Sustainable Urban Development: A Comparative Study of Smart Cities in Asia

Abstract

Sustainable urban development has gained increasing attention as cities face challenges such as rapid urbanization, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. This study investigates the sustainability initiatives adopted by smart cities in Asia, specifically focusing on cities in China, India, and Japan. Using a comparative framework, we analyzed key urban development indicators such as energy consumption, waste management, transportation infrastructure, and green space allocation. Our findings show that while China leads in renewable energy adoption, India excels in community-based waste management solutions, and Japan's innovations in public transportation are noteworthy. However, despite these successes, each region faces challenges, including funding, policy enforcement, and public engagement. The study concludes by offering policy recommendations to enhance collaboration among these cities to further promote sustainable practices.