Sustainable Urban Opportunities for Dummies 2016

Sustainable Development Goals No. 11 plus No. 5 – #SDG11 + #SDG5
Vision – suggested ECO4CLIM_Rdg Climate, Innovation +Jobs Draft Strategy w/ target: Urban eco-philosophy will, in a few years, develop 50 labs across the world / empower more than 500 urban ecopreneurs / generate 3,000 green jobs and directly avoid hundreds of tons of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

Urbanisation and industrialisation has gradually led people away from living in natural environment depriving them of the health benefits of nature such as natural light, green views, local biodiversity, and natural landscapes.

Anyone can, contribute to a sustainable and resilient city structure as long they stay within to the city’s territorial boundaries and do not trespass it’s surrounding greenbelt. If new land is taken for development the case is lost.

The magic “Glocal” urban safe formula has formed from the perspective less is more, such as “back to the basics concept” or just “keep it simple”;

  • A healthy environment is based on healthy (100% clean) quality levels in soil, water and air, this is ecology.
  • A healthy social environment (society) is based on fundamental humane values (all living beings included) wholesome eating, living and interaction.

There are about 1000 #urban videos circulating the web
The following eight videos will explain most of it, what you are missing you can Google.

     

    

    

     

Why not support our next generation and share the hashtag #COY12
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23COY12&f=videos&src=tyah

This three minute video explains all you need to know about the 2015 Paris Agreement and how it will help to address climate change and promote the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The Paris Agreement entered into force on 4 November 2016, creating binding commitments. The video highlights the need for further ambition by governments and businesses.Track 0 is releasing an animated video - The  in a Nutshell - Inspiring decisive action on climate change, to get on track for a zero emissions future compatible with the Paris Agreement and 1.5°C limit

Over a hundred advanced Conventions, Treaties, Agreements and Frameworks have been globally agreed and put in place during 2016. We decided to take a look at a handful of simpler declarations, of thousands of papers, policies, guidelines and text documents.

In writing Climate Change Centre Reading (CCCRdg) has added 7 current general Declarations on sustainability and protection, women leaders and the global transformation, to deeply consider for local government implementation;

Basque Declarationhttp://conferences.sustainablecities.eu/basquecountry2016/declaration

10 EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE AT EE GLOBAL 2016! – http://eeglobalforum.org/latest-news/10-exciting-announcements-made-at-ee-global-2016

UNEP – Principle 10 and the Bali Guideline – http://www.unep.org/civil-society/Implementation/Principle10/tabid/105013/Default.aspx

Nantes Declaration of climate actors –http://www.climatechance2016.com/uploads/media/5800c65beb61c.pdf

UNACLA Quito Declaration – http://unhabitat.org/unacla-quito-declaration

Global Climate Action Agenda – The “feminization of urbanisation” Roadmap – http://newsroom.unfccc.int/climate-action/global-climate-action-agenda

Belt and Road- New Path to Regional Development –http://www.cn.undp.org/content/china/en/home/operations/projects/south-south-cooperation/global-governance–.html

The Marrakech Vision –
http://www.thecvf.org/marrakech-vision

How can resilient cities buy us time to secure and safeguard our habitats against coming superstorms?

Based on the fact that everything is connected, how do we know which pathways to follow?

The way forward is lasting habitats CO2lutions* enhancing Garden or Wildlife Cities, car free with underground density functions where all of us take on a purpose driven keepers role. These spatial urban aerial habitats are disaster response ready of course.

43 urban innovations that could be applied to the #Reading2050 vision,
https://www2.habitat3.org/bitcache/f1afbb98fec1c3fb8c775ee7b88e4e1334ccd3c9?vid=586936&disposition=inline&op=view

END

* We also need to undertake a work programme under the CP21/New Urban Agenda framework for SDG11 + SDG5 approaches to sustainable safe development with the objective of considering how to enhance linkages and create synergy between, inter alia, mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology transfer and capacity-building, and how to facilitate the implementation and coordination of SDG11 + SDG5 approaches.

 

#WTPD2016 #climatechance #COP22 #innovation #cities #Climathon #CWNYC #Innovationmonth #InnoTrans2016 #Business #RE100 #IoE #Sustainability #ParisAgreement #AccordDeParis #SDG11 #Changemaker #villes #regions #smartcities #startup #energy #entrepreneur #climat #climate #renewable #economy #NetZero #EnergyStorage #sharing #BatteryStorage #Photosyntesis #SBI45 #SBSTA45 #CMA 1 #APA

Reading_ECO4CLIM – Ecopreneurs for the Climate 2016 – 28 Oct 2016 -Global

Reading_ECO4CLIM – Ecopreneurs for the Climate 2016 – 28 Oct 2016 -Global

PressRelease_Reading_ECO4CLIM – Climate Innovation +Jobs Draft Strategy Outcome Document 1 November 2016

The “Ecopreneurs for the Climate” gathered last week in 14 different countries to leverage sustainable businesses tackling climate change – Please see #ECO4CLIM_Rdg

Enclosed our initial, #ECO4CLIM_Rdg “draft strategy outcome document 31 October 2016” from the first Ecopreneurs meeting in Reading. We hope that Reading and its stakeholders will commit to a zero emissions vision together with “green” companies acting as an economic engine for the region.

