In the year 2030, it is estimated that 60% of the world's population will live in urban areas, with up to 60% of the inhabitants of these cities being under 18 years old. Although advancements have been made in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, cities, especially in the Global South, continue to face challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, which demand urgent actions.
According to José Alberto Lara Pulido, Director of the Transdisciplinary University Center for Sustainability (Centrus) at Iberoamericana University, one of the main problems that cities will face in the next 26 years will be heat islands caused by climate change. This phenomenon occurs in urban areas where temperatures are higher than in surrounding rural areas, due to the accumulation of structures that retain and slowly release heat. Lara Pulido warns that this will be a significant challenge, especially when combined with water scarcity.
In addition to the issue of heat islands, waste collection and vehicular traffic are also aspects that future generations will need to address in cities. There is a need for future cities to have recycling and resource management systems, inclusive and equitable public spaces, as well as services accessible within no more than 15 minutes, promoting sustainable transportation and reducing dependence on cars.
Experts like Nélida Escobedo from Tec de Monterrey emphasize the importance of conserving natural resources and creating more inclusive cities, where access to spaces for all is guaranteed. Meanwhile, Rossana Valdivia, executive coordinator of the City Observatory of the School of Architecture, Art, and Design, mentions the idea of a "Proximity City," where all daily needs are within about 15 minutes to promote a more sustainable and efficient lifestyle.
Despite the current and anticipated challenges, experts believe there is still time to address and reverse some of the most severe urban issues. On the occasion of World Cities Day, established by the UN and with this year's theme focused on local youth action for urban sustainability, the importance of anticipating future challenges and promoting more responsible and equitable urban development worldwide is highlighted.
