Cities are hubs for ideas, commerce, culture and social development, but they also face challenges with extreme poverty, environmental degradation and risks due to climate change. SDG 11 addresses these by focusing on safe and affordable housing, sustainable transport systems, inclusive urbanisation and the protection of the world’s cultural and natural heritage, while reducing the environmental impact and disaster risk of urban areas.
Nuclear analytical techniques are essential for monitoring air quality in dense urban environments, identifying the precise sources of fine particulate matter pollution to help cities design better mitigation strategies. In the realm of cultural heritage, nuclear radiation is used to preserve ancient artefacts by eliminating pests and mould, and for surveying structures to evaluate the stability of historical buildings. These technologies help cities become more resilient and protect the cultural fabric — including museums and monuments — that defines human settlements and local history.
