Sustainable cities are cities which, whilst thriving and generating economic growth, minimise any negative social, economic and environmental impacts. The impacts on the environment, in particular, are of utmost importance, especially as cities around the world generate 70% of energy-related GHG emissions. The world has committed to keeping global warming below 2 °C, aspiring to a target of 1.5 °C, and this will not be possible unless cities (in both developed and developing countries) reduce their CO₂ emissions. Although cities generate most economic growth, they also face challenges related to rural-urban migration, poverty, inequality, unemployment, air pollution, and a shortage of infrastructure investment. This Special Issue concentrates on sustainable cities. Papers are invited on any topic related to the sustainability of urban environments, challenges and potential solutions. Both theoretical and applied original papers will be considered, related to hypothetical or real world examples, in the developed or developing world.
Possible topics include, but are not limited to: Compact urban environments; Infrastructure investment (in communications, clean energy, water and waste managements, ultra-low emission transport or low energy buildings); Urban sprawl reduction; Rural-urban migration; Informal housing, slums and social exclusion; Megacities; Climate hazards and resilience; Smart (connected) cities; Trade-offs in optimization; Air pollution and health.