Unit 7 Notes

-Rashik Rayat

Reader: Ayan

Note: Please keep this note with you during our classes. The notes ar

What is sustainable development?

Sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable development seeks to balance

1) economic growth, 2)environmental protection, and 3)social equity

Easy Read:

Sustainable development is about getting what we need now without trashing the
future. It’s all about balancing three main things:

1. Economic Growth

We want to grow the economy in a way that everyone can benefit. This means:

Boosting local businesses: They’re the backbone of job creation and keep our
communities strong.

Going green: Investing in eco-friendly industries that are good for the planet.

Creating equal opportunities: Making sure everyone, no matter their

background, has a chance to succeed.

2. Environmental Protection

Taking care of our Earth is key! Here’s how we can do it:

 Using resources wisely: We’ve got to be smart about how we use what we
have to make it last.

Combatting climate change: Transitioning to *renewable energy and

reducing waste are crucial.

*Renewable energy is all about using power that comes from sources that
can refill themselves, like the sun, wind, and water

Protecting nature: We need to save ecosystems and the wildlife that call
them home.

3. Social Equity

It’s about fairness and making sure everyone is included:

Closing the gap: Addressing inequalities in income, education, and health is

vital.

Standing up for rights: Everyone should have their voice heard and their
rights respected.

Supporting those in need: Empowering marginalized communities to help

them thrive.

*Marginalized communities are groups of people who often get sidelined or face
discrimination in society

Discuss Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global objectives established by
the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Key Goals:

1. No Poverty

We want to make sure everyone has enough money to live and be happy. No one should go
hungry or be homeless!

2. Zero Hunger

This goal is all about making sure everyone has enough good food to eat. No more starving
kids!

3. Good Health and Well-Being

We want everyone to be healthy and able to get medical help when they need it. Healthy
bodies = happy lives!

4. Quality Education

Every kid should have the chance to go to school and learn, no matter where they come
from. Learning is super important!
5. Gender Equality

Girls and boys should have the same rights and opportunities. Everyone should be treated
fairly!

6. Clean Water and Sanitation

Everyone deserves access to clean water and good toilets. No one should have to drink
dirty water!

7. Affordable and Clean Energy

We want to use energy that doesn’t harm the planet, like solar and wind power, so everyone
can have electricity without hurting the Earth.

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth

Everyone should have a chance to work and earn a living, and businesses should grow in a
way that helps everyone.

9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

We need to build things like roads and bridges while using new ideas and technology that
don’t hurt the environment.

10. Reduced Inequality

We should work to make sure that everyone has the same chances, no matter their
background.

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

We want to create cities where everyone can live happily and safely, with parks and clean
air!

12. Responsible Consumption and Production

We need to use resources wisely and not waste stuff. Think before you buy!

13. Climate Action

We need to take care of our planet and fight climate change to keep it safe for future
generations.

14. Life Below Water

Let’s protect oceans and all the creatures living in them, like fish and coral reefs!

15. Life on Land

We need to take care of forests, animals, and plants to keep our ecosystems healthy.

16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

We want a world where everyone feels safe and can speak up for what’s right.

17. Partnerships for the Goals

Everyone needs to work together—countries, businesses, and people—to make these goals
happen!

How can cities be viewed as a system?

Cities as a System: The Basics

Think of a city like a giant puzzle, where all the pieces fit together to make everything
work. Here’s how we can see cities as a system:

Let’s talk about these “pieces”

1. Connected Parts

Cities have a bunch of different parts that work together:

Infrastructure: This includes roads, bridges, public transport, and utilities like water
and electricity.

Economy: Businesses, jobs, and shopping areas that help people earn money and
buy what they need.

Environment: Parks, trees, and nature that keep our air clean and give us places to
hang out.

Social Systems: Schools, hospitals, and community centers that help people connect
and support each other.

2. How They Work Together

Each part of a city interacts with the others:

Transport and Jobs: Good public transport means more people can get to work,
which helps businesses grow.

Nature and Health: Parks and green spaces make us healthier and happier by giving
us fresh air and places to play.

Community and Services: Access to schools and hospitals can be different in various
neighborhoods, affecting how people live.

3. Feedback Loops

Cities are always changing, and what happens in one area can affect others:

Growing Population: More people moving in can lead to new houses and schools,
but it can also stress the existing infrastructure.
 Pollution and Health: More factories can create pollution, which affects health,
prompting communities to push for cleaner air.

4. Thinking as a Whole

Understanding cities as systems means looking at the big picture:

Solving Problems: When tackling issues like traffic jams or pollution, it’s important
to think about how solutions impact the whole city.

Sustainability: Using green practices (like solar panels and recycling) helps cities
become healthier for everyone.

5. Planning for the Future

City planners think about how all these parts fit together:

Zoning: This is how cities decide where homes, shops, and parks go to keep things
organized and running smoothly.

Smart City Tech: Many cities are using technology (like smart traffic lights) to make
life easier and improve the environment.
Which city comes to mind? _____

What are the main problems cities face?

Cities are vibrant places filled with energy, opportunities, and diverse communities.
However, they also face some big challenges that can affect the lives of everyone who lives
there.

Let’s explore the main problems cities encounter and think about how we can help make
them better for everyone!

