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The impact of Iran’s urban heritage on sustainability, climate change and carbon zero

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Abstract

Cities contribute to over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Cities are forced to engage in climate mitigation or adaptation measures due to climate change. Low carbon emissions are one of the most significant variables influencing sustainable urban development and combating climate change. Energy is essential and unavoidable for sustainability. Renewable energy will be critical to the world's decarbonized energy future. Ancient Iran was one of the first civilizations to address sustainability and climate change. There is a rich and sustainable urban planning heritage in Iran. Reviewing past experiences, technology, and knowledge is necessary to solve problems and move toward a better future. This manuscript discusses the various types of sustainability within this heritage and how we can utilize them to achieve sustainable development. These include Environmental Sustainability (Sustainable Water: Persian Qanat, Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System, Watermill, Cistern), (Sustainable Energy: Windcatcher, Windmill, Icehouse), (Sustainable Four Natural Elements: Persian Garden, Pasargadae, Persian Courtyard House), Political Sustainability (Sustainable Infrastructure, Information, and Communication: Trans-Iranian Railway, Chaparkhaneh, Persian Caravanserai), Economic Sustainability (Sustainable Economic Growth: Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex), and Social Sustainability (Sustainable Security, Safety, and Resiliency: Underground City).

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Acknowledgements

I am grateful to Xavier Bernier, Marianne Cohen, and Luc Abbadie at Sorbonne University for their guidance and comments.

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    Fatemehalsadat Afsahhosseini

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Afsahhosseini, F. The impact of Iran’s urban heritage on sustainability, climate change and carbon zero. Environ Dev Sustain (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-04434-z

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