Over half the world’s population today lives in urban areas. Cities remain important social and cultural hubs, the main centers of economic growth, innovation and development. But while they continue to grow in size and importance, their resources remain limited.
According to the OECD almost two-thirds of global energy demand originates in cities. They produce up to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions and 50% of global waste. With high energy and carbon usage, poor air quality, traffic congestion , negative demographic changes and rising pressures on limited green space – cities’ environmental impact is increasing. To combat this, we need to decouple economic growth from resource use, while making sure that no person and no place gets left behind. With the new European Green Deal, the region’s growth and transition towards sustainable paths can be boosted. Citizens’ demands and concerns reflect these trends. Desire for a green and healthy environment, more efficient and digitised public systems, and greater participation and inclusion, has come to the forefront.
Cities and regions in CEE
Finding a balance between economic benefits and environmental concerns demands a shift towards inclusive, green, smart cities and regions. The COVID-19 crisis provides an opportunity to rethink how we approach cities and regions by highlighting the need for a citizen-centered approach to decision-making processes.
Contact us
CEE Director of Brand and Communications, PwC Central and Eastern Europe
Tel: +48 519 506 633
