School of Built Environment and Development Studies Recognises World Cities Day

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The School of Built Environment and Development Studies within the College of Humanities hosted a webinar in commemoration of this year’s World Cities Day on 31 October.

As stated by the United Nations (UN) in 2013, World Cities Day aims to promote the international community’s interest in global urbanisation, push forward co-operation among countries in meeting opportunities and addressing challenges of urbanisation, and contributing to sustainable urban development around the world.

The urgency of addressing climate change and disaster risks in South African cities cannot be overstated, particularly considering that nearly 84% of the fastest-growing cities face extreme climate and disaster risks, predominantly in Asia and Africa. The impact of climate change anomalies is becoming increasingly apparent, and it is crucial that we empower the younger generation to take proactive steps towards building climate-resilient cities for the future.

This year focused on younger voices with the theme: “Climate Change and Activism: Youth Perspective”. As part of UKZN’s commitment to this cause, the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) holder for Inclusive Cities at UKZN,
Professor Hangwelani Hope Magidimisha-Chipungu, has actively driven discussions on climate change by highlighting research efforts and projects that embody innovative ideas and ambitious goals for creating sustainable urban environments.

Welcoming the webinar attendees, host Magidimisha-Chipungu of the School of Built Environment and Development Studies said ‘we will explore the intersection between climate change and young people. While the issue is urgent and complicated it also presents an opportunity to empower a new generation of innovators within this space.’ She reinforced a message of collaboration and the sharing of knowledge, expertise and resources to combat this global issue and stated that it was not just an environmental issue but also a social justice one. ‘I encourage you to use this platform for dialogue and action,’ she said.

The expert panel of speakers included Dr Prince Dacosta Aboagye, a Postdoc Research Fellow at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nagoya University, Japan; Dr Betty Adegebo, a climate scientist and the Lead environmental educator for Alliance for Positive Environmental Impacts and Reforestation (APEARE), and Dr Sarah Knight, a Research Fellow at Greenspace and Health at the University of Salford in England.

Dr Ayobami Popoola, a trained planner with an interest in how planning shapes human wellbeing and livelihood, and Mr Ockert Pretorius, a lecturer in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Johannesburg, facilitated the discussions.

“From Activism to Action: Exploring Pathways for Youth-Led Urban Climate Solutions”, was the title and focus of Aboagye’s presentation. Pertinent to the theme, he shared that cities worldwide were growing exponentially with a predominant youth population and shared practical actions youth could undertake to effect climate change in their cities i.e. grow urban gardens, develop nature-based solutions, and improve climate awareness and behaviour.

Adegebo followed with her presentation titled: “Africa Most Vulnerable: Yet No-One is Immune”, in which she focussed on the devastating relationship between the rapid growth of African cities, increase in greenhouse gasses, extreme temperature and chronic diseases. She also emphasised the importance of actively engaging youth in leading the climate change because as they made up most of Africa’s population and stated, ‘creative innovations using technology to accelerate, improve and implement climate solutions must be encouraged.’

Knight presented on “Greenspace and Health Under a Changing Climate”, linking the role of green space to health in a changing climate. ‘I have looked at the coupling of the climate change crisis, the bio-diversity crisis and its effect on the mental health of individuals which are interlinked, and any solution needs to address all three issues. This triple threat requires the youth to get involved and develop nature-based health solutions in cities,’ said Knight.

Popoola and Pretorius helped summarise the presentations and provide the salient points. Professor Ernest Khalema, Dean and Head of School of Built Environment and Development Studies (SoBEDS) thanked the speakers for their contributions.

Words: Jennene Naidu

Image: Supplied