Land use changes are known drivers of environmental damage and climate change.
They put pressure on the land through brick moulding, river and pit-sand abstraction, unlocking large quantities of carbon trapped underground.
Through demolition of old buildings, the construction sector contributes to material waste which needs recycling and re-use.
Because urban areas are at the heart of climate action, they generate more than 60% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally.
Therefore, it is important for urban planners to factor in low carbon measures so that cities can have the capacity to reduce GHG emissions from urban buildings, building materials, transport systems and related waste by a significant measure.
The world is rapidly urbanising, with over 50% of the global population now living in cities.
As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, it is clear that urban planning will play a critical role in addressing this global challenge.
Cities are not only major contributors to GHG emissions, but they are also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise, extreme weather events and heatwaves.
However, with careful planning and design, cities can be made more resilient to the effects of climate change, and even become a key part of the solution.
One of the most important aspects of urban planning in addressing climate change is the design of green spaces.
Green spaces, such as parks, gardens and green roofs, can help mitigate the urban heat island effect, which can make cities up to 5°C hotter than surrounding rural areas.
This is particularly important in cities with high population densities, where the heat island effect can have serious health implications.
Green spaces can also help absorb carbon dioxide, reduce air pollution, and provide habitats for urban wildlife.
Furthermore, green spaces can serve as natural buffers against extreme weather events, such as floods and storms, by absorbing excess water and reducing the risk of erosion.
Another critical aspect of urban planning in addressing climate change is the design of transportation systems.
Transportation is one of the largest contributors to GHG emissions in cities, with the majority of emissions coming from private vehicles.
However, by designing transportation systems that prioritise public transportation, walking, and cycling, cities can significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
This can be achieved through the creation of dedicated bike lanes, pedestrianised streets and efficient public transportation systems.
Additionally, cities can encourage the use of electric or hybrid vehicles, and provide incentives for residents to use shared transportation or carpool.
Climate-resilient infrastructure is also a crucial aspect of urban planning in addressing climate change.
This includes the design and construction of buildings, bridges, and other critical infrastructure that can withstand the impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and heatwaves.
Climate-resilient infrastructure can be designed to be adaptable, flexible and able to withstand a range of different climate-related stresses.
For example, buildings can be designed with green roofs, which can help to absorb excess water and reduce the risk of flooding.
Additionally, cities can invest in sea walls, levees and other forms of coastal protection to prevent flooding and erosion.
In addition to these physical aspects of urban planning, it is also important to consider the social and economic aspects of building resilient cities.
This includes providing education and training programmes for residents, businesses and city officials on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
It also includes providing economic incentives for residents and businesses to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and technologies, such as solar panels and green roofs.
Furthermore, cities can establish community-based initiatives, such as community gardens and neighborhood watch programmes, to help build social cohesion and resilience in the face ofclimate change.
There are many examples of cities around the world that are taking a proactive approach to addressing climate change through urban planning.
For example, the city of Copenhagen has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025, and is investing heavily in green infrastructure, such as bike lanes and green roofs.
The city of Singapore has also implemented a range of climate-resilient measures, including a comprehensive flood protection system and a network of green spaces and parks.
In the United States, the city of New York has launched a number of initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint, including a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.
Zimbabwean cities are already struggling to cope with the influx of people, lack of housing, water and energy shortages, poor waste management, health and social problems posing lots of challenges in resilience building.
Also, Zimbabweans are not into the culture of harvesting water.
Maybe it is due to the history of water sufficiency in other areas of the country or the fact that many buildings and roads are not designed to harvest water.
Issues of the circular economy are not invested in and seriously funded.
There is also a need to better manage community spaces for community recreation, convergence and social interaction.
Many of these impacts emanate from poor management styles, lack of funding or duplication of roles by local authorities, associations and ministries leading to absence of defined mandates for specific authorities, associations and ministries.
Who does what and whose mandate it is to manage wetlands has become a problem.
Wetlands and urban agriculture should be managed.
Climate change is not the problem, but it accelerates what has already been poorly managed.
Poor resource management and uncontrolled growth remain present and future challenges ofour time.
Solutions always come from a new worldview and new ways of thinking about resources, cities and management.
In conclusion, urban planning will play a critical role in addressing climate change in the years to come.
By designing green spaces, transportation systems and climate-resilient infrastructure, cities can reduce their carbon footprint and become more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Additionally, by providing education and training programmes, economic incentives, and community-based initiatives, cities can help build social cohesion and resilience in the face of climate change.
As the world continues to urbanise, it is essential that we prioritise climate-resilient urban planning, and work towards creating cities that are sustainable, equitable, and resilient for all.
The benefits of climate-resilient urban planning are numerous. Not only can it help to reducethe risks associated with climate change, but it can also improve the overall quality of life for urban residents.
By designing cities that are green, sustainable, and resilient, we can create thriving communities that are better equipped to handle the challenges of the 21st century.
Furthermore, climate-resilient urban planning can also have economic benefits, such as reducing the costs associated with climate-related disasters and improving the competitiveness of cities in the global economy.
However, there are also challenges associated with implementing climate-resilient urban planning.
One of the main challenges is the cost of implementing climate-resilient measures, such as green infrastructure and climate-resilient buildings.
- *Gary Gerald Mtombeni is a journalist based in Harare. He writes here in his own personal capacity. For feedback Email garymtombeni@gmail.com/ call- +263778861608