# data[].attributes.headline
Goal #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

# data[].attributes.subject
Goal #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

# data[].attributes.body
Urbanization and sustainability has always been an interest of mine. I would like to research more in depth about this topic to create more sustainable cities and communities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Goal 11 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

# data[].attributes.body
When searching the UN's definition and explanation of goal 11, some topics that stuck out to me were sustainable infrastructure, energy consumption, and designated green spaces. I would like to research something in these areas. I believe that it can be applied to many different issues, especially those regarding pollution.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities - The Global Goals

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

# data[].attributes.body
The Close The Gap foundation discussed the importance of reducing pollution in goal 11. I am very passionate about this topic and especially enjoyed their point about promoting eco-friendly transportation. Some ways to promote this is by increasing public transport, creating a more walkable city, or promoting biking.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A 501c3 non-profit dedicated in closing the opportunity gap through structured mentorship, project-based learning, and scholarships,

# data[].attributes.headline
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)

# data[].attributes.subject
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)

# data[].attributes.body
When researching what sustainable infrastructure is, I came across the IISD. They help to create sustainable infrastructure and environments. I found their projects interesting as well as their goals. Some things they aim to achieve with their projects is to sustain the natural environment, increase employment, and lower our carbon footprint.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to create a world where people and the planet thrive.

Our research and policy work focuses on areas we deem ripe for transformation, where shifts in policy have the potential to change the game and where we have a proven record of making significant gains.

New Research

IISD publishes objective, independent, high-quality research on sustainable development issues, including reports, policy briefs, and toolkits.

Stay connected

Be the first to hear what's new in sustainable development. Sign up for our bi-weekly updates to receive a curated selection of our latest reports, articles, projects, and upcoming events.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
IISD is an award-winning independent think tank working to create a world where people and the planet thrive.

# data[].attributes.body
Something I found important that this video pointed out is that in cities like Houston that use unsustainable materials like concrete, stone, and steel it causes air pollution to stick around us. This affects the health and well-being of the citizens in the city, proving that sustainable design not only improves our environment, but also our health. Just by using other materials for buildings and other infrastructure, it can make an impact on our environment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sustainable Cities: Crash Course Geography #49

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The Importance of Green Spaces in an Increasingly Gray World - Sustainable Earth Article by Akilah Davitt

# data[].attributes.body
This article discusses the importance of green spaces in urban areas. I enjoyed the author's emphasis on reducing different types of pollution including chemical, noise, and air pollution. The natural environment helps to filter out pollutants and other hazards to the health of the environment. The article also includes the importance of being exposed to plants. Green space promotes physical health and increases society's overall mental well-being.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Importance of Green Spaces in an Increasingly Gray World - Sustainable Earth

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Green spaces, according to the World Health Organization, are 'all urban land-covered by vegetation of any kind'. This includes street trees, gardens, parks,

# data[].attributes.body
What I found interesting about this article is that it points out the importance of including new Technology when creating sustainable infrastructures. Newer technologies like solar panels are more beneficial ways of obtaining energy. Other technologies can help analyze data from the environment around and the people in the area to help determine the best methods of sustainability in an area.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to build smarter and more sustainable infrastructure

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
To build more sustainable infrastructure, industry must embrace digitalization, establish new working practices and increase public sector collaboration.

# data[].attributes.body
When researching ways to promote the natural environment, I came across Project Learning Tree. This is a program dedicated to educating youth about the natural environment. I believe that it is important to educate future generations about the importance of the environment and its affect on humans. The youth includes our future leaders and by implementing this in their education, it will increase the urgency in society to help this cause

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
LEARNING IS IN OUR NATURE - Project Learning Tree

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Activities and resources to engage children in learning about the environment through the lens of trees and forests. SEE PLT IN ACTION

# data[].attributes.body
This article emphasizes the results of urbanization and how it impacts our environment. What I found interesting about this is how it affects humans through both our physical and mental health. The increase of poverty and illness that comes with urbanization puts a toll on both the overall physical and mental health of the community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
13 Effects of Urbanization That Will Make you Think!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Are you concerned about the negative effects of urbanization? Read this blog post to learn about some of its impact and find out what you can do to help…

# data[].attributes.body
Megacities are defined as cities with populations over 10 million. This happens because of urbanization attracting many different people looking for opportunities. However, this results in overcrowding which leads to diseases, poverty, and not enough resources available to all citizens. I believe this is an important issue to look at when discussing sustainable cities and communities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Urbanization and the Megacity - World Population

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Urbanization and the Megacity Across the globe and in a short amount of time, we’ve given up the tractor for the city bus, the open landscape for one of brick and mortar. We are now an urban planet. In fact, by 2008 over 50 percent of the global population was living in urban areas. It […]

# data[].attributes.body
Asia has many very developed countries, but with that comes urbanization. What this article talks about is how Asia has taken some major impacts from urbanization. Some things pointed out that I found interesting was how it has changed cultural customs, increased inequality, and rising sea levels. Though there are some benefits of urbanization, it does not take away from the fact that these issues are urgent and must be solved.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Impact of Urbanization on Asian Societies

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Delve into the far-reaching impacts of urbanization on Asian societies, from social change to environmental degradation

# data[].attributes.body
This news report goes more specific into the country of Taiwan. Taiwan is known for their bad air pollution, but many continue to deny it. This report points out that rather than arguing about the statistics, there is an obvious issue that needs to be solved. Taiwan needs to take further steps in solving their air pollution problem.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Air Pollution Ranking Raises a Stink in Taiwan | TaiwanPlus News

# data[].attributes.headline
Green Infrastructure and its Role in Reducing Pollution

# data[].attributes.subject
Green Infrastructure and its Role in Reducing Pollution

# data[].attributes.body
This website goes into the science of how plants play an important role in reducing air pollution. I believe that by understanding why these things are important in our cities, we will have a better understanding of how to implement them in our communities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How Can Green Infrastructure Reduce Air Pollution? → Question

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Green infrastructure uses plants and natural systems to filter pollutants and cool urban heat islands, naturally improving air quality. → Question

# data[].attributes.headline
Why Biodiversity Matters in Our Environment

# data[].attributes.subject
Why Biodiversity Matters in Our Environment

# data[].attributes.body
This article explains the importance of biodiversity. I found it to be very informative about why we need to preserve the natural environment in cities. Biodiversity is on a constant decline in urban areas, and with that the increase in climate change. To help restore our communities it is important that we foster biodiversity to prevent any further issue regarding this.

