GEF

Unit 10  |  Toward a Sustainable Future 214 Cities have become a focal point for sustainable developments. According to the UN State of the World Population Report, more than fifty percent of people worldwide are living in urban areas. There are thousands of examples of innovative urban sustainability projects, from areas of public transportation to urban farming to sustainable housing and businesses. For example, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, home builders are cre- ating low-cost, multi-story “Sustainable Urban Dwelling Units” (SUDUs) made exclusively from local materials: stone and compressed soil. SUDUs do not rely on wood, which is scarce in Ethiopia, or expensive and energy intensive building materi- als such as reinforced concrete. SUDUs represent an elegant and intelligent re-thinking of urban building design. A green, or living, roof absorbs rainwater, provides insulation, helps lower urban temeratures, and may even become a habitat for wildlife. Urban gardening is also increasing in popularity, as city dwellers begin to take advantage of opportunities for growing food within urban areas. This development promotes sustain- ability and community development on several levels: urban gardening reduces energy use and pollution associated with food transport into cities; creates green spaces on otherwise unused real estate, including vacant lots and rooftops; and provides healthy food and employment to local residents. URBAN GARDENING Using vacant lots or rooftops in cities to grow food, which can then be consumed or sold to local businesses.