Extreme weather events around the world have escalated climate change into a climate crisis. With global temperature rising to more than anticipated 1.5° C, there is an urgent need for better solutions to reduce carbon emissions. According to a case study from South Korea, compact cities can reduce consumption-based carbon emissions.
To tackle the issue of identifying various sources and places of carbon emission within the cities, the Pusan National University research team conducted a study. The main focus of the study was to examine how urban forms affect carbon emissions. Researchers estimated highly detailed carbon emissions by using nighttime satellite imagery. It enables them to focus on consumption-based emissions at the pixel level and obtain a better and more accurate outlook of urban carbon footprints.
Methods currently used to study these patterns mainly rely on statistical data and global averages. They provide little insight into emission locations inside the cities. Mostly consumption-based emissions from goods and services are neglected as it is complex to measure and control them because of their multifactorial nature.
Cities can play an important role in achieving carbon neutrality. Each city has a unique layout with industries, economic activities, and energy usage. Based on these, carbon emission patterns and intensity can vary.
Important Discovery
Researchers discovered small cities with mixed land use and efficient use of public transportation tend to produce less CO2 emissions. Areas with mixed-use development include walking and use of public transportation reducing emissions from cars.
On the contrary, large cities with low-density developments and improper or poor land use mix exhibit highest CO2 emissions. This is mainly due to their reliance on personal automobiles to travel longer distances.
However, there are some arguments against this theory, saying that compact development can possibly worsen traffic congestion, thus increasing emissions. That raises concerns regarding its effectiveness.
This study highlights that compact cities can reduce consumption-based carbon emissions. There is a possibility of a future where compact city designs can be preferred. It will lead to sustainable urban living that will as a whole benefit the environment, improve human health, stabilize economies, and upgrade quality of life.
Source: Does a compact city really reduce consumption-based carbon emissions? The case of South Korea
