Ali Cheshmehzangi, Professor and Head of the School of ADP
Dynamic climate action strategies that support a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous city are shaping Brisbane’s green future in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a population of about 2.5 million, Brisbane is establishing itself as a leader in climate resilience, and city policies are now more heavily geared toward accomplishing SDGs that support social justice, environmental sustainability, and economic inclusivity. These tactics are essential to the city’s strategy to address climate change’s effects, which include rising temperatures, heightened risks of flooding, and threats to biodiversity.
The development of green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, green roofs, and urban forests, is one of Brisbane’s main initiatives. This directly supports SDGs 13 (Climate Action) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The Brisbane City Council has set a goal to achieve 40% green cover in the city by 2031 in order to fulfill this vision. In addition to reducing urban temperatures and improving air quality, this project increases the city’s ability to withstand severe weather conditions. According to research, urban green spaces can lower peak summer temperatures by as much as 5 degrees Celsius. This is important for preventing heat waves, which are becoming a bigger problem in Brisbane. Brisbane’s dedication to green spaces also reflects a larger global trend that acknowledges nature-based solutions as affordable ways to adapt to urban climate change.
Additionally, and in line with SDGs 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and 11, Brisbane’s proactive approach to flood management reflects its commitment to climate resilience and sustainable urban planning. The city is vulnerable to flooding due to its closeness to the Brisbane River and coastal regions, which is made worse by climate change and an increase in the frequency of heavy rainfall. In order to safeguard communities, Brisbane has made investments in flood-resilient infrastructure, water-sensitive urban design (WSUD), and sophisticated flood mapping. One practical application of WSUD that can stop harm to both urban and natural environments is the use of rain gardens and permeable pavements, which allow rainwater absorption and decrease runoff during periods of heavy rainfall. The Brisbane Floods of 2022 brought these investments to light and showed how important preventive climate action is in preventing significant damage.
In line with SDGs 11 and 13, Brisbane is also exploring and promoting sustainable transportation options. The city’s Transportation and Mobility Strategy places a high priority on walking, bicycling, and public transportation as environmentally friendly substitutes for driving a car. To lower carbon emissions and enhance air quality, Brisbane is promoting the use of public transportation, building bike lanes, and investing in electric buses. The Brisbane Metro, a high-capacity, zero-emission transit system that is expected to improve connectivity and lessen traffic throughout the city, is a major project currently under construction. In order to lessen dependency on private vehicles, the Council wants 90% of people to live within walking distance of public transportation by 2031. In addition to reducing emissions, this shift promotes a more accessible and healthy city for its citizens.
Lastly, collaborative governance is necessary to achieve SDG-aligned climate action, and Brisbane fosters this through collaborations with local communities, businesses, and academic institutions. Through neighbourhood-based projects in resource conservation, waste reduction, and energy efficiency, programs like CitySmart—a collaboration between the City Council and nearby companies—promote sustainable practices. This collaboration promotes a sustainable culture throughout the city and aligns with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), highlighting the connection between citizen engagement and urban resilience. Brisbane’s ongoing innovation in green infrastructure, sustainable urban planning, and transportation demonstrate that climate action strategies when aligned with SDGs, can lead to transformative outcomes that contribute to increasing city resilience.
