According to Chung, the city of Curitiba, located in the south of Brazil, 90 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean, is an example of the implementation of the “green growth” concept. For the first time in the world, a bus rapid transit system was organized in Curitiba, which helps minimize the use of private cars and, thereby, eliminate traffic jams. This innovation, along with exemplary beautification of parks and public gardens, and a well-established separate waste collection system, makes Curitiba one of the most comfortable cities not only in Brazil, but in the world at large.
“Moscow is an example of the implementation of sustainable development principles. This is attested not only by the quality of the air, residential and green spaces, but also by strong investments in the development of urban infrastructure, including the subway, roads and vegetation,” Chung noted. According to him, examples of sustainable development can also be found in other regions across Russia. “I have just come back from Volgograd, where, as Chairman of the Global Energy Prize International Award Committee, I took part in the ceremony where the names of the 2024 Global Energy Prize laureates were announced. Volgograd has a beautiful embankment along the Volga River, and the city is supplied by Europe’s largest hydroelectric power station, which provides clean energy,” Chung added.
According to Chung, personal initiative must play an important role on the path to sustainable development. “The green economy starts with me,” Chung continued, citing a well-known principle, and backed it by his own example. “Even though I have a car, I do not use it to go downtown; I prefer to go by cab or subway,” said the scientist in conclusion.
