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THE GREEN ISSUEONE PLANET THE CITY OF TOMORROW SMALL CHANGES,GREENER COMMUNITIES. A BETTER FUTURE IDEAS FOR A CLEANER, GREENER WORLD SUSTAINABILITY. PEOPLE. PLANET OCTOBER 2026 | ISSUE 01
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GOLDEN CI T IES GREEN FU TURES GOLDEN CI T IESGOLDEN CI T IES GREEN FU TURESGREEN FU TURESThe future of sustainable urban development The cities around the surrounding world are entering a modern lifestyle as the sun dips behind a rising skyline. The buildings are towering, the world population is getting vaster and the technology we use today is getting impossible to escape our hands. So, behind this complex progress, we should all ask ourselves this question: how can our cities grow without leaving the planet behind? More than half of the world’s population already lives in urban areas, and the United Nations estimates that nearly 70% could live in cities by 2050. The increasing number of urban populations makes sustainable planning much more important. The future of urban development is not simply about building bigger and sophisticated infrastructure,it is all about building smarter and greener future for the upcoming generations. Sustainable urban development offers us a vision of cities where our hectic modern lives and the serene natural environment can co-exist. In the future of urban living, greener spaces are as important as the places we live in. Planting tress along the roads, permeable pavements and rooftop gardens can make cities greener in our crowded environment. By implementing energy efficient buildings and renewable energy can also help to reduce the environmental impact of the urban life. The sustainable cities and communities are an important part of UN’s (United Nations) vision for a more sustainable future. When the sun comes to the surface and suddenly the mornings are filled with crowded roads, humming engines, and endless traffic, transportation is a daily need and that shapes the cities we leave behind. Public transit, cycling and walk-centric development can be brought in sustainable urban development as it is said to provide cleaner air, less congestion compared to using individual vehicles daily. As technology is constantly growing, it is also slowly affecting the rhythm of our life. Earth observation, artificial intelligence, and improved data systems can facilitate urban monitoring and help governments have a better understanding on SDG 11 priorities. Nevertheless, traditional data collection remains uneven and underfunded, showing that technology should supplement and not replace reliable urban data systems. The city we built for ourselves might not be as futuristic as we imagine, but it will just seem sightly different from today — streets becoming cooler, fresher air and quieter life, where people and nature can co-exist without outdoing each other. The skyline may still be golden in the evening yet beneath there’s trees reaching buildings, gardens living on rooftops and the streets slowly becoming home for people. Perhaps the most beautiful form of progress is not to leave nature behinds us, but to make room for it — letting the greens fill in our life without forgetting them. A golden city. A greener future. Where small steps can shape the future with nature.References 1. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (2026). Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. United Nations. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal11 2. UN-Habitat. (2026). SDG 11 Global Report 2026: Housing at the Centre of Sustainable Cities and Communities. United Nations Human Settlements Program. https://unhabitat.org/sdg-11-global-report-2026-housing-at-the-centre-ofsustainablecities-and-communities“City growth has caused climate change, but that growth is also what’s going to get us out of it.” Matthew Kahn By JANANEE RAJASEGARScan Me 04
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to have meals delivered to your doorstep? Food delivery can be useful for people that are tired, busy or unable to cook. However, having food available at any time can cause consumers to order extra food and also it may encourage consumers to stay at home which reduces their motivation to go out. As a result, continues convenience can make less sustainable habits develop. Convenience vs Overconsumption Instead of fighting over one Tv remote and negotiating on who should choose the show, people can choose what they want to watch on their own devices. But does that mean we sometimes lose shared moments? When everyone watches separately ,we might miss out on family bonding time. Modern technology increases accessibility to entertainment, but it may also promote excessive use of digital media. As a result, people might consume more entertainment than they actually need.Convenience is a tool, but whether it improves life or leads to overconsumption depends on how carefully we use it. In todays modern world, convenience has emerged as a vital component but at what cost? People purchase clothes online, order food through apps and have everyday essentials delivered straight to their