Climate Change Centre Reading focus on how to reduce cities emissions as quickly as possible. More and more cities set net zero targets between 2040 and 2050. The question is no more when or how much, only how.

It has been a remarkable year with all treaties and agreements, conventions and declarations coming in place being agreed globally. With a staggering incredible development of daily new energy CO2lutions and Climate Innovations, with ongoing new climate preparedness worldwide, we believe local emissions reductions could happen much faster aided by leaders that are committed to taking the crucial right decisions. It is the local government and its stakeholder responsibility to implement zero targets decisions.

As the planet is warming and more and more refugees of food shortage are seeking urban shelter for protection, demanding right to protection, cities need not only adequate housing but adequate climate housing. The cradle of life is ecology, climate innovation for urban growth is where one can have most impact to improve soil, water and air quality for all (Permaculture principles and the unnecessary principle). What is needed is reservation, sustainable use and restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity, with the dual objective of mitigating climate change and adapting Reading region to its effects. It is essential to reduce the human footprint whilst the planet’s population is growing.

Target: Thanks to partnerships and companies’ generous contributions this eco-campaign will, in a few years, develop 50 labs across the world / empower more than 500 ecopreneurs / generate 3,000 green jobs and directly avoid hundreds of tons of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

Please see suggested ECO4CLIM_Rdg Climate Innovation +Jobs Draft Strategy Outcome Document 31 October 2016,
http://media1.tvb-climatechallenge.org.uk/2016/11/ECO4CLIM_Rdg-Climate-Innovation-Jobs-Draft-Strategy-Outcome-Document-31-October-2016.pdf

As the Ecopreneurs of Reading we would like to connect new climate innovation with green business. In the name of Ecopreneurs” green entrepreneurs” US are forming a British Wing (Bat) Flap for climate CO2lutions with the aim to reduce release of carbon dioxide CO2 and other toxic Greenhouse gases and prevent 100’ tonnage from leaking out in to the Greenhouse gas area causing further warming.

We address these direct implications to one day hit the Greater Reading Area as food shortages, hurricanes, disaster relief, flooding, home insurance, wildfires, water scarcity, heat waves, national security, droughts, lost wages and air conditioning #BeforetheFlood

The Global Context; Cities today occupy approximately only 2% of the total land, however:

  • 70% of the Economy (GDP)
  • 60% of Global Energy Consumption (more than)
  • 70% of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
  • 70% Global Waste

Zero vision CO2lutions are urgently needed in cities morph into Green business resource Eco systems

Suggested Innovation: Shadow Local Government to voice the people’s sustainable initiatives and create a balance between general stakeholders like business, organisations and academia. “Bridge the gap” to achieve the best possible democratic outcome for the benefit of sustainability, quality of life and long term health indicators.

“Ecopreneurs for the Climate” is rooted on the leadership of its climate organisers, working at the intersection of business and civil society in their communities; the extensive support provided by its sustainable business networks; and the wide reach of its global partners, including Impact Hub, SwitchMed, Green Shift Africa, Ecopreneur.eu, GreenEcoNet, and the NESI Forum.

 

For more information:

For further information, contact ECO4CLIM_Rdg’s Climate Organisers in Reading: Carl Emerson- eco4clim @cccrdg .org .uk alt. Tanja Rebel – tanjarebel @ hotmail .com

Download: PressRelease_Reading_ECO4CLIM – Climate Innovation +Jobs Draft Strategy Outcome Document 1 November 2016

Laboratory of Climate Innovation
Assessment
Objectives:
• Identify challenges arising from the changing climate: mitigation and adaptation / resilience
• Co-create enterprise solutions at the heart of the ecosystems of the green economy

3 challenges of importance to reduce CO2 emissions for Berks region as soon as possible:
• 1 urgent need 2020 is a CO2lution that can be trialled and implemented within 6 months
• 1 medium term need 2030 is a CO2lution that exist but needs to be implemented
• 1 long term need 2050 is a CO2lution that needs innovation

ECO4CLIM_Rdg draft strategy outcome document 31 October 2016 #WorldCitiesDay

#ECO4CLIM_Rdg Climate Innovation +Jobs Draft Strategy Outcome Document 31 October 2016

Ecopreneurs for the Climate in Reading Climate LAB
28 October 2016

Suggested #ECO4CLIM_Rdg Climate Innovation +Jobs Strategy

By 2020:
Empower the local government to create an inclusive accessible city (social inclusion and access to water, sanitation or electricity in high-risk areas) and shared development in accordance with the New Urban Agenda, the UN Habitat III framework. Implement new strategies to meet the sustainable development goals.

