Veronika Kalugina

ENV 1150-02

Critical Analysis 1

September 2nd, 2021

Future of the cities

Nowadays, many more people prefer to move from small towns to large cities for better employment
opportunities, better education, better lifestyle, entertainment, etc. It is projected that by the year 2050
about 70% of the world’s population will be living in the cities. Meaning, damage to the environment
will increase as well with increased pollution, deforestation, soil degradation, and others.

What can we possibly do to prevent environmental damages coming from the cities? First, we need to
educate the communities, people have to understand the need for this change. Second, we need to
provide accessible alternative, sustainable options for everyday needs. People need to understand that
we can have better quality lives if we create healthier, eco-friendly places to live in.

How can we build “smart cities” to help reduce damage to the environment? By implementing
innovative technologies in the cities, such as smart water system, solar energy systems, alternative
transportation choices, and home-grown products. Of course, there is a cost associated with innovative
technology and can be very expensive. Who is going to cover the cost associated of the “smart cities”? It
is a very complicated question. In my opinion, if a government can use general tax revenue to build
highways and other public places, then “decision makers” need to rethink what the cities are for and
provide a funded alternative, environmentally safe solution, for at least public places.

Also, Architects and engineers have to think about an enhanced way cities work and be able to create
sustainable building options, that will be useful for society and not harmful to the environment. Society
needs to understand that cities are not buildings, cities are people that live in them.

These changes will not happen overnight, but all it takes is one person or one building at a time to make
the difference.