Short overview of Urban Development: A Case Study of Melbourne, Australia Introduction

The world is undergoing a demographic transformation marked by rapid urbanization. This shift presents significant challenges for cities, particularly in terms of infrastructure, resource management, and social cohesion. To give you an idea of what we are speaking about, every month, we build the equivalent of a 10 million people city !

From Lagos in Nigeria or Cairo in Egypt which are more than 50km long each to Shanghai in China or Delhi in India which are already above 30 million people, metropolises of the 21st century can be overwhelming and disorienting for many of us. The sheer scale of these cities can simply make it difficult to feel connected to one's surroundings, and the anonymity of urban life can be alienating. In addition, the environmental challenges of urbanization, such as pollution and congestion, can contribute to a sense of unease. However, several example showed that the uncontrolled growth of cities is definitively not inevitable. Let’s have a look to Melbourne which can serve as a compelling example of a city that has successfully navigated demographic challenges and is emerging as a global leader in sustainability topics.

In fact, Melbourne, Capital of Victoria, Australia, has experienced remarkable growth in recent decades. From a population of just 140,000 in 1851, Melbourne has transformed into a metropolis of over 5 million people. It is now the largest country in Australia.

This rapid expansion is attributed to a combination of factors, including natural population growth, international migration, and internal migration from rural areas: the projected population of Melbourne by 2050 is estimated to be between 7.8 million and 8.4 million.

From the sky, Melbourne appears now as a vast urban sprawl, stretching along the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay. The city's grid pattern is clearly visible, with its network of streets and parks. Melbourne has a total area of 9,992 square kilometers, of which 1,234 square kilometers are parks and gardens. This means that there are approximately 13.4 square meters of parkland per inhabitant. This is a relatively high figure, compared to other major cities around the world. For example, New York City has only 10.5 square meters of parkland per inhabitant.

What is also interesting is the fact that the city is divided into a number of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. Melbourne's neighborhoods are quite well-served by public transportation, making it easy to get around the city. The city also has a comprehensive network of bike paths, making it a great place to get around by bike. As a personal example, I use my bicycle most of the time when I go the my offices either in Burnley or Bayswater.

Most of Melbourne's neighborhoods have their own central business district (CBD). These CBDs are home to a variety of businesses, shops, and restaurants. They are also the centers of local government and community life.

Melbourne's housing stock is also dominated by single-family homes. This is due in part to the fact that Australia is a large country with plenty of land available.

When it comes to energy, Melbourne's annual energy consumption in 2020 was approximately 39,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh), with electricity accounting for 67% of this total. The remaining 33% came from gas, wood, and other fuels. Melbourne's peak energy demand is approximately 9.2 gigawatts (GW), which occurs during the coldest winter months. This represents the equivalent of 9 nuclear reactors or a 400-500 sqm wind park.

The Victorian Government is committed to increasing the proportion of renewable energy in Melbourne's energy mix to 65% by 2030. This will help to reduce the city's reliance on fossil fuels.

Melbourne's power system is also becoming more decentralized, with a growing number of rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems.

Victoria state has set ambitious targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This means 75 to 80% reduction in emissions by 2035 (compared to 2005 levels) and massive investments in power infrastructures. In 2021, the state's emissions were 32.3% below 2005 levels when population was growing by more than 49% during the same period.

To take again a global view, as urbanization continues to accelerate at an unprecedented pace, it is crucial to address the challenges and opportunities associated with the expansion of cities during the upcoming COP28.

The rapid growth of cities is putting immense pressure on natural resources, infrastructure, and social systems. It is essential to develop sustainable and resilient urban planning strategies to mitigate these impacts and also to reach zero-emissions as soon as possible.

COP28 provides an invaluable platform to discuss innovative solutions for managing urban expansion, promoting sustainable urban development, and ensuring a livable future for all.

By fostering collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil society, COP28 can pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable urban future.

Let's seize the opportunity at COP28 to shape the future of cities, ensuring that they become hubs of innovation, sustainability, and resilience.