According to the World Economic Forum, between 1900 and 2015, the urbanised population increased from 14 to 54 per cent and is forecast to rise to 66 per cent by 2050. This is putting enormous stress on our environment and our resources, which are becoming more difficult to extract. This growth of urban population is not only going to increase consumption, but will also lead to unprecedented amounts of waste.
Globally, cities take up just 3 percent of land, but generate up to 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, consume 75 percent of resources.
Hyderabad is the capital of Telangana, the largest contributor to the state's GDP (Gross domestic product) and state tax. It is the smallest in terms of area, among all the districts in the state, but has the highest human density i.e 4th most populous city in India. It is estimated that there are nearly 9 million residents within the city.
Hyderabad is a major IT hub of the country. The state also contributes nearly one-third to India’s production and one-fifth to its exports in the pharmaceutical sector. There are 67 notified Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in the state. The state has a large number of manufacturing units in pharmaceuticals, food processing, non-metallic minerals, plastics and electrical equipment sectors.
It is considered as one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in all of India, which has led to many issues in terms of employment, housing and essential services.
It is estimated that Hyderabad produces around 4,500 tonnes of solid waste daily. Daily plastic waste generation is about 450-500 tonnes. Hazardous waste generation in Telangana is about 2.8 lakh metric tonnes (MT) and one lakh Metric Tonnes (MT) will be other recyclable waste in 2019-20 and this number is expected to increase every year.
So, cities have a significant role to play in rethinking how they deal with waste and reinvent their supply chains. Current methods of production and consumption are unsustainable. Sustainability needs to be integrated into businesses at all levels.
How to develop the economic system in which no materials are wasted, how products can be designed and built so that they are part of a value network and assures continuous (re-)exploitation of resources.
How the circular economy can promote sustainable growth?
Solutions should focus on:
Use AI/ IoT and other key technologies
Institute for Circular Economy and SDGs along with eit Climate KIC is organizing Climathon Hyderabad on 22 Nov 2019 at Hyderabad (venue will be announced soon). Teams/ individuals are invited to find the answers for 'How to develop climate friendly, sustainable Hyderabad'?
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