Circular Cities in the 21st Century
EXPO 2030: RIYADH SETS THE STAGE
420ppm: The world is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements and environmental pressures. These forces are reshaping our societies, economies, and planet in profound ways, demanding a collective response to navigate the future with foresight and purpose.
Dec. 1st, 2023 — As world leaders gather in Expo City Dubai for the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), Riyadh, in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, is celebrating its winning bid as the host city for Expo 2030.
“Today we sow the seed of change, the seed of a new era. Powered by clean energy, ensuring sustainable solutions for all. Our Journey begins with the responsibility each of us holds. Cherishing our space on the planet, like the most precious gift. And recognizing who we truly are — citizens of the world.”
THE ERA OF CHANGE: TOGETHER FOR A FORESIGHTED FUTURE
As COP28 participants delve deeper into the process of evaluating the progress being made in our fight against climate change and in decoupling our global economic dependence on fossil fuels, Riyadh’s selection as the host city for Expo 2030 emerges as a beacon of hope, signaling to the world the Kingdom’s commitment in the global fight against climate change, and the economic adjustments needed for adaptation and mitigation measures.
Looking forward, Riyadh resides some 1,968' above sea-level (600m), and will, through investments in circular solutions and sustainable development, have in its future circumstance the ability to weather the most inconvenient consequences of global warming—sea-level rise and the economic disruptions that will follow.
THE DECADE FOR ACTION: 2020–2030
It’s hard to say if it was planned, but given that Expo 2020 was held in the UAE, birthing Expo City Dubai, now host to COP 28, projecting to the attendees the inspiration behind its design as the global stage for showcasing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030) in the built environment, it is fitting that Expo 2030 will now be held in Riyadh—establishing the Arabian Peninsula as a region actively pursuing sustainable development in the 21st Century.
“In the Decade for Action (2020–2030), Expo 2030 Riyadh will help lay the foundation for Saudi Arabia’s transition from an oil-based economy into a more dynamic hub for innovation and resilient urban development. The Expo’s theme, “The Era of Change: Together for a Fore sighted Tomorrow,” highlights the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment towards renewable energy, circular economy principles, and smart city solutions.”
As the world stands hopeful in an era of transformative change, Expo 2030Riyadh invites the global community to embrace the future with open minds, collaborative spirits, and unwavering hope. Only together can we shape a future where technology empowers individuals and communities, where economic growth is inclusive and sustainable, and where environmental protection is the cornerstone of global development moving forward.
领英推荐
THE NUTS & BOLTS: NO END IN SIGHT
Despite the growing global consensus on the need to address the impacts of industrial pollution and resulting climate change, this years Conference of the Parties (COP28) has highlighted the challenges and complexities of phasing-out fossil fuels. While there are many countries and leaders committed to transitioning to renewable energy sources, the fossil fuel industry remains a major economic powerhouse, and some governments are hesitant to make the necessary changes without clear plans and support.
Let’s look at some numbers: The top 10 Countries with the Highest Oil Production (barrels per day)
With over 100,000 attendees at this years COP28 conference, making it the largest COP event to date, and despite the enthusiasm that many in the global community hold towards our ability to respond and rapidly decarbonize our global economy in an attempt to limit warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, we are no where near making this transition reality. As the headlines coming from the frontlines of COP28 expose, the amount of investment commited toward the agreed upon climate pledges is no where near enough. In fact, it is insult to the core interest of safeguarding global ecosystems for future generations.
Let’s look at some of the climate pledges emerging from COP 28:
Breakdown of financial pledges and contributions so far: Reference Cop28 UAE
Overall, the most significant deal of COP28 emerged as the United Arab Emirates committed $30 billion to a novel fund dedicated to financing climate-friendly projects worldwide. $5 billion of this pledge is specifically allocated to support initiatives in the Global South.
To put this all into perspective in terms of priorities, the United States invests over $800 Billion annually on military defence spending, more than the rest of the world combined. This stark difference between combating climate change and continued investment into the military industrial complex highlights the current imbalance in global priorities. While the US acknowledges the urgency of climate change, its actions indicate a greater focus on the need for military expenditure that protect the global supply chains that feed American and Western interests.
THE WORLD IS PAVED WITH GOOD INTENTIONS
Breaking free from the “business as usual” mentality will be incredibly challenging. It requires confronting deeply ingrained social habits, structural norms, and systems that underpin our daily lives. While the desire for creating a healthier built environment might be strong and rooted in science, the fear of losing the familiar and the security the current system offers in our day-to-day life can be a powerful deterrent in taking the first and most important step towards system change. We must find a way to work together.
Despite all the good intentions circulating around “what if” scenarios, lets be clear of one fundamental truth—the use of fossil fuels and fossil fuel based commodities has radically changed the very nature of life on Earth. If we don’t find a way to universally change this aspect of human behavior we are not only heading into uncharted waters, our actions will be deeply invested in the six-mass extinction. Nothing will be as it was before the Industrial Age.