# data[].attributes.body
It is a widely known fact that public transportation helps to reduce pollution, but this article goes deeper into why and how to increase it. I found it interesting reading about other cities' and countries' modes of public transport and how it encouraged in those regions. I also found it interesting about the steps that we must take to help increase public transport in big cities.

# data[].attributes.body
This article pointed out how Taiwan is not oblivious to the effects of climate change. They have been taking steps to prevent it as much as possible, but it still is not enough. Though there have been some improvements, I believe that with sustainable design they can even further their resistance to climate change.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How is Taiwan Combating Climate Change: Government and Businesses | Global Taiwan Institute

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Like all nations, Taiwan is affected by climate change. The Climate Change in Taiwan: National Scientific Report 2024 reveals that the average air temperatures of Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Hengchun, Hualien, as well as Taitung, have all risen considerably since 1980. In 2025, Taiwan ranked 60th on the Climate Change Performance Index due to its very poor ratings for energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as weak scores for renewable energy and climate policy.

# data[].attributes.headline
Taiwan's First Steps Towards a Sustainable Future

# data[].attributes.subject
Taiwan's First Steps Towards a Sustainable Future

# data[].attributes.body
I found this building very interesting. They used sustainable energy, environmentally friendly materials, while using a modern look. I think this is a great start to sustainable design in Taiwan and can be expanded across the country.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Designing for the Future: How a Honeycomb-Shaped Building in Taiwan Champions Sustainable Design

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A honeycomb-shaped building in Taiwan has received numerous international accolades for its eco-friendly architecture and use of sustainable materials.

# data[].attributes.body
Taiwan mainly relies on fossil fuels, but their economy is heavily in the tech industry. The burning of fossil fuels is getting out of hand and there is an urge to switch to different energy sources. Some things they are currently trying to push for that I believe would be effective are solar power and wind power.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why Taiwan and Its Tech Industry Are Facing an Energy Crisis

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As the world’s largest producer of advanced computer chips, Taiwan is struggling to meet demand for electricity. Highly dependent on imported fossil fuels, soon to shutter its last nuclear plant, and slow to build out renewables, the island is heading toward an energy crunch.

# data[].attributes.headline
Air Pollution in Taiwan and its Effect on People's Health

# data[].attributes.subject
Air Pollution in Taiwan and its Effect on People's Health

# data[].attributes.body
I found this article very interesting because it went in depth into how much air pollution is affecting Taiwan's citizens. This article is a call to action about how urgent this situation is and the extent to which it is damaging people's health. I believe that by spreading this, it will also spread awareness to the growing pollution in Taiwan.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
[Air pollution and its health effects on residents in Taiwanese communities] - PubMed

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The are a number of particular features of air pollution in Taiwan, as described below: (1) In Taiwan area, the air load of pollutants is more serious than previously reported. (2) There exists severe air pollution throughout the island. (3) Industry is the major source of pollution. (4) No demarcat …

# data[].attributes.body
I think I want to research pollution and global warming in urban areas which must be addressed to reach SDG #11. I will focus on cities in Taiwan and discover ways to implement the natural environment and new sustainable technology into the community through sustainable design. I want to research this because I believe nurturing the natural environment is especially important to stopping climate change and improving people's overall health. I hope that this solution can have a positive impact on this issue.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe an effective solution for this issue is to create more green spaces in urban communities through things like parks, ponds, and fields. I believe another solution is to find new inexpensive and eco-friendly materials and technology that we can implement into sustainable designs.

# data[].attributes.body
What ways can urban communities in Taiwan adopt affordable sustainable designs to help reduce air pollution as a result of urbanization?

# data[].attributes.body
How can we implement the natural environment in Taiwan's urban areas to improve the health of both the environment and people?

# data[].attributes.body
How can we include new technologies in architecture in Taiwan urban communities to reduce the effects of pollution and urbanization?

# data[].attributes.headline
Why Planting Trees Matters - Science Daily

# data[].attributes.subject
Why Planting Trees Matters - Science Daily

# data[].attributes.body
A quote from the article says, "'Though the non-CO2 effects are small, it is good news that they are not warming, which prior studies have indicated is likely.'" I found this quote to be very important to this cause. Though trees may not be the sole solution to global warming, it does have some impact. Even if an impact is small, it is still significant to the issue because it is doing more help than harm.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
This is where tree planting has the biggest climate impact

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Planting more trees can help cool the planet and reduce fire risk—but where they are planted matters. According to UC Riverside researchers, tropical regions provide the most powerful climate benefits because trees there grow year-round, absorb more carbon dioxide, and cool the air through processes like evapotranspiration, or “tree sweating.”

# data[].attributes.body
Habitat for Humanity is an organization that aims to support SDG goal 11. I found this organization to be very effective in pursuing this goal with actual progress seen. I believe that by working with efforts like these, goal 11 can be obtained faster and productively.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Habitat’s support of Sustainable Development Goal 11

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Habitat for Humanity supports the U.N. Sustainable Development Goal 11, which addresses global development challenges of the world’s growing urban population through an intersectional approach.