Renewables score high on survey of megacity leaders

MUNICH, Germany, January 31, 2007 (Refocus Weekly) Environmental issues play a central role in urban planning but, in emerging cities, infrastructure growth often takes precedence over the environment, according to the ‘Megacity’ report.

The survey of 522 decision makers from 25 global cities was conducted by GlobeScan and MRC McLean Hazel research institutes, and supported by Siemens. The results were presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos for the first time.

Among energy experts, 48% said they intend to focus on promoting renewables in coming years. “In most countries, alternative energy contributes less than 10% to the total energy mix,” explains George Hazel of MRC McLean Hazel. “Considering the interviews, alternative sources of energy will have a bright future in megacities.”

To meet growing demand, megacities must not only build out their infrastructures and use them more efficiently; they must also proactively manage demand, the report notes. Global power consumption is expected to double by 2030, due to increased demand in rapidly growing countries, and demand management is an approach that respondents do not yet fully appreciate.

Solving transportation issues has the highest priority in the cities surveyed, with air pollution seen as the main environmental issue. Respondents said the private sector should play a major role in city infrastructures like energy, and 70% believe that public private partnerships are a promising approach.

Respondents see the enormous environmental strain caused by the increase in cars around the world, and air pollution and traffic were the most frequently named environmental challenges for megacities. However, infrastructure growth takes precedence over the environment and 55% of the respondents from emerging countries said they would sacrifice environmental protection for growth, as opposed to only 14% of respondents from industrialized countries.

“Each city has its own unique issues and circumstances to address; however, research highlights common themes and trends that will shape the evolution of megacities over coming years,” it concludes. Environment is seen as the second most important investment focus over the next five to ten years, with a “strong inclination for solutions based on renewables,” noting a “surprising 48% (who) want to focus on renewable energy over the next 5-10 years vs. 52% on fossil.”

The 522 respondents from 25 major metropolitan areas in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe included selected political leaders, city government employees, urban planners, representatives of infrastructure providers, construction companies, financiers and academics, NGO representatives and journalists. During October and November 2006, respondents were asked what impact they expect rapid urbanization to have and how they intend to harmonize economic attractiveness, quality of life and environmental protection.


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