doorstep. However, the escalating reliance on convenience has also created a problem which is overconsumption. While modern consumption habits offer many benefits, they can encourage people to buy beyond their actual needs. If we’re not careful, this ease can lead us to overconsumption. Convenience should make our life easier, not push us into overconsumption. Types of conveniences With just a few taps, shoppers can buy almost anything without leaving their houses. But does this convenience always benefit consumers? However, the easy accessibility of products can also encourage unnecessary spending. Discounts, limited-time offers and free delivery makes consumers feel that they are saving money, even when they are purchasing items they don’t really need. But are we actually saving or is it just making us spend more? Online shopping Food delivery EntertainmentReferences 1.EBSCO. (n.d.). Overconsumption. EBSCO Research Starters. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/environmental- sciences/overconsumption/ 2.Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Convenience. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convenience BY KIRTISHA NAIDUU MODERN CONSUMPTION HABITS 05
Human Daily Activities Can Affect the Planet www.reallygreatsite.com References Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2023). Climate change 2023: Synthesis report. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/ ipcc.ch United Nations Environment Programme. (2021). From pollution to solution: A global assessment of marine litter and plastic pollution. https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/36963 By Thurubathan Environmental ChallengesEnvironmental ChallengesEnvironmental Challenges Issues for Throwing Away In Malaysia, over 1 million tons of plastic waste happen and its part of environmental challenges. The discarded items are food containers, domestic consumption, and illegal foreign waste imports. Consequently, Flash floods occur, and carelessly discarded plastic waste clogs water systems, becoming a primary cause of flash floods in urban areas. The United Nations Environment Programmed [UNEP, 2021] explains that plastic pollution threatens wildlife and ecosystems, meanwhile this problem also can affect activities such as tourism and fishing. A clean beach therefore matters to both people whose living depends on it and nature. Imagine this, a student buying lunch and a bottled drink in a plastic container and he was travelling through the busy roads. These activities raise challenging questions that are accessible, and what happens if a millions of people are following these choices every day? Plastic pollution, climate change, and the loss of biodiversity are the major environmental challenges can affect our planet. Causes Climate Change One major challenge is climate change. Oil, coal burning and release greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Furthermore, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC, 2023] reported that the global temperature in year 2011 to 2020 was about 1.1°C higher than in 1850 to1900, but these comparisons are historical because it shows how much warming has been happened in the past. The effect of climate change can damage houses and infrastructure. Climate change also can increase risks on human health and effects the ecosystems. For students, how will you be handling climate change if it happens in your future? In conclusion, environmental challenges have a serious impact on our planet because it can affect animals, humans, and ecosystems. Therefore, everyone can unite to protect habitats, reduce pollution and the environment from risks. By taking this seriously, we can create a healthier environment for our future generations. Loss of Biodiversity Loss of Biodiversity happen when people cut the trees and build cities on natural land. The disadvantages are animals and plants don’t have the safest place to live, may become endangered or extinct. Therefore, everyone needs to work together to protect our environment by protecting wildlife and reducing pollution. Moreover, the loss of biodiversity is a serious environmental challenge because it impacts humans such as medicine, food, and clean water. Ways to Change It The students can start using a reusable water bottle and avoid unnecessary packaging. Moreover, students need to throw all the rubbish inside the labelled recycling bins. The colleges can support these habits through providing clearly labelled recycling bins and curriculum activities about protecting our environmen 06 Scan to test yourself
A PLANET IN MISERY: THE PRICE TO PAY Scan this QR for more information on the greenhouse effect question that many might wonder is what is the greenhouse effect? According to NASA the greenhouse effect is where heat is trapped near Earth’s surface due to substances known as ‘greenhouse gases’. Greenhouse gasses include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane which are proven extremely harmful for our Earth despite these gasses being known as a natural gas however in excess amounts it is extremely harmful. Why is this gasses harmful you might ask? These gases are harmful in excess amounts as they can lead to global warming due to the fact that these gases trap heat in the atmosphere which will result in the rising global temperature. Not only that but it contributes to extreme climate change and melting of glaciers which result in rising sea levels.BY SAMANTHA BRIANNA KAUR It is undeniable that modern consumption and urban development contributes significantly to the constantly rising amount of CO2 ( Carbon Dioxide) in the atmosphere. Now one might ask how does modern consumption play a role in the surging amount of CO2 ( Carbon Dioxide) in the atmosphere? Well the answer is quite simple modern consumption and urban development both involves burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. Subsequently due to this the amount of CO2 ( Carbon Dioxide)in the atmosphere is on a constant rise which results in the greenhouse effect to come into play.A The most important question that many forget to ask is who is actually responsible for these effects to our planet? The answer is actually as plain as day the main culprit is us. We as a species has neglected our planet just to fulfill our selfish needs in spite of this we still fail to rectify and ammend our mistakes because we think this wont effect us and someone else will surely fix it. However we fail to comprehend that if we cant take accountability and fix our wrongs nobody else will the blame will just be passed on and on. A quote from an indigenous rights activist, Alanis Obomsawin states that “ When the last tree is cut, the last fish is caught, and the last river is polluted; when to breathe the air is sickening, you will realize,too late, that wealth is not in bank accounts and that you can’t eat money.” In conclusion, we should start now and make a change as change should always start with us first. We only have one planet let us not leave it in misery.References 1.NASA Science - What is the greenhouse effect? - https://l1nq.com/a9on3xmENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES (A protester demanding for change) (Factories releasing smoke and gasses that contribute to air pollution that intensifies the greenhouse effect) (A poster made as a sign of activism for the environment )2.Quotes by Alanis Obomsawin ( Author of DREAM VISIONS) -https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14851209.Alanis_Obomsawin 07 Scan to test yourself
SMART TRAFFIC SYSTEM Technology in traffic systems has really made a big impact on the road such as traffic lights that has built-in high-tech sensors that determines when it’s red, green or orange. This really helped the roads be clearer and more avoided many accidents from occurring. Other than that, navigation apps such as waze and google maps helps drivers go through easier routes. Improving traffic systems can be very important in this generation.In the upcoming generation, we face problems in traffic systems, pollutions and overcrowding. Smart cities use advance technologies to improve the system and betterment the surrounding for the people and government. Smart cities use better technology to improve urban systems, manage recoures efficiently and create a safer and better environment for the public and government. Combining both powerful recources can make our generation betterSMART CITIES: BUILDING A BETTER FUTURESMART PUBLIC TRANSPORT Smart public transportation. Technology can improve the usage of trains and busses by checking the timing and stops for better knowledge especially for youngsters and elderly. Apps such as Moovit and Rome2Rio are examples that helps your journey plans get better. Improving transportation is such a crucial thing to do in this generation.REDUCED POLLUTION Another main benefit of smart infrastructure is the ability to reduce pollution. As the concern of climate change and global warming, reduction of pollution is a very vital thing to practice. This is where smart technologies play an important part by reducing unnecessary usage of resources, improving air quality and reducing traffic flow.Where can our change begin o make a city smart and change the entire dynamic in our country requires every helping hand there is such as our society and governments. People can make smarter choices by using better traffic systems and better public transportation. People can make more responsible choices. Our government can support by investing in better technology to improve our security and transportation.References 1.University College of Estate Management (UCEM) https://www.ube.ac.uk/whats-happening/articles/smart-cities/ 22 April 2025 2.McKinsey Global Institute. (2018). Smart cities: Digital solutions for a more livable future. McKinsey & Company.In conclusion, it is important to keep our world running and safe so we together can advance in a better wayBY ANUSHKA VIJAYA CHANDER(Reduces traffic jams and accidents.)(Makes travel easier.)(Improves air quality.)(Developed city) 08 Scan for more info Test yourself
