Study Finds Compact Cities Vital for Reducing
Consumption-Based Carbon Emissions, Crucial for Sustainable Urban
Growth
BUSAN, South Korea,
Aug. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In
recent years, the dramatic rise in extreme weather events due to
climate change has escalated what was once termed "climate change"
into a "climate crisis." With global average surface temperatures
reaching unprecedented levels, the urgency to transition to a
carbon-neutral society within the next decade or two is paramount
to mitigate damage and safeguard our planet for future
generations.
Cities play a crucial role in the transition to carbon
neutrality. Due to each city's unique layout, industries, energy
usage, and economic activities, carbon emissions can vary
significantly. Effective strategies require understanding how
emissions are distributed within cities. Current methods often rely
on statistical data and global averages to measure production-based
emissions, providing little insight into emission locations within
cities and neglecting consumption-based emissions from goods and
services. These consumption-based emissions are complex to measure
and control due to their multifactorial nature.
To tackle this issue a group of researchers led by Professor
Juchul Jung from Pusan National University conducted a study to examine
how different urban forms affect carbon emissions. Their study,
published on July 24, 2024 in
Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City
Science, sheds light on the impact of compact cities on
consumption-based carbon emissions. Using nighttime satellite
imagery, the researchers estimated carbon emissions at a highly
detailed level, focusing on consumption-based emissions at the
pixel level and offering a more accurate picture of urban carbon
footprints.
The study found that compact cities, characterized by high
density, mixed land use, and efficient public transportation,
produce significantly lower carbon emissions. "Contrary to what
we might initially think, more compact cities encourage more
environmentally friendly behaviors such as walking and the use of
public transit, reducing reliance on cars and cutting down on
overall travel distances," says Prof. Jung. In contrast,
sprawling cities with low-density developments and poor land use
mix showed the highest carbon emissions, largely due to greater
dependence on automobiles and longer travel distances.
Discussions around compact cities and their benefits have been
ongoing for years. "Smart growth is an example of an urban
planning theory that promotes compact development. It integrates
elements such as housing, transportation, land use, and
environmental health to create high-density, pedestrian-friendly
communities that protect natural spaces and reduce the impacts of
climate change," adds Prof. Jung.
However, this theory contrasts with arguments suggesting that
compact development may increase road congestion and emissions,
prompting concerns about its efficiency. Distinguishing between
production- and consumption-based carbon emissions provides a
clearer understanding of how urban forms affect emissions. It
supports the argument that compact city development is crucial for
achieving carbon neutrality. Areas characterized by mixed-use
developments, such as neighbourhoods in central Seoul and Busan, encourage walking and public
transportation. This reduces reliance on cars and lowers overall
emissions.
This study promises a future where compact city designs lead to
sustainable urban living, with reduced infrastructure costs, lower
energy consumption, improved air quality, increased physical
activity, enhanced accessibility to amenities, shorter commutes,
and an overall higher quality of life. By advocating for mixed-use
neighborhoods, urban policies can pave the way for healthier, more
efficient, and enjoyable city environments.
Reference
Title of original paper: Does a
compact city really reduce consumption-based carbon emissions? The
case of South Korea
Journal: Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics
and City
Science
DOI: 10.1177/23998083241263898
About the institute
Website:
https://www.pusan.ac.kr/eng/Main.do
Contact:
Goon-Soo Kim
82 51 510 7928
381666@email4pr.com
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SOURCE Pusan National University