Achieving sustainable cities and communities is one of the most challenging among the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) because it is a result of a confluence of factors—which includes attainment of the other goals.
The United Nations (UN) advocates for compact development that reduces urban sprawl. Adequately dense cities are the ideal for sustainable urban futures. But how do we achieve optimal population density?
For instance, in Metro Manila, the population is 13.48 million based on 2020 Census, but this swells to 15-18 million at daytime when residents from neighboring cities and provinces go to the metropolis for work, school, or other activities. Access to Metro Manila is a mix of private vehicles and public transport.
Metro Manila is highly dense with a population density of 21,765 persons per square kilometer. This is far from ideal, especially that we see inequality, congestion, and pollution prevalent in communities. The scenario does not heed the call of sustainable development and better quality of life.
The UN says that public transportation in dense cities can help reduce pollution and traffic. It also promotes inclusion and productivity.
The UN defines access to public transport as being within 500 meters of a public transport stop in urban areas. However, equitable access to public transport remains a significant concern. UN statistics show that only six out of 10 urban residents have convenient access to public transit; while in least developed countries (LDCs), only four out of 10 individuals have convenient access.
UN-Habitat encourages well-planned cities with adequate densities, even increasing densities where necessary, because in low-density areas, transportation infrastructure and utilities are more costly to provide and maintain.
According to UN-Habitat, “Cities should aim for sufficient density with adequate activity mix, while still providing important public amenities such as parks, squares, sports grounds and cultural venues, as well as good transport infrastructure, to ensure connectivity at the city and regional level.”
In the current situation in Metro Manila, what we must aim for is to spread growth in other areas—so that instead of coming to the metropolis for work, school, government transactions, and other activities, people can find these in their respective cities and provinces.
Creating 15-minute cities and communities—where residents have access to quality jobs, education, livelihood and basic services within 15 minutes of walking or cycling—can be encouraging for citizens as well.
Unless people see that other urban areas outside of Metro Manila can provide the same opportunities, activities and services, it would be hard to make compact, socially inclusive, better integrated and connected cities that the UN advocates for so that our communities can realize the goal of sustainable urban futures.
Public transportation, complemented by walkable, bike-friendly communities, and sufficient open public spaces, remains crucial in ensuring that everyone has equitable access to essential services, development opportunities, and better living conditions.