This Presentation is meant to show the personal interest of the 11th goal of the UN: "Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable". The application of social media and how it can be solved are also discussed

1. UN Goal 11: Sustanable
Cities and Settlements
Benjamin Heinz

2. The Importance of Sustainability
Living in Washington it can become hard to forget
just how important our natural environments are to
us. Though at the same time we exist in areas where
we actively disconnect ourselves from that same
natural environment. It important to find a balance
between the two. This will not only make for a more
environment conscious culture within our urban
environments, but also a cleaner, and overall safer
living experience.
This resonates with me because of where I live and
how I see others live. This issue is so broad in its
concept but I think the biggest takeaway is that it is
essentially a socioeconomic problem. Those who
earn less tend to live in worse living conditions than
those who earn more. I have seen the effects of how
cities can both cause hardships as well as lift their
citizens up and assist. Creating and upholding a
sustainable environment I think is one of the most
important ways we can do this.

3. How can this be Applied Locally?
I think the steps towards addressing this issue can be done in Tacoma with
extreme ease. In fact, steps are already being taken to do so.
Public transportation is being updated with an additional route and track being constructed within the city, giving more access to
those who rely on the services provided by the public transit.
Public spaces parks are recreational facilities are being updated and constructed with the most prevalent right now being the
reconstruction of Owens beach, addressing the rising water levels being projected over the next 20+ years.
At the end of the day, the goal is to create a safe and sustainable environment
for all people in an urban environment. There are so many different applications
that go even beyond updating what already exists.
Creating new, low-income housing units that increase the quality of life of individuals and families, giving opportunity to give better
overall experience to those who need it.
Finding and applying new or more sustainable power sources that create less pollution in and around a city.

4. What Can YOU Do?
Through the UN website, there are events posted that relate to the 17 specific
goals. While the latest event has already past in this month, it seems like they are
updating this list with the most relevant upcoming events. These include things like
workshops, forums, and lecture-like talks to name a few.
On a more local level, because we are talking about our city system here, get in
contact with your city officials and those who can actively make change happen!
Attending meeting and forums that relate to this issue and participating alongside
those that belince in the same cause can also help reach that goal.

5. Social Media Application
This goal is completely focused on the betterment of citizens in cities which is why I
think that sites that focus on the individual experience I think are key here. I think
Reddit may be a good source for broad relations and outside resources, while a
site like Twitter can help connect on a more individual level in real time.
Speaking of Twitter, the use of hashtags as a way to develop a goal into something
viral is something that we see everyday. On top of this the “trending” section is a
great way to see what is most popular among users. Both of these features work
together to create important conversations as well as popularize the topic itself, a
system that I think has great potential when applied to the goals stated by the UN.