  1. Comprehensive Cycle Network
  2. Monthly Car-Free Work-Day, instigated by the Council
  3. 25% Energy Self-Sufficiency from Berkshire renewables (PV roofs rather than panels) and Energy Storage
  4. 25% Food Vegan Self-Sufficiency
  5. Complete pesticides, monsanto and shale gas extraction ban
  6. 25% of new homes Passive House or better
  7. One city area dedicated to a Net Zero district, a green city showcase area.
  8. Hydro-electric Dam up and running
  9. All street lights maximum 3000K CCT + switched off/dimmed after midnight (BLACK NETWORK)
  10. Waste collection system based on same county rules
  11. Planning for disaster response. Prepare an urban climatic emergency evacuation plan, should be preceded by skilled and realistic capacity building effectiveness drills due to post-evacuation considerations and evaluation
  12. Make sure pollution from city growth activities does not increase
    “Improve our understanding of climate risks and opportunities for innovation.
    Continue ongoing work into innovative phosphorus treatment trials for treating
    sewage effluent 2016 – 2020. Assess innovation opportunities that prevent, detect or improve our response to incidents, and build these into existing improvement projects or new research projects 2016 – 2017. Input into a review on innovative construction materials to assess whether they can improve the performance of assets, extend design life and reduce on-going maintenance costs 2016 – 2020. Update our sustainable procurement guidance and tools to incorporate the consideration of those category purchases which have a high vulnerability to climate related risks that may affect the goods, services and works we buy, seeking alternatives through innovation and market development where relevant. 2016 – 2017~EA UK”
  13. Address how existing armed forces and military reserves (civil) can become an urban stakeholder resource and partnership with the civil society and local authorities
  14. Green public institutions that have divested/invested
  15. Organic farming, Char grow, Hemp cultivation and biological corridors (BROWN NETWORK)
  16. Diverse Eco-friendly building materials and pillar construction

By 2030:
Connect regional and local city grids and networks to fulfil Agenda 2030 Global Goals. Fully developed partnership governance

  1. Car Free Town Centre
  2. Comprehensive Tram/Podcar/Monorail Network “Garden Ring”
  3. 50% Energy Self-Sufficiency from Berkshire renewables
  4. 50% Food Self-Sufficiency
  5. 50% of all new homes Passive House or better (25% of old stock)
  6. Air Quality up to WHO standards.
  7. Reading Dark Sky Status
  8. Shaded and underground open spaces
  9. Network of fire corridors, also for wildlife (GREEN NETWORK)
  10. Fully developed decrease plan in place to prevent further urban sprawl
  11. Sharing economy in full bloom
  12. Cradle to cradle “second life” product cycles
  13. Replace pipes with sponge districts to manage rain and flooding risks
  14. Existing armed forces and military reserves become a stakeholder in joint partnership with the civil society and local authorities.
  15. Landmark green vegetation cultural buildings to tackle clean soil, water and air
  16. Implementation of designed layers for restoration and safeguarding of ecosystems and biodiversity
  17. Natural urban rivers and riverbank for flood control (BLUE NETWORK)

By 2050:
Reading City – Clean soil, clean water and clean air to slow global warming

  1. 100% Fossil Free Reading
  2. Reading Garden City with Green Roofs, Shaded Biodiversity Zones, Wildlife Corridors, Incredible Edibles and the right to an allotment for every household.
  3. Comprehensive air-ship docking connectors to Tram/Podcar/Monorail Network “Garden Balloon” for regional transport, heavy duty and tourism.
  4. Covered “Walkable Urbanism” protecting against acid rains
  5. 100% Energy Self-Sufficiency from Berkshire’s renewables
  6. 70% Food Self-Sufficiency
  7. 100% of new homes Passive House or better
  8. Fully developed Climatic Emergency Evacuation Response Programme with specifically designed multi-functional usage protection zones against floods and superstorms, with capacity for 50-100:000 people.
  9. Reading a net producer to Berkshire’s energy grid
  10. Landmark green vegetation infrastructure to tackle clean soil, water, air and wildlife

Ecopreneurs for the climate” was held on 28 October in the Oakwood Centre. With the celebration of this event, Reading joined “the Global Week Green Economy and Climate Movement” which was held in 24 cities around the world, from Barcelona to Tokyo to Santiago de Chile.

