Rethinking public spaces, security, and sustainability in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) recognizing increasing urbanization of countries across the globe, “making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” (UN, 2015). Given the urgency, little is known of the sustainability, and safety considerations of these measures. This poster evaluates the sustainability, security, and resource efficiency of COVID-19 measures of one urban city in New Jersey. Specifically, the emphasis will be on considering how sustainability focused these measures were in strengthening security the public spaces as well as protecting against COVID 19. Currently, sparse research on this topic indicates that most spatial distancing efforts evaluated, though well intended, also created confusion in utilizing public spaces as well as taxing public space administrators to make unsustainable, unsafe choices in the process. I argue that it is possible for small urban cities to reconsider and adapt their urgent social distancing measures to better align with SDG 11 as well as meet the criteria set forth in UN’s New Urban Agenda. Though broader research indicates that urban cities struggle to meet SDG11, smaller and semi-urban cities can exert agency and demonstrate resilience in supporting sustainable, secure, urban development in the face of pandemic forces such as COVID-19.

Author

• Cherie Chung, Riverdale County School