Sustainable Transformation of Urban Development:Trends,Challenges,and Key Paths
Cities serve as the core units for achieving sustainable transformation,and the synergistic effects of sustainable urbanization processes and urban transformation models play a pivotal role in promoting global sustainable development.They are crucial accelerators for realizing the"Transforming Our World:The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development"and the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).Currently,urban development trends are characterized by differentiated urban scales,strengthened urban-rural linkages,and transitioning urban dynamics.Sustainable urban transformation faces various challenges,such as incomplete planning and policy systems,aging urban populations,inadequate risk mitigation capabilities,and the digital divide brought about by technological advancements.To achieve sustainable urban transformation,key paths include conducting urban planning guided by sustainable development principles,encouraging diverse stakeholders to participate in urban governance,constructing inclusive capacity-building and education systems,leveraging digital technology to empower sustainable transformation,and exploring nature-based solutions.Under the guidance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,the future development of Chinese cities should embody core characteristics of inclusivity,resilience,and a zero-carbon orientation.In the context of global responses to climate challenges,rapid advancements in digital technology,and the backdrop of an aging population,addressing the requirements of domestic urbanization with a flattened resource allocation approach will enable balanced and sustainable development between urban and rural areas.