Imagine walking through a city where towering skyscrapers and vibrant green spaces co-exist in perfect harmony. That’s exactly what it felt like exploring Chicago. The iconic skyline is mesmerizing, yet it’s balanced by lush parks, stunning lakes, and tranquil public spaces that invite you to pause and breathe.
This made me reflect on how Islamabad could draw inspiration from this seamless integration of urban life and nature to become a leader in both climate adaptation and innovation.
In 2024, this transformation feels more urgent than ever. Cities are not just places to live—they are the battlegrounds where humanity is fighting its greatest challenge: climate change. But cities aren’t just victims of rising temperatures and unpredictable weather. They are also the innovators, the leaders, shaping the future with bold, forward-thinking solutions that redefine how we live and thrive.
Chicago vs Islamabad
Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States, and Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, are both home to around 2.6 million people but present a striking contrast in how they approach sustainability. Despite Chicago’s smaller land area — 600 square kilometers (sq km) compared to Islamabad’s 906.5 sq km — Chicago is globally recognized for its leadership in sustainable initiatives. In contrast, Islamabad faces significant challenges, with its green landscape slowly shrinking and air and water quality and quantity under pressure from rapid urbanization and governance issues.
Chicago’s sustainability initiatives – its Climate Action Plan, green economic development, public transit system, and energy-efficient buildings – offer key lessons for Islamabad. By adopting similar strategies, Islamabad can preserve its natural beauty while accommodating its growing population, paving the way for a sustainable future.
Chicago’s Sustainable Action Agenda: A Blueprint for Islamabad
Chicago’s commitment to green urban design is nothing short of a sustainable living blueprint for cities. In Chicago, sustainability is more than just a buzzword — it’s embedded in the city’s policies and practices, despite its unique challenges. Adapting Chicago’s sustainable action agenda, climate resilience plan, and long-term strategies could help Islamabad, which is still in the early stages of integrating sustainability into urban planning.
Here are 10 lessons Islamabad can learn to build a greener future.
1. Green Spaces: A City in a Garden
Living up to its motto “Urbs in Horto” (or “City in a Garden”), Chicago is home to more than 600 parks and 8,800 acres of green space. These urban green spaces are not just about aesthetics; they provide critical environmental benefits, including reducing the urban heat island effect, improving air quality, and offering residents a respite from the city’s hustle and bustle.

In contrast, Islamabad’s green spaces are dwindling. From 656 sq km (km²) in 2000, the city’s green area had decreased to 420 km² by 2020. This loss is alarming. To reverse this trend, Islamabad could take cues from Chicago, prioritizing the preservation and expansion of its parks, green belts, and natural reserves. Chicago’s parks as well as blue (water) and green spaces are integrated into the city’s environmental management strategies, helping to manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and enhance biodiversity.

2. Energy-Efficient Buildings
Chicago is recognized globally for its leadership in energy-efficient building practices thereby reducing the carbon footprint of its built environment. Approximately 70% of the city’s commercial space is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or Energy Star certified, according to Knight Frank Intelligence Lab. The 110-story Willis Tower, the tallest building in Chicago, has earned LEED Platinum (the highest level of LEED certification), a testament to the city’s commitment to sustainable architecture.
Islamabad, with its growing skyline and New Blue Area, has the opportunity to prioritize energy efficiency in its construction practices. By adopting LEED certification standards and encouraging the use of energy-efficient materials and technologies, Islamabad could reduce its energy consumption. The economic benefits of energy-efficient buildings, including lower operating costs and higher property values, also make this a smart investment for the city’s future.
3. Renewable Energy: Powering the Future
As the world shifts towards renewable energy, Chicago has positioned itself as a leader in this transition. The Windy City plans to power all its 400 buildings and city operations with 100% renewable electricity by 2026, with wind and solar energy playing key roles in this ambitious plan. Illinois, the state where Chicago is located, already has nearly 3,000 wind turbines in operation, contributing significantly to the region’s renewable energy output. Chicago Solar Express has made going solar more efficient and affordable than ever. By cutting fees, shortening permit processing times, and streamlining procedures, the city has simplified the process of installing solar panels on your roof.

Islamabad, like many cities in Pakistan, faces energy challenges, including frequent power outages and a heavy reliance on fossil fuels. By investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, Islamabad could not only address its energy shortages but also reduce its environmental impact. However, the trend is rapidly evolving. In Islamabad, more residents are turning to solar power to combat frequent power cuts and rising electricity bills. Rooftops throughout the