Socio-economic development and eco-education for urban planning committed to sustainability

Abstract

The rapid pace of technological advancement presents cities with emerging socio-economic and environmental challenges. Drastic climate change threatens the viability of biologically comfortable environments, compelling urban areas to adapt to new conditions. This adaptation necessitates the implementation of various strategies to maintain the population’s well-being, including mitigating climate change effects, which are characterized by rising average temperatures and prolonged droughts. Addressing critical issues such as water scarcity and extreme temperatures—particularly in Mediterranean regions, where summer temperatures can reach 48–50 °C—requires substantial energy consumption, which must be met through clean energy sources to reduce carbon emissions. Decarbonization efforts must be accompanied by the restructuring of urban green spaces, the expansion of peri-urban parks, and large-scale reforestation to enhance carbon sequestration. These measures, combined with the adoption of clean energy, would mitigate the impact of elevated CO2 concentrations. In urban areas, the restructuring of green spaces should prioritize biodiversity through the use of native, water-efficient species while avoiding non-native, potentially invasive plants. Furthermore, societal engagement is essential in achieving these objectives, with the education system playing a pivotal role in fostering environmental awareness and promoting collective action.