1. Traffic Jams
Lots of cars on the road can create major traffic jams, making it frustrating to get around
and causing longer travel times.

2. Air and Noise Pollution

Cities often have dirty air from cars, factories, and construction. This can make it hard to
breathe and isn’t great for our health.
3. Housing Problems

With so many people moving to cities, there aren’t always enough affordable homes. This
can lead to overcrowding and even homelessness.

4. Inequality

In many cities, some people have way more resources than others. This means not
everyone has access to good schools, healthcare, or jobs.

5. Crime and Safety

More people in one place can sometimes mean more crime. This can make some
neighborhoods feel unsafe.

6. Trash and Waste

Cities create a lot of waste, and managing it can be tough. If trash isn’t taken care of
properly, it can lead to pollution and health issues.
7. Old Infrastructure

As cities get older, things like roads and public transport can break down and need repairs,
which costs a lot of money.

8. Climate Change Effects

Cities can be hit hard by climate change, facing issues like heat waves and flooding, which
can be dangerous.
9. Lack of Green Spaces

Many cities don’t have enough parks and green areas for people to enjoy, which are
important for playing and relaxing.

10. Health Challenges

With so many people close together, diseases can spread quickly. Plus, some communities
don’t have easy access to healthcare.
Where can sustainable cities be found?
Sustainable cities are urban areas that are designed to be eco-friendly and livable for
everyone. They focus on using resources wisely, reducing waste, and promoting clean
energy. These cities have lots of green spaces, efficient public transport, and buildings that
are good for the environment.

The goal is to create a place where people can thrive without harming the planet, making
🌍🏙️
sure it’s a great place to live today and in the future!

Sustainable cities are popping up all over the world, showing us how to live in a way that’s
good for the planet and everyone in it. Here are some cool examples:

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is on a mission to be the first carbon-neutral capital by 2025! They have lots of
bike lanes, use wind power for energy, and create green spaces for people to enjoy.

2. Singapore

Singapore is a super smart city that blends nature into its design. With vertical gardens,
green roofs, and amazing parks, it also has efficient public transport and great water
management.

3. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is famous for its bike-friendly streets! They focus on using public transport,
cycling, and walking, while also investing in clean energy and eco-friendly buildings.

4. Freiburg, Germany

Known as the "Green City," Freiburg is all about sustainable living. It has great public
transport, relies on solar energy, and has plenty of parks and green areas.

5. Portland, Oregon, USA

Portland is a city that encourages walking and biking. They have rules to keep the city
growing in a smart way, and they support recycling and local businesses.

6. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver wants to be the greenest city in the world! They focus on public transport,
green buildings, and keeping natural spaces beautiful and accessible.

7. Masdar City, United Arab Emirates

Masdar City is a planned eco-city that runs on 100% renewable energy. It features cool
sustainable buildings and smart transport, showing us what cities of the future could be
like.

8.Write down the name of a sustainable city _________

Why do you think so?

__________________________________________________

Relation between Innovation and Sustainability

Innovation

Innovation is all about coming up with fresh ideas and new ways to do things that make life
easier or better. Whether it’s a new tech gadget, a creative solution to a problem, or a new
way of thinking, innovation is about shaking things up and improving the world.
Note: Innovation will bring us growth, but is it sustainable?

Sustainability

Sustainability means taking care of our planet so that future generations can thrive. It’s
about using resources wisely, reducing waste, and making sure we have clean air, water,
and nature. Basically, it’s about keeping things balanced so everyone can live well now and
in the future.

How Innovation and Sustainability Relate

Innovation and sustainability are like best buddies working together to make our
world a better place. Here’s how they connect:
 1. New Solutions: Innovation brings fresh ideas that help solve environmental
problems. For example, inventing new tech like solar panels helps us use
clean energy instead of polluting sources.
2. Smart Resources: Innovative tools and technologies, like energy-efficient
appliances, help us use less water and electricity, making sure we don’t waste
our resources.
3. Eco-Friendly Products: Innovations lead to creating cool, eco-friendly stuff,
like biodegradable packaging and electric cars, which are better for the
planet.
4. Team Efforts: Working together, innovators and communities can share
ideas to tackle sustainability challenges, making sure everyone can benefit
from new solutions.
5. Future Focus: Both innovation and sustainability are about thinking ahead.
They help us create a world where we can enjoy life now and still have a
healthy planet for future generations.

Sustainable innovation is all about creating new ideas and products that help us
meet our needs today without messing things up for future generations. It focuses
on eco-friendly solutions that reduce waste and carbon emissions while being fair
and socially responsible.

Note: BECAUSE COMPANIES WANT PROFITS!!!

SUMMARY OF UNIT 7

Sustainable development is all about getting what we need now while keeping the planet
safe for the future. It balances economic growth, protecting the environment, and ensuring
everyone has equal opportunities. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 goals
from the United Nations to make the world better by 2030, like ending poverty, ensuring
good health, and promoting clean energy. Cities are like big puzzles where different
parts—like roads, parks, and businesses—work together, but they face challenges like traffic
jams, pollution, and not enough green spaces. Cool sustainable cities, like Copenhagen and
Singapore, show us how to live better while taking care of the Earth. Innovation helps
create new ideas that make life easier and greener, working hand in hand with
sustainability to ensure a happy and healthy future for everyone!🌍💚