tailieunhanh - Shifting challenges for coastal green cities

This paper reviews the historical context of the science aspects of “green cities” and the related approaches. Four main challenges for livable (coastal) cities today are discussed, taking into account the continuous changes and the almost permanent transition cities face. | Vietnam Journal of Earth Sciences, 39(2), 109-129, DOI: Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology Vietnam Journal of Earth Sciences (VAST) Shifting challenges for coastal green cities Nguyen Van Thanh1, Dang Thanh Le2, Nguyen An Thinh3, Tran Dinh Lan4, Luc Hens*5 1 2 Ministry of Public Security, 44 Yet Kieu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam Institute of Administrative Science 3 Centre for Advanced Research on Global Change, Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, 41A Phu Dien Road, North Tu Liem District, Hanoi, Vietnam 4 Institute of Marine Environment and Resources (VAST), Da Nang Street, Hai Phong, Vietnam 5 Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 202, B2400 Mol, Belgium Received 21 January 2017. Accepted 21 March 2017 ABSTRACT “Green cities” offer a systematic approach to a significant part of the nowadays urban complexity. The concept dovetails in the “healthy city” idea launched by the World Health Organization, but is equally associated with “sustainable” and “smart cities”. During the past decades planning for “green cities” shifted, incorporating new ideas as sustainable development and IT-driven management instruments for smart cities. Contemporary cities continue to face major environmental challenges. Replying to this dynamic context is a main task for cities during the coming decades of the millennium. As most of the (major) cities worldwide are located at the edge of the continents, supporting water-bound activities, they show a significant “blue economy” aspect. This paper reviews the historical context of the science aspects of “green cities” and the related approaches. Four main challenges for livable (coastal) cities today are discussed, taking into account the continuous changes and the almost permanent transition cities face. Climate change effects as sea level rise and extreme weather conditions, affect directly coastal