Tehran, 25 October 2021 (TDI): According to the UNDP, Iran is among the top 10 countries that contribute to carbon emissions, and 75 percent of its population is urban.
Urban sprawl is one of the defining trends of the 21st century. By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities. However, many cities face the challenges of increasing inequality and continued difficulties in creating sustainable and living conditions.
Apart from this, cities are always places of opportunity and prosperity. And they are the key to building a better future from the COVID-19 pandemic. As people work towards regeneration, UNDP views cities as areas of community, human capital, and creativity.
GDP on Energy Resources
Iran’s power consumption increased by 5 to 8 % between 1990 and 2019. Five times more than the global average. Buildings, especially in urban areas, cause high energy consumption, which is about 2.5 to 4 % above the global average. With 70% still coming from public buildings, which use up to 60 percent of the energy. Iran spends about 20 % of its GDP on energy resources. Improving energy efficiency is critical to the country’s sustainability and can contribute to environmental and economic stability.
Much of this work is being done in the capital Tehran. Which has grown in 200 years to one of the world’s largest cities, with a population of about 9 million. UNDP, together with the Vice President of Science and Technology and the Tehran Municipality. Works to obtain clean and renewable electricity and to increase the efficiency of urban buildings. The move is expected this year to reduce energy consumption by 20% in 400 buildings.
Apart from this, together with partners, UNDP Iran supports the integration of a global economic priority in city planning. That focuses on waste management jointly with the Tehran Municipality and UN-Habitat. UNDP Iran combines resource efficiency with low-carbon development by recycling bottles in Tehran Mega City. The initiative will be introduced at the national level and will contribute to reducing economic growth from the unsustainable use of natural resources.
Smart Tehran Program
Together with national partners and the UNDP Global Center for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development in Singapore. UNDP Iran aims to fund the Smart Tehran Program. Which aims to transform the city into a sustainable and healthy environment for all citizens, tourists, and businesses. We use the disruption of the COVID-19 epidemic to redefine life and movement.
They have raised about US $ 10 million to address COVID-19 prevention, risk communications, and acquisitions. UNDP will create approximately 10,000 green jobs focusing on small businesses and domestic employment, innovation, diversity, and the use of digital platforms to connect urban clients and retailers to rural communities.
An example is our work on Lake Urmia basin, where UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and open support from the government and the people of Japan. Addressing the impact of climate change by reducing the amount of water used to irrigate 30 percent while improving agricultural yields.
UNDP also helps to diversify rural livelihoods. Reduce dependence on agriculture and natural resources, and involve local communities in new income-generating programs. Such as the production of protective equipment for health workers. UNDP and its partners are embracing the COVID-19 pandemic to better build up. Learn from the crisis and respond with green strategies, green infrastructure, financial instruments, and green jobs.
