WHAT IS A GREEN CITY?
WHAT IS A GREEN CITY?
A Green City, also known as a Sustainable City
or Eco-City, is an urban area designed to minimize its environmental impact
while improving the quality of life for its residents. But what does it truly
mean to be a green city? And how many cities in the Philippines can genuinely
claim this title?
The Case of
the Philippines
Has any city in the Philippines been
officially recognized as a Green City? Some have made claims, while others have
received awards for cleanliness. I remember a few years ago, Las Piñas was
declared a clean city. However, upon closer inspection, its rivers and creeks
remain polluted. Shouldn’t there be a connection between being green and being
clean? How can a city be declared green if it is not even clean?
A few years back, I visited a new development
in Laguna that was marketed as a “green city.” Yet, I observed garbage trucks
frequently coming and going, suggesting that waste segregation programs (WSPs)
and Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) were lacking. I also noticed a network
of electric posts, implying that underground power and internet cables were not
installed. How many cities claim to be "clean and green" without
WSPs, MRFs, Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), or Sanitary Landfills (SLFs)?
Even if it is not yet mandatory for cities to
have their own SLFs, shouldn’t they voluntarily build them? If every barangay
followed the law and put up its own MRF, the need for large SLFs would
significantly decrease. Common sense tells us that for a city to be truly
green, it must first be clean. No city should be declared green unless it is
clean, and no city should be labeled "clean and green" without
complete infrastructure for waste and sewage management. Is that too much to
ask? Absolutely not!
Beyond
Clean and Green: Smart and Safe Cities
If cities strive to be "clean and
green," they should also aim to be "smart and safe." Smart
cities leverage technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability, while safe
cities prioritize public security and disaster resilience. Some cities in the
Philippines may pass as clean, green, smart, or safe, but none have
successfully combined all four elements to become a "four-star city."
But what good is a "four-star city"
if its poverty, hunger, homelessness, crime, or unemployment rates remain high?
Is there a common metric that combines all these factors? If such a metric
existed, perhaps we could aim for a "five-star city."
Imagine a city filled with smart technology
but plagued by poverty, crime, and homelessness. Would it still be an ideal
place to live? A truly sustainable city must be clean, green, smart, and safe
while ensuring social equity and economic opportunities for all.
Characteristics
of a Green City
A Green City should incorporate the following
elements:
1.
Renewable Energy: Utilizing solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
2.
Green Spaces: Expanding parks, gardens, and tree-lined streets.
3.
Sustainable Transportation: Promoting walking, cycling, and public transit.
4.
Energy-Efficient Buildings: Implementing green architecture and eco-friendly materials.
5.
Waste Management: Enforcing recycling, composting, and responsible disposal.
6.
Water Conservation: Implementing rainwater harvesting and efficient water use.
7.
Urban Planning: Encouraging mixed-use development and pedestrian-friendly environments.
8.
Climate Resilience: Preparing for rising sea levels and extreme weather.
Best
Practices in the Philippines
Some cities have taken steps toward
sustainability:
- Batangas City:
Incentivizing eco-friendly business practices.
- Makati City:
Implementing green building ordinances.
- Puerto Princesa: Known
as the "cleanest and greenest" city in the country.
- Marikina City:
Leading in waste management and air quality improvement.
Global Best
Practices
Globally, cities such as Singapore,
Copenhagen, Vancouver, and Curitiba serve as models for sustainable urban
development. They integrate smart technology with environmental policies,
ensuring efficient waste management, sustainable energy, and climate resilience.
Conclusion:
Looking Ahead
For a city to be truly green, it must also be
clean, smart, and safe. The Philippines has made strides in urban
sustainability, but more must be done. Cities should focus on integrated
infrastructure, strict environmental policies, and smart urban planning to
achieve the goal: a livable, sustainable, and resilient future for all.
Ramon Ike V. Seneres,
www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282,
senseneres.blogspot.com
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