Urbanization and climate change

Abstract

Urbanization has profoundly affected the environment and climate all over the world and has intensified the climate change impacts. The aim of this research is to study of effects of urbanization as the most suspicious factor of climate change in a holistic view applying system dynamics approach. An introduction to urbanization and climate change as an obstacle to sustainable development will be presented in general. Then, in particular, Tehran metropolis is described, since the city is an excellent example of the issue. In this regard, the focus will be on complexity of such dilemma. Then, system dynamics approach (SDA) that can play a key role in solving these kinds of problems will be introduced. Furthermore, the prototypes of the system are recognized. Finally, management practices and solutions of the problem are presented. The effects of urbanization will be reviewed in a new approach which has not been applied in previous studies. The involving mechanisms in this process are recognized. “Fixes that fail,” “success to the successful,” and “tragedy of commons” are the most prevalent prototypes in the system based on which solutions are presented.