In Climate Change Reading Centre’s opinion, the involvement of Reading in this global event “puts the city on the map of the carbon free economy, not only based on numbers but on people, economy and environmental sustainability” and demonstrates “Reading becoming involved in the global city agenda.” When looking at small exclusive groups like Reading 2050 it becomes clear that one cannot work in isolation. Legal frameworks and guidelines for urban sustainable opportunities are essential for a city’s prosperity.”

Carl Emerson-Dam and Tanja Rebel, organisers of the conference, explained the details of the next Conference which will be divided into two parts:

The first part a “LABoratory of Innovation Climate”, will be dedicated to the diagnosis and analysis of climate problems facing Reading, connecting the dots. The second part will consist of the delivery of the “Climate Champions Awards” at the next Climate LAB of end of March singling out sustainable projects. The awards will be divided into two categories: one for established companies and a second, for entrepreneurs with projects still undeveloped. A jury and the public attending the conference will facilitate the prizes.

To participate in the conference, you need to register on the below website and select city www.ecopreneurs4climate.org

Please note that RBC have for three years neglected to apply for the European Green Capital award, a process where you go through and assess 16 development areas to become a green city, giving access to much needed funding. Due to Brexit, there is only one window of opportunity left. European Green Capital is open until 2019

Climate Organiser – Climate Change Center Reading / ECO4CLIM_16
Contact info – eco4clim @ cccrdg .org .uk
On Twitter – @ECO4CLIM_Rdg @ClimateMovement

#climatechance #COP22 #innovation #cities #Climathon #CWNYC #innovationmonth #InnoTrans2016 #Business #RE100 #Sustainability #ParisAgreement #AccordDeParis #SDG11 #Changemaker #villes #regions #smartcities #startup #energy #entrepreneur #climat #climate #renewable #economy #netzero #energystorage #BatteryStorage #Photosyntesis

Get involved and become a sponsor for Ecopreneurs for the Climate in Reading

@ECO4CLIM_Rdg Join the Ecopreneurs for the Climate in Reading “Glocal Week of Green Business for #Climate, #Innovation + #Jobs OCT 24-30”


This is going live in the U.K. in October 28th!

Whether you are a student or an Ecopreneur, whether you are a free-lancer or work in an SME, or even in a large company, as long as you believe change is possible; our contribution makes a true difference for the people and the planet. This is your movement – Inclusive, diverse, fun and transformative. Your generous contribution to this campaign will, in a few years, develop 50 labs across the world / empower more than 500 ecopreneurs / generate 3,000 green jobs and directly avoid hundreds of tons of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

How can you join?

The 2016 edition “ECO4CLIM_Rdg” will take place on October 24-30, 2016. It will comprise of multi-stakeholder eco-innovation workshops and the Climate Champion Awards. **Save the Date28 Oct** ECO4CLIM_Rdg’s coordinators, climate-champion ecopreneurs and global partners participate in prestigious international forums the likes of CLIMATE CHANCE WORLD SUMMIT in France, the Women Leaders and the Global Transformation Summit, the #COP22 Climate Summit in Morocco, or SwitchMed Connect 2016 in Barcelona. Now is the time, participate, add your city or join our ecosystem of partners:

Looking to unlock Reading’s green potential. We will, in three weeks, seek to locate and highlight eight local climate innovations (Eco-preneurs)! Do not hesitate to put forward to us yours or any local low-carbon Innovation that can reduce Reading’s Greenhouse gas emissions footprint!

!Green entrepreneurs for the #Climate, the Global Week of Green Business and the Climate Movement – October 24-30, 2016 #ECO4CLIM16 Climate organiser for #ECO4CLIM_Rdg Please let us know if you like to be trans-boundary involved. We are looking for – Space partner, – Media partners, – Sponsors and – Enablers for Reading Climate Champion Awards 2016 – Email eco4clim @ cccrdg .org .uk

We warmly welcome you to participate in the ECO4CLIM_Rdg Event – Climate, Innovation +Jobs “Glocal Week of Green Business and the #ClimateMovement” Friday 28th October.

eco4clim16

 

Feel free to pledge-as-you-feel to get UK’s first Climate LAB started 🙂

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/join-the-ecopreneurs-for-the-climate-in-reading

 

Habitat III Conference in #Quito in October 2016 should show territorial coherence

totheworld2

Congratulations to the Netherlands parliament’s brave decision to close down their coal industry. 

Thank you to #ClimateChance and partner for organising this important stakeholder event in Nantes.

Thank you, to the Habitat III Panel discussing the #NewUrbanAgenda (NUA) in this climate forum – “On the road to Habitat III, what is the place for proposals from non-state actors?” (28/09/16, 9-11 am)

It was mentioned that 15 of the paragraphs of the New Urban Agenda addresses cities and climate change. Economic growth and development is mentioned as many times! While half the world is trying to stop the petroleum companies from drilling activities.. These two polarised position doesn’t match!

