Status of Environmental Issues in the Global Metropolises Perspective

Introduction Considering the settlement of more than 60% of the world’s population in cities by 2030, producing over 70% of the world’s carbon there, and 50% of the damage to the ozone layer by cities, as well as less experience in organizing environmental issues in cities, studying the successful experience of countries, especially global metropolises in planning environmental issues may be essential. Accordingly, this research is theoretical in terms of nature, applied in terms of conclusion, and descriptive-analytical and documentary in terms of method. The data were collected and analyzed from library resources, field observations from some metropolises, and Internet resources related to the world capitals and global metropolises perspective (15 items). Conclusion At least since 2000, in all the perspectives for the studied capitals and metropolises, urban environmental issues have been one of their main goals and basic themes. The land of “no burial” and “no waste” is the motto of most of them. The completion of the cycle of reduction of consumption, recycling, and reuse is considered the main objective of sustainable development. The integrated urban environmental management model was emphasized; flexibility and effective strategic resilience are considered to reach the UN’s 2030s sustainable development goals. Therefore, it is proposed that the 17-item UN’s 2030s sustainable development goal, particularly item 11 that is related to urban sustainable development, as well as the United Nations environment program, be the basis for urban sustainable environmental programs, especially in Iranian metropolises.