Sustainable cities
Since 2007, more than half the world’s population has been living in cities and this is projected to rise to 60 per cent by 2030. While cities occupy just 3 percent of the Earth’s land, they account for about 70 percent of global carbon emissions and over 60 percent of resource use.
The impact of COVID-19 will be most devastating in poor and densely populated urban areas, especially for the one billion people living in informal settlements and slums worldwide. Rapid urbanisation is resulting in inadequate and overburdened infrastructure and services (such as waste collection and water and sanitation systems, roads and transport), worsening air pollution and unplanned urban sprawl.
Sustainable Development Goal 11 commits to addressing these challenges by making cities and human settlements more ‘inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’. Targets include improving access to transport, housing and green public spaces, reducing pollution, and protecting and safeguarding the world’s cultural and natural heritage
As the world’s population keeps increasing and with 90 percent of urban expansion in the coming decades projected to be in the developing world, a radical reimagining of our urban areas is urgently needed so that no one is left behind.
Newton Fund
We build research and innovation partnerships with countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to support social and economic welfare, tackle global challenges and develop talent and careers.
Global Challenges Research Fund
We help UK and international researchers and innovators address the key issues affecting developing countries.