Speaker
Description
In the era of planetary crises, urban innovation and intervention often prioritize megacities, overshadowing small-scale cities despite their unique potential to tackle rising global health challenges. This paper explores the transformative role of small-scale cities through an in-depth case study of Tartu, Estonia—a city that exemplifies how compact urban environments can act as catalysts for sustainable health strategies.
Tartu takes advantage of its manageable size, flexible governance, and strong community ties to launch innovative projects like active mobility systems, health-focused urban design, and fair resource distribution. These efforts not only reduce local health risks but also help tackle global issues like climate change and social inequality. By analyzing Tartu's policies and practices, this study reveals practical insights into how small-scale cities can build resilience and equity in urban health systems.
It examines Tartu's initiatives to identify key factors influencing health outcomes and the challenges these cities face in tackling global health issues. Through a detailed look at Tartu's initiatives and the impacts of urban planning strategies on public health, the paper uncovers the hidden potential of small-scale cities that can play a significant role in global health governance. The findings highlight the scalability and adaptability of Tartu's strategies across various urban contexts, challenging the traditional focus on megacities.
The study argues that small-scale cities are crucial hubs of transformation, capable of shifting from reactive to proactive roles in addressing global health and sustainability challenges. The insights provided offer actionable pathways for policymakers and practitioners, emphasizing the need for frameworks that recognize and amplify the role of small-scale cities. Tartu's story serves as an inspiring example for other urban centers, showing that small-scale cities can lead the way in creating a sustainable, resilient, and healthy future for all.
| Keywords | Small-scale cities; urban planning; sustainability; Tartu; public health |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
