The Gwangiu Cities Declaration sets the way forward towards the greening of cities through improved planning and intelligent management. Released at the conclusion of the Summit of the Urban Environmental Accords held in Korea on 11-13 October, the Declaration calls for the development of an Urban Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the UN Convention for Climate Change. It also recommends the development of metrics to measure and report urban sustainability and to encourage the development of policies, regulations and innovative market mechanisms to accelerate the transition towards greener urban development. The Declaration calls for action across five major sectors:
On World Carfree Day (WCD) people from around the world get together in the streets, intersections, and neighbourhood blocks to remind the world that we don’t have to accept our car-dominated society.
The theme for the 4th International Urban Design Conference is Resilience in Urban Design. Resilient Cities will need to endorse density and diversity in building types, and public spaces. They will be walkable communities that also support the innovative use of public transport. Resilient Cities protect their natural resources while managing the impacts of climate change. In many cases community living needs could be in walking distance. Transport, construction infrastructure, industry and communications systems will need to become more energy efficient, and reduce their environmental footprint. Resilient Cities will increase the use local produce; they will require the active participation of community groups, business and governments.
The authors of the Griffith University Urban Research Program (URP) paper The principles of public transport network planning: A review of the emerging literature with select examples examine the inter-relationships between land-use planning and public transport provision. The paper is intended for three audiences:
The NSW Government has released the Metropolitan Plan for Sydney 2036 to guide Sydney’s growth and development over the next 25 years. It draws on two documents – the 2005 Metropolitan Strategy – City of Cities: A Plan for Sydney’s Future, and the Metropolitan Transport Plan 2010, Connecting the City of Cities. It was drafted after incorporating public comment on the NSW Government’s $50 billion Metropolitan Transport Plan and the first five-yearly review of the Metropolitan Strategy.
In the Special Report: The World in 2030 Cosmos Magazine presents visions of the future from leading thinkers in their fields. Articles in the Special Feature include ‘Cities Under Pressure’ and ‘Transport in 2030 – Heaven or Hell?’
Ride to Work Day celebrates cycling in the community as a sustainable means of transport. It encourages Australian workers to adopt a healthy and cheap way to commute. Now in its fourth year, the 2010 Ride to Work Day on Wednesday 13 October is likely to be bigger than ever as cycling continues to grow in popularity. Find out more at Ride to Work.
Now in its 12th year, National Walk to Work Day this Friday 1 October 2010 is an annual event which helps employers and employees to build regular walking into their daily routine. It’s easy to participate – to find out how visit Walk to Work Day.