Planning
In a rapidly urbanising world, cities must consider the health impacts of urban policies and projects. Meelan Thondoo and Mark Nieuwenhuijsen highlight the situation in Mauritius’ capital Port Louis and make a strong case for participatory quantitative Health Impact Assessments, a promising and practical tool to ensure healthy, equity-driven and sustainable cities.
What it’s Like to be a Woman during COVID-19 – The Indian Experience
What happens when you combine a country’s taboo on female menstrual health with the impact of a global pandemic? Dr Saswati Chaudhuri highlights the situation of the urban poor in India and paints a rather alarming picture of how the most common needs of Indian women are (not) met.
Equity and Access in Times of Pandemic
The COVID-19 outbreak poses a severe threat to global health and the provision of city services, especially affecting persons with disabilities and older persons. Luis Artieda on challenges and ideas how to tackle them.
What will be the Post-Pandemic Urban Path?
Urban planners have been quick to imagine the historic changes in urban development the COVID-19 pandemic will bring about. Alexander Jachnow shares his view on the issue, suggesting we look at how much urban planning has changed after previous pandemics.
How to be Truly Open: Rethinking Public Spaces in the Post-Covid City
To those not willing – or able – to spend money, many public spaces are not as public as they pretend to be. This has to change, argues Tuna Taşan-Kok, making the case for new coalitions in urban development.
Resilient Cities are Green Cities
COVID-19 has strengthened our understanding of the vital relationship between healthy environments and the need for sustainable infrastructure. Donovan Storey from the Global Green Growth Institute reminds us that it is precisely in times of crises that we should commit to more holistic and ambitious green transformations.
Healthy Cities? The Coronavirus Has Burst The Bubble
Urban planning for healthier cities has existed for millennia. Yet the current pandemic lays bare the truth: a billion people cannot comply with even the most basic containment strategies. Julian Baskin, expert in participatory urban planning, explains what is going on and how to move forward.
Restoring our Sound Equilibrium: Fighting Noise Pollution in Mexico City
Noise is one of the top environmental hazards. Facing ever-growing cities, one wonders: is there anything we can do? Yes, there is. Jimena de Gortari Ludlow, expert in urban acoustics, examines the unique soundscape of the world’s fifth largest city and offers practical solutions.
COVID-19: How Prepared is Urban India?
The current pandemic is a serious challenge for Indian cities. But Soumyadip Chattopadhyay, Simi Mehta and Arjun Kumar argue the outbreak of contagious diseases is less of a natural disaster – and maybe more of a man-made one. Of inequalities, poor infrastructures and the way forward.