Urban transformation: environmental issues, wicked problems, and transport development in the context of circular economy
Urban transformation
Abstract
The paper brings some perspectives on new challenges for the synergy of urban transformation, environmental issues and transport development in the circular economy (CE) context. Considering that the number of studies on the given topics only pays attention to some selected areas, we bring a more comprehensive view of the current challenges for cities. The growing size of cities and population density are putting pressure on urban transport systems. As a result of the increasing intensity of traffic and economic activity, there is an increase in emissions in cities. Making decisions about changes in the city becomes more complex. The paper indicates the nature of “wicked” problems and obstacles in implementing the CE model in the context of sustainable transport/mobility development in big cities. It also demonstrates the situation in selected European cities regarding pollution and transport performance indicators. While the traditional city policy approach is predominantly based on the need to maintain the status quo and the reality of the city´s functioning is perceived as a routine matter, new approaches should work with challenges as opportunities for change towards greater efficiency and environmental sustainability and take into account new approaches to the governance of cities. One of the possible directions of urban development is using the CE in the context of the strategy of cities in the transport field. This could improve the situation within the goals of SDG 11. Solutions based on traditional approaches can cause disorders in the functioning of big cities, weaken their resilience and thus threaten their further development. In the future, the city leaders and other stakeholders will have to reevaluate traditional approaches to city governance in this area, as it can be assumed that an increasing number of "wicked" challenges will arise, which will need to be quickly/effectively resolved about the justified needs of city residents.
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