The NUA’s responsibility is to make cities divest from fossil energy and reinvest in urban sustainable opportunities.

We stress the importance of the use of funds mobilized by climate action, both mitigation and adaptation, for the development of sustainable cities and rural territories, considering that the New Urban Agenda that will be adopted by the UN member States during Habitat III Conference in Quito in October 2016 should show territorial coherence respecting the various global challenges we face.

In the agreed Habitat III document we need a paragraph about urban degrowth and protecting our green belts, shrinking cities,, There should even be a shut-down paragraph of cities and how to rewild shut-down cities.
https://www2.habitat3.org/bitcache/97ced11dcecef85d41f74043195e5472836f6291?vid=588897&disposition=inline&op=view

What is the really the views of the on the new data driven UN-cities concept?

Is the Habitat III agenda about smart purpose driven cities or is Habitat III trying to create a city in city?  When it comes to stakeholder’s engagement and multi-actor governance, this is urgent;

·        Keep it simple

·        Implementation, Implementation, Implementation

·        Build back better

What is the military’s stakeholder role in the new urban agenda? Military reserves for urban capability building in a peaceful world.

How will the new urban agenda leaver with liberté, égalité, fraternité? Maybe it’s time to change city development to “opportunité de villes”!

Wouldn’t we prefer to see purpose-driven agenda, with one purpose to sustain, all urban human activities..

“Proud to be on the list of the “Nantes Declaration of climate actors” signatories that will be presented in Quito during Habitat III”

 

http://www.climatechance2016.com/en

http://www.climatechance2016.com/uploads/media/5800c65beb61c.pdf

#Goal13 City Levels Green, Amber or even Red

#Goal13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

The highly developed industrialized nations’ responsibility to combat climate change is obvious and cannot be overestimated. Similar to the issue of sustainable consumption and production patterns, the rich countries need to become leading examples if the goal of combating climate change and its consequences is not to remain mere lip service. Effectively reducing CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions is imperative in this regard. The data displayed in figures 13.1 and 13.2 show how far many OECD countries are still lagging behind compared to the respective benchmark countries of the sample.

13_1

Click on the picture to enlarge

Figure 13.1 provides information on production-based CO2 emissions per capita. “Production-based” means that emissions refer to gross direct CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion, emitted within the national territory excluding bunkers, sinks, and indirect effects. In the fi ve leading countries, Mexico, Turkey, Sweden, Portugal, and Hungary, as well as in sixth-ranked Chile, production based CO2 emissions are below 5 tons per capita. These countries’ performances stand in stark contrast to the respective emission levels of countries placed at the bottom of the list, such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and Luxembourg. Here, CO2 emissions range from 15.3 (Canada) to 19.47 tons per capita (Luxembourg).

13_2

Click on the picture to enlarge

The second snapshot indicator links emission levels to the size of a country’s economy, and refers to total greenhouse gas emissions per GDP. Greenhouse gas emissions include land use, land-use change, and forestry, and are measured in CO2 equivalents as a percentage of GDP (tons per million constant 2005 int. USD PPP). The findings are remarkable: While Sweden is by far the top-performing country with an amount of 66.75 tons, Estonia comes in last place with 680 tons – more than ten times as much as in the case of the leading country. Moreover, Sweden is the only country ranked among the top five on both indicators chosen here.

With regard to greenhouse gas emissions per GDP, Norway, Switzerland, Finland, and France follow in places two to five. In fifth-ranked France, however, emissions are already nearly four times as high as in Sweden. At the negative end of the spectrum, Canada and Australia again find themselves in the bottom group. Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions per GDP amount to 641 tons, which means that the country ranks second to last on both indicators of goal 13.

Source: SDG Index and Dashboards – Global Report

#PragueDeclaration

“Cities are responsible for 70% of #GHG emissions”~Mr Joan Clos

Relevant stakeholders come together in generous ‘Praha’ to participate in the European Habitat Conference within the framework of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). It is one of five regional commissions of the United Nations, bringing together 56 member countries from across Europe, the Balkans, North America and a part of Asia “the Global North”. The focus of the conference was to debate urban  solutions to the issues of housing estates and the need for municipal integration.
In the process towards a #NewUrbanAgenda, Habitat III Europe Regional Meeting “European Habitat” discussed how to ensure access to decent, adequate, affordable and healthy housing for all, with due attention to reducing the impact of the housing sector on the environment.

It addresses relevant current problems like urban poverty, demographic changes, climatic changes and risk of disasters, urban development and urban sprawl, coordination of urban development, and relevant use of technologies.

