Abstract:
As the world continues to urbanize in geometric progression, the importance of shaping sustainable cities has began to receive widespread recognition. The increasing inhabitation of cities brings more carbon emissions to the cities. City dwellers are more frequently exposed to climate risks. The study examined the issues in the development of sustainable cities in Nigeria particularly Enugu with focus on Enugu Metropolis. The study aimed to analyze the trend in the growth of cities in Nigeria particularly Enugu Metropolis; determine how increasing urbanization affects rise of sustainable cities in Nigeria particularly Enugu Metropolis; examine the challenges to the rise of sustainable cities in Nigeria particularly Enugu Metropolis; and suggest the strategies for promoting rise of sustainable cities in Nigeria particularly Enugu Metropolis.. The study adopted qualitative research design. Data for the study were collected from secondary sources. The data collected were analyzed using content analysis. Findings revealed that industrial fumes, dust from quarry sites, and gas flaring among others are challenges to rise of sustainable cities in Nigeria particularly Enugu Metropolis. This causes depletion of the outer ozone layers and global warming, quantum loss of aquatic life and water quality; damages global ecosystems, and threatens the survival and future of cities. In the same vein, land-use changes, land use conversions, urban expansion, forest land clearance, and wetland reclamations for city developments facilitate the loss of natural vegetation and wildlife. The study recommended that there is need for city administrators to develop green cities plan for rise of sustainable cities in Nigeria particularly Enugu Metropolis; the growing proliferation of squatter settlements and slums should be addressed through reduction of inequalities; there should be utilization of green technologies such as renewable energy that generate green electricity, smart grid systems that connect the electric vehicle charging stations to the grid to efficiently supply electricity, and electric vehicles that reduce carbon emissions sharply by using green electricity, ensure the highest impact for city-level climate action and fosters green development as well as innovation and there should be increased waste management in the cities as well as trees planting to ensure environmental sustainability of the cities.
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