Where Inspiration Meets Impact
Florida International University features the nation's top research centers and facilities dedicated to creating a more sustainable future. This includes the Institute of Environment, Sea Level Solutions Center, Extreme Events Institute, Institute for Resilient and Sustainable Coastal Infrastructure, FIU Metropolitan Center and the Wall of Wind. Our researchers are helping to create more Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Sustainable Cities and Communities
FIU researchers are working across all targets set by the United Nations General Assembly in Sustainable Development Goal 11 to support and foster Sustainable Cities and Communities all across the world.

11.1 Ensure access to basic services
Across disciplines, FIU researchers are studying housing disparities, financing challenges, effects of housing reform, health effects of people living in slums and post-disaster reconstruction, all in an effort to help ensure adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services. Find out more on FIU's efforts to ensure access to basic services.

11.2 Improve transport systems
From driver safety to improved public transit systems, FIU is providing the research to improve access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all. Find out more on FIU's efforts to improve transport systems.

11.3 Foster inclusive and sustainable urbanization
From land-use planning to innovations in urban infrastructure, FIU researchers are working across the physical, natural and social sciences to foster inclusive and sustainable urbanization. Find out more on FIU's efforts to foster inclusive and sustainable urbanization.

11.4 Safeguard cultural and natural heritage
From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to historic artifacts, folklore and languages, FIU is working to preserve and promote the cultural and natural heritages of diverse communities throughout the world. Find out more on FIU's efforts to safeguard cultural and natural heritage.

11.5 Reduce risks of natural disasters
From fast-moving cyclones to the slow-moving threat of sea level rise, FIU is a global leader for solutions-centered research across disciplines and covering all aspects of natural disasters including climate change, hurricanes, earthquakes, heat waves, cold spells, droughts, floods, sinkholes, wildfires and more. Find out more on FIU's efforts to reduce risks of natural disasters.

11.6 Reduce adverse environmental impacts
Air quality initiatives, water quality management and solid waste management are key areas of focus for FIU researchers. We are working to improve environmental conditions and reduce the adverse effects of environmental impacts on people. Find out more on FIU's efforts to reduce adverse environmental impacts.

11.7 Ensure access to open spaces
FIU faculty and students specialize in the design and research of landscape architecture, land reclamation, outdoor recreation, urban tree canopies and vegetation, urban farming and neighborhood greenness to foster greater access to green spaces. Find out more on FIU's efforts to ensure access to open spaces.

11.a-c Support sustainable urbanization
As the state of Florida's University of Distinction for Environmental Resilience, FIU is working with governments and community organizations to develop and implement solutions-centered initiatives focused on Sustainable Cities and Communities. Find out more on FIU's efforts to support sustainable urbanization.
Target 11.2 Improve transport systems
By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons
Target 11.5 Reduce risks of natural disasters
By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations
Did you know?
The National Hurricane Center is located on Florida International University's campus. The center is responsible for tracking and predicting tropical weather systems for the United States, providing critical information to help Americans stay safe.
Targets 11.a-c Support sustainable urbanization
Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning
By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, holistic disaster risk management at all levels
Support least developed countries, including through financial and technical assistance, in building sustainable and resilient buildings utilizing local materials
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