The most significant event of global reach to be held this year in Prague has ended with the approval of the Prague Declaration.
Minister Karla Šlechtová~..“We have to turn housing estates into a good place to live: providing adequate quality housing, but also public space for community life, access to services, entertainment, leisure activities and sports. All this will have a direct impact on the safety and other factors affecting the quality of life,” 

  • Integration of municipalities is the path to prosperity and healthy development of micro-regions
    Resource efficiency and promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns are critical elements for cities to manage growth, increase resource productivity, and decouple economic growth from increased resource use and its environmental impact.
  • Good urban governance
    Promoting national urban policies as appropriate, which are conducive to sustainable urban development and foster territorial cohesion and their translation to localised urban legislation and regulations, respecting, where appropriate, the principle of subsidiarity;

    Strengthening the use of spatial planning and design of urban extensions, infill and regeneration ensuring a bottom-up and multilevel governance as well as integrated approaches involving all stakeholders and the inhabitants; Cooperative mechanisms of spatial planning and steering in metropolitan areas beyond administrative boundaries should be strengthened and supported by integrated spatial strategies to ensure a balanced territorial development;

  • Relevant use of technology
    Progress in technologies and the availability of data are rapidly changing our life and the way we organise it. Urban planners should adopt relevant technological innovations, which allow more effective use of available data. This requires educating and building the capacity of urban managers, decision-makers and inhabitants. Open and disaggregated data is a critical component in transparent and effective governance and also in the provision of efficient environmental and energy services in urban settings. Every effort must be made to keep shared data accessible to the public, while protecting the privacy of individuals. Cities should consider simple, interoperable, and comparable data markers and standards for data collection. Data should also be transparent and openly accessible to be exploited as a tool to increase the ownership and engagement of people. Technological and digital divide in urban planning and management has to be addressed.

    Building accountability and regular monitoring of the coherent implementation of the New Urban Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals with a special focus on goal 11 (Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable) and other targets across the Agenda, using the relevant indicators defined. This should include 7 regionally specific agreements and strategies on data collection and analyses. Data should be gathered using common international standards to ensure it is compatible between Member States. It should, as much as possible, be publicly available to support policy-making, research and economic development. Lastly, global and regional data repositories should be further developed to support the policy-making process;

Three vital outcomes from the Prague Declaration are outlined below:

I. Shelter and Protection
Urban growth and development boundaries conclusions and inclusion and resilience in the #NewUrbanAgenda based on three years project with placemaking and climate change coverage. Why?  The youth is our future and their need for protective shelter in a changing climate, first and foremost. This requires multidisciplinary climate action across multilevel jurisdictional boundaries…

“We recall the outcomes of “Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030”, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” which provides a focus on cities through Goal 11 and other targets across the whole agenda as well as the “Paris Agreement”.”

“We acknowledge also regional specific agreed charters and strategies like, among others, “The Geneva UN Charter on Sustainable Housing” and the “Strategy for Sustainable Housing and Land Management in the ECE region for the period 2014-2020”.

II. Readiness for “shelter” in urban and rural open spaces
To fight climate change and avoid more loss of land The New Urban Agenda need to define and protect our greenbelts in order to keep our cities rural fringe green, compact and resilient. Also to ensure that urban dwellers have access to countryside, with consequent educational and recreational opportunities; and to protect the unique character of rural communities that might otherwise be absorbed by expanding suburbs. Stress that: Sustainable and integrated urban development and its management are crucial to the safety and quality of life of our people.

“Green, compact, resource efficient and resilient cities. Green and better integrated with nature, inclusive, liveable, compact and resilient cities are a priority in policies at all levels of the government and in regional cooperation, especially with regard to members of vulnerable groups, marginalized communities and people with special needs. 2 Increasing resource efficiency on energy, water, waste, land use and food as well as mitigating greenhouse gases emission, improving air quality and taking care of wastewater in cities together with making cities resilient to climate change and other challenges, such as to flood, drought, heat waves, natural and man-made hazards, as well as ensuring transition towards safe and sustainable urban mobility, clean and accessible urban transport for all;”

“Urbanizing deltas in this respect are facing extreme and specific tensions because of the combination of socio-economic and natural/ environmental dynamics. We encourage the use of green and blue infrastructures as well as nature-based solutions, in addition to hard preventive infrastructure and spatial planning, as a tool to prevent disasters, in particular water-related ones, from having a big impact;”

III. Sustainable public spaces that are healthy, safe, resilient, energy-conserving and resource efficient
Public space and the buildings that surround and define it need to be socially, economically and environmentally sustainable. Social sustainability requires security, equity and justice; economic sustainability benefits from affordable capital and operating budgets; environmental sustainability addresses ecological and health issues. These include clean air, water and soil, green micro-climates and the mitigation and adaptation to the Urban Heat Island Effect and Climate Change. Effective use should be made of green technologies and systems. Architecture and urban design that is adaptable and appreciated is cared for and sustained for a longer time.

