How Cities Can Grow Sustainably

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This educational video explores the concept of urban sustainability using the city-state of Singapore as a primary case study. Hosted by a narrator named Justin, the video defines key terms like 'ecological footprint' and 'urban heat island effect,' illustrating the environmental challenges faced by growing cities. It breaks down how urbanization often leads to increased fossil fuel consumption, water scarcity, and higher temperatures, before pivoting to solutions. The video introduces various sustainable development strategies such as controlling urban sprawl, implementing mixed-use developments, investing in public transportation, and utilizing green infrastructure like rain gardens and permeable pavements. It specifically highlights Singapore's 'Gardens by the Bay' and 'Supertrees' as real-world examples of how technology and nature can be integrated to generate solar power, collect rainwater, and cool the city. Finally, the video addresses the socio-economic trade-offs of sustainability, introducing the concept of gentrification. It explains how eco-friendly improvements can raise property values, potentially displacing lower-income residents. This resource is highly valuable for geography and environmental science classrooms, offering a balanced look at the intersection of human innovation, environmental stewardship, and social equity.