This ecosystem effect does not only stop with waste. To produce clothing is another just because it needs large amounts of water and fresh materials. Factories that produce these clothing also create pollution by their production and shipping. In addition, washing these synthetic clothing using machines can lead to the releasing of plastic microfibres into watercourse. So the question here is what can the shoppers do? The most effective solution is not to straight up stop buying clothes at all but to become more accountable buyers. This can be accomplished by buying less clothes but with more quality that would last for a long time, or thrifting used clothes and donating those unneeded clothing for the purpose of reducing waste. Maybe the biggest change starts with our mindset. We must treat clothes as valuable products, not disposable items. Before buying a trendy outfit, ask yourself, “Do I really need it?” Fashion expresses our style, but looking good shouldn’t cost the planet. Trends fade quickly, but the environmental damage can last for generations. FAST FASHION The price the environment pays for looking good By Emmanuel Ashwin Aaron When u walk into any shopping mall today u definitely see those racks filled up with clothes of all kinds of colour, sneakers and trends of accessories that seem to change every month. With the existence of social media leading to more fashion trends, looking good is not even a problem. However, with those cheap prices and eye catching designs there is an undoubtful question : what will happen to our clothes when we no longer need or use them? Fast fashion has already changed the way people shop for clothes. Instead of buying few clothes that would last for months and even years, shoppers nowadays are more keen to buy more outfits frequently. Through online platforms this becomes easier as they offer thousands of interesting choices in a click of a button through the screen. This may be comfortable for customers to do, however in contrast this devastates the ecosystem. One of the biggest problems is fabric waste. Clothing that are no longer used are usually thrown away rather than repurposed. Most of the clothing being sold contains synthetic material that can take a long period of time to break. Mountains of unused clothing continue to pile up and landfills grow even more overloaded.References 1.United Nations Environment Programme. (2022, November 24). The environmental costs of fast fashion. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/environmental-costs-fast-fashion 2.European Environment Agency. (2022). Textiles and the environment: The role of design in Europe’s circular economy. https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/publications/textiles-and-the-environment-the-role-of-design-in-europes-circular- economy-1 Scan for more info Scan to test your knowledge (The fresh environment) (Fashion options) 09
BIBLIOGRAPHY1.United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (2026). Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. United Nations. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal11 2. UN-Habitat. (2026). SDG 11 Global Report 2026: Housing at the Centre of Sustainable Cities and Communities. United Nations Human Settlements Program. 3.https://unhabitat.org/sdg-11-global-report-2026-housing-at-the-centre- ofsustainablecities-and-communities 4.EBSCO. (n.d.). Overconsumption. EBSCO Research Starters. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/environmental-sciences/overconsumption/ 5.Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Convenience. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convenience 6. NASA Science - What is the greenhouse effect? - https://science.nasa.gov/climate- change/faq/what-is-the-greenhouse-effect/ Quotes by Alanis Obomsawin ( Author of DREAM VISIONS) - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14851209.Alanis_Obomsawin 7.University College of Estate Management (UCEM) https://www.ube.ac.uk/whats- happening/articles/smart-cities/ 22 April 2025 8.McKinsey Global Institute. (2018). Smart cities: Digital solutions for a more livable future. McKinsey & Company. 9.Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2023). Climate change 2023: Synthesis report. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/ ipcc.ch 10.United Nations Environment Programme. (2021). From pollution to solution: A global assessment of marine litter and plastic pollution.https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/36963 11.References 12.1.United Nations Environment Programme. (2022, November 24). The environmental costs of fast fashion. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/environmental-costs-fast- fashion 13.2.European Environment Agency. (2022). Textiles and the environment: The role of design in Europe’s circular economy. 10
Thank you for reading. We hope these pages inspire you to make a difference-at home, on campus and in your community. our cities. our choices. our future ONE PLANET A greener future starts with us. Better cities begin with everyday choices. By reducing waste, protecting nature, and caring for our communities, we can help create places where people and the planet thrive SMALL ACTIONS. LASTING CHANGE. Reduce waste. Reuse what you can. Save energy. Choose greener journeys. Protect green spaces and wildlife. Share thoughts here