Promote the knowledge transfer of good practices regarding the quality of green and public spaces, e.g. in devising layouts, ratios, spaces and built-open space and frontage ratios capable of reconciling socio-economic vitality and environmental quality with safety and pleasantness.

“Providing accessible, safe, inclusive and quality public space, and safe transportation to foster urban equity, social cohesion and better quality of life, with particular attention to the needs of men, women, children, elderly persons and persons with disabilities;”

“In order to prevent urban sprawl and strengthen the “multiple use of space” principle through effective land management. We also support climate change adaptation and mitigation measures and cities’ resilience to floods, heat waves and natural and man-made hazards.

(“The Social Cohesion and Equity discussions highlighted several practical approaches that can help make cities become more inclusive. These include better urban planning in the creation of public spaces where residents of the urban community not only feel safe but also protected.”)
The Final “Prague Declaration” from “European Habitat” can be found here;
#RegenerativeCities #Greenbelt #Placemaking #DRR #FutureofPlaces #COP22 #Habitat3 #NewUrbanAgenda #PublicSpace #WUC #TheFutureWeWant #TheCityWeNeed #UrbanSDG #UrbanAction #UrbanThinkers #Youngplacemakers #ClimateAction

Some ideas to take away that Minister Karla Šlechtová collected in the UN European Habitat conference in Prague

  • Cities have to be sustainable, without excluded zones; account must be taken of their residents.
  • Development requires a clear strategy tied to a defined vision.
  • Accessibility in all its aspects: accessibility of housing, public services, travel, and culture.
  • Only those with daring visions can turn cities into good places for living.
  • Only good housing can make a place good for living; whereas urban housing means not only a “shelter”, but a healthy and safe home.
  • “Cities are made of people, not brick walls”~Thucydides
  • Liveable and functioning cities without excluded zones. I want no derelict and evacuated city centres.
  • In the Czech Republic and many nations, one of the developmental obstacles is frequently fragmented competences. This is an aspect that has to be addressed and changed.
  • Urban planning and design must be centred around living in the cities.

The Czech Republic greatly managed the UN summit on sustainable housing development

The Czech Republic greatly managed the #EuropeanHabitat
16-18 March 2016: Three days of urban discussions in Prague with almost 4,000 experts worldwide on the future development of cities and municipalities. The UN Habitat Conference, organized by the Ministry for Regional Development, headed by the Minister Karla Šlechtová ended on Friday, 18 March 2016 with approval for the #PragueDeclaration. The document will have a direct impact on UN policy in the field of sustainable development and be part of the roadmap leading up to Habitat III in Quito. The Czech Republic and organisers have not only mastered the difficult preparation and organisation of the conference, but they also carry away a few key messages for further work and development in the area.

In line with what Minister Ms. Karla Šlechtová already mentioned in her opening speech on the first day, both the Conference and the #PragueDeclaration were not to be just about discussing, they were to bring a factual content and specific outcomes with an effective meaning for the future. Theses the Prague Declaration:

  • The Declaration is based on four principles: Innovative and productive cities, Green, compact, resource-efficient and versatile (resilient) cities, Inclusive and safe cities, Good urban governance.
  • Emphasis is put primarily on support to proper planning and management to be conducted in cooperation with all levels of governance and communities; a unified approach is vital in the effort to maximise the potential of cities, social cohesion and access to services; affordability of housing as a key factor of quality of life is one of the main features of viable cities; urban development planning must involve the effort to minimise impacts on the environment and to enhance economic, social and environmental sustainability.
  • We are facing various challenges relating to housing and sustainable urban development in the regions: urban poverty, demographic changes, #climate changes and based on science disaster risk reduction #DRR, urban development and mandated growth, coordination of urban development, use of relevant technologies.
  • Key directions from Prague to Quito: supporting cities by strengthening their capacity for innovation including social innovations and job creation, supporting optimal use of resources, equal access to affordable housing and services, eliminating poverty and exclusion, providing affordable, safe, inclusive and high-quality public space and safe transport, healthy financial management in municipalities, ensuring sustainable sources of financing, reinforcing the dialogue between various levels of government and relevant actors.

