Sustainability Assessment of the Anthropogenic System in Panama City: Application of Biomimetic Strategies towards Regenerative Cities.

Andrea Quintero,Miguel Chen Austin,Marichell Zarzavilla,Dafni Mora,Nathalia Tejedor-Flores

doi:10.3390/biomimetics6040064

Abstract

To understand the sustainability problem for Panama’s metropolitan area, its urban metabolism was investigated. A way to evaluate its current state was obtained by estimating a sustainable indicator based on the Green City Index. With the abstraction of the identified problems, the biomimetic strategy “problem-based approach” was carried out, where different pinnacles of nature were selected as a reference for the design of regenerative solutions. These were inspired by the understanding of the living world and how to include ecosystems in urban designs. Therefore, a framework was proposed for positive generation and natural solutions in cities to take advantage of the regenerative potential in Panama City. Using ecosystem services, a set of indicators were developed to measure regeneration over the years at the city scale. The results indicate that from the 11 selected pinnacles, 17 solutions inspired in nature were proposed to regenerate cities. Consequently, a SWOT analysis was realized along with a questionnaire by experts from different fields. The findings obtained show that the feasible solutions were: arborization, green facades, solar roofs, e-mobility, green corridors, bicycle lanes, sidewalks, and biofilters. This research represents a step towards creating and developing regenerative cities, thus improving the quality of life of living beings and ecosystems present in society.

Highlights

The considerable increase in the consumption of fossil fuels and the overexploitation of resources are some of the various points that prove how the causes of climate change are anthropogenic
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Summary

Introduction

The considerable increase in the consumption of fossil fuels and the overexploitation of resources are some of the various points that prove how the causes of climate change are anthropogenic. Cities and urbanizations are among the leading causes for this, considering that they consume 40% of the final energy and are related to 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions [1]. During the First World Climate Conference, scientists from different parts of the world agreed that climate change trends were alarming. Among the globally agreed goals, there are the Sustainable Development Goals; of which this paper will address: Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Life of Terrestrial Ecosystems (SDG 15)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion