Decades ago, concerns about environment-related crises
emerged, but as we have seen with the COVID-19 pandemic, society is still
unprepared for crises of any type. It is essential that the international
community initiates social changes to avoid or minimize the risks of climate
change and ecological catastrophe. A lot of Middle Eastern countries have
already started the process of low-carbon urban development, which is
becoming increasingly popular among investors and businessmen.
Climate change is a major problem faced by the population of the Middle East
due to rising air temperatures, sea levels, and an increase in the frequency
of extreme weather events. Ecologists tie these problems to carbon
emissions, the majority of which come from big cities. Since almost
two-thirds of the Middle East population lives in cities, and the number
continues to grow, low-carbon urban development presents a good way to
minimize the risks of climate change in the region.
The construction of smart cities is currently being realized in the Middle
East, which primarily uses renewable energy and is built around people, not
cars or large factories. This approach aligns with the triple bottom line
theory, which concerns people, the planet, and profit. The theory goes
beyond the traditional understanding of business in which only the
stakeholders, the company, or managers who make decisions benefit.
Low-carbon urban development benefits people, the planet,
and profits. Living in cities with almost zero carbon emissions leads to
better health conditions and low risks of lung or heart diseases. Smart
cities without cars help reduce the possibility of car accidents, and the
high-speed underground transport is convenient. Reducing carbon emissions
contributes to lower risks of climate change, global warming, and helps
recreate the ozone layer. Moreover, companies involved in this ecological
initiative set an example for other businesses to follow, increasing the
project's impact.
Smart cities contribute to sustainability and give companies a reputation as
eco-friendly businesses, highly valued in the sphere today. This approach
means that companies value not only the revenue and other benefits they may
gain but also their influence on the environment. The triple bottom line
theory connects low-carbon urban development with people's benefits, the
planet's benefits, and profits.
In conclusion, low-carbon urban development is strongly connected with the
triple bottom line theory. Smart cities are a step towards sustainable
business and contribute to reducing the risks of climate change while
improving people's health conditions. These initiatives set an example for
other companies to follow, showing that they can achieve positive change in
the world while avoiding harm to the environment. |