European HABITAT in Prague on 16 – 18. 3. 2016 (summary)

Some facts about the UN Conference on the European Habitat

  • It was attended by nearly 4,000 thousand experts from around the world.
  • During the Conference a total of 96 separate official events and dozens of bilateral negotiations were conducted.
  • In total there were more than 300 hours of expert discussions.
  • More than 50 experts took the floor.
  • Significantly the conference also involved the Czech representatives, in the main program and accompanying activities.
  • The main outcome of the Conference is the Prague Declaration, the final version of which has been worked on by the international Advisory Board and with the participation of Minister of Regional Development Ms. Karla Šlechtová.
  • The Conference was held on an area of more than 42,000 sq-m2 in the Prague Congress Centre.
  • In addition to the PCC, more places in Prague hosted the Conference accompanying activities.
  • An organisation team of more than 150 people looked after the organisation of the Conference.
  • More than 11,000 meters of cabling where installed in the Prague Congress Centre in order to provide technical setting to the Conference.
  • About 100 model works created by students were exposed in the Congress Centre – many of them 3D models of planned buildings.

Prague to host the United Nations’ European Habitat Conference #habitat3

Prague

Climate Change Centre Reading, is honored to participate at the UN regional meeting European Habitat Conference as a climate advocate for natural weather shelter / protection of #urbanthinkers. The conference will take place in the Prague Congress Centre, Prague, Czech Republic between March 16 to 18, 2016

Habitat III Europe Regional Meeting “European Habitat” will involve a wide range of participants, that will debate regional priorities for the New Urban Agenda, and policy recommendations in the form of a final regional participants’ declaration. The “European Habitat”, is an international regional conference organised within the framework of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). It is one of five regional commissions of the United Nations, bringing together 56 member countries from Europe, the Balkans, North America and a part of Asia. The event is an official part of preparations for the third global UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development “Habitat III”. Based on a decision of the UN General Assembly adopted in December 2014, this conference should be held in Ecuador in October 2016. The event is being prepared by the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). UNO regional conferences are organised by individual regional economic commissions – and it is UNECE that covers the 56 above mentioned member countries (UNECE Member States).

In this regard, “European Habitat” will gather recommendations reflecting the consensus reached at the regional level on sustainable housing and other topics from the spectrum of a proposed New #UrbanAgenda.

Join us at this exciting opportunity to discuss the challenges of Sustainable “Housing in Liveable Cities”.

In the process towards a New Urban Agenda, Habitat III Europe Regional Meeting “European Habitat” will discuss how to ensure access to decent, adequate, affordable and healthy housing for all, with due attention to reducing the impact of the housing sector on the environment. Final declaration from “European Habitat” will be considered official inputs to the Habitat III process. Join us at this exciting opportunity to discuss the challenges of Sustainable Housing in Liveable Cities.

The official outcome of the European Habitat conference will be the Prague Declaration whose draft was discussed in December 2015 at the plenary session of the UNECE Committee on Housing and Land Management, the UNECE executive body for housing and urban development. In October 2014, the Committee discussed and adopted the Geneva UN Charter on Sustainable Housing, which was then approved by UNECE’s Plenary in April 2015 as the official contribution of the relevant region to the Habitat III conference. The Geneva UN Charter on Sustainable Housing is an essential strategic document which the Prague Declaration develops further. The European Habitat is one of the first UN implementing conferences reflecting the goals of UN post-2015 Development Agenda.

Final “Prague Declaration” from “European Habitat” will be considered official inputs to the Habitat III process.

The #UN European Habitat Conference, is part of the roadmap to #Habitat3 in QUITO – OCTOBER 2016.

#TheWorldWeWant #TheCityWeNeed #Futureofplaces #Placemaking #SDG13 #SDGs #FutureofPlaces #COP21 #COP22 #Habitat3 #NewUrbanAgenda #PublicSpace #WUC #TheFutureWeWant #TheCityWeNeed #UrbanSDG #UrbanAction #UrbanThinkers #Youngplacemakers #ClimateAction #OpenSpace

Background

Based on a decision of the UN General Assembly, the city of Quito, Ecuador, will host the third global UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (the “Habitat III conference”) from 17 to 20 October, 2016. These summits take place every twenty years; the first one was organised in June 1976 in Vancouver, Canada, the second summit “Habitat II” took place in June 1996 in Istanbul, Turkey.

The official outcome of the Habitat III summit will be the adoption of the discussed document (New Urban Agenda), responding to development in urban areas, with respect to the ever increasing share of the world’s population living in towns and cities (by 2050 the share will be 70%).

Preparations for the Habitat III summit are carried out according to the procedure approved by UN General Assembly; the process is managed by the Steering Committee of Habitat III.

(UN–Habitat) is the United Nations agency for human settlements and sustainable urban development. It was established in 1978 as an outcome of the First UN Conference on Human Settlements and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat I) held in Vancouver, Canada in 1976. UN-Habitat maintains its headquarters at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, Kenya. It is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. It is a member of the United Nations Development Group. The mandate of UN-Habitat derives from the Habitat Agenda, adopted by the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1996. The twin goals of the Habitat Agenda are adequate shelter for all and the development of sustainable human settlements in an urbanizing world.

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