Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Definition

Goal 11 is one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals aimed at making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. This goal emphasizes the importance of urbanization and its role in fostering sustainable development, ensuring access to safe and affordable housing, and developing sustainable transport systems, while reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Goal 11 aims to provide universal access to safe, affordable, and sustainable housing for all by 2030.
2. It focuses on enhancing urban planning and management in a way that is both participatory and inclusive of diverse communities.
3. Sustainable transport systems are a key component of this goal, emphasizing the need for public transport options that reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
4. The goal encourages the development of resilient infrastructure that can withstand environmental hazards and climate change impacts.
5. Indicators for Goal 11 include metrics such as the proportion of urban population living in slums and the number of fatalities and missing persons attributed to disasters in urban areas.

Review Questions

• How does Goal 11 address the challenges of urbanization while promoting sustainability?
  • Goal 11 tackles the issues arising from rapid urbanization by promoting inclusive planning that considers the needs of diverse populations. It encourages cities to develop infrastructure that supports sustainability while ensuring access to basic services. This approach helps manage the growth of urban areas in a way that minimizes environmental impact and fosters a sense of community.
• Discuss the importance of resilience in urban planning as outlined in Goal 11.
  • Resilience is crucial for urban planning under Goal 11 as it prepares cities to handle crises effectively. By incorporating resilient infrastructure into city designs, communities can better withstand environmental shocks like floods or earthquakes. This proactive approach not only protects lives but also promotes economic stability by ensuring that essential services remain operational during disasters.
• Evaluate how effective indicators can influence progress towards achieving Goal 11 for sustainable cities and communities.
  • Effective indicators play a vital role in measuring progress towards Goal 11 by providing data that highlights successes and areas needing improvement. For instance, tracking the percentage of urban populations living in slums helps identify where interventions are necessary. By analyzing this data, policymakers can allocate resources more efficiently, adjust strategies to meet community needs, and ultimately enhance the sustainability and livability of urban environments.

Related terms

Urbanization: The process by which an increasing percentage of a population lives in urban areas, often leading to the growth of cities.

Resilience:

The capacity of a community or city to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from significant threats or disasters.

Green Infrastructure: An approach to water management that protects, restores, or mimics the natural water cycle through features like parks, green roofs, and permeable pavements.