The Global Report on Human Settlements 2011, Cities and Climate Change: Policy Directions was presented in an even hosted by the London School of Economics. The report is an eye-opener for the whole world.

Everybody knows that urban areas are major contributor to climate change. This assessment was done by UN to further enhance this knowledge.

The report says cities were highly energy intensive and responsible for around 70% of emissions. Increased use of transport, congestion, industrialization and other economic activities made cities more energy intensive. Consequently, considerable changes in climate pattern; heavy downpours, frequent droughts and floods, high sea levels, increased temperature were experienced. However, effective and proper urban planning could mitigate the effects to an extent.

UN has warned that now substantial efforts are required in urban areas if we have to save our environment.

It seems that it’s going to be a tussle between urbanization and climate change. Urbanization is growing too fast. Already, around 50% of the population has become urbanized. To add to worries further, there is no hope of slowing down this pace.
Around 59% of the population will be residing in urban areas by 2030, UN data estimates.

The executive director of UN-Habitat, Joan Clos, shows his concern over these disturbing trends. If this trend continues for long, urban areas will also face problems in providing basic amenities to people. Already, there are lots of problems relating to congestion, scarce water and electricity, and transportation in cities. All these will become more acute if no action is taken to counter emissions and climate change.

Climate change has become a global problem. Now, it time to act sincerely. Efforts of all sort, be it individualistic or collective are required.

Consumption is carried out individually. It is an individual choice. So, individuals can play a good role here. However, national and international policies also have a role to play in pacifying the problem.

The report also urges local planners to develop a future vision in which they should assess the impact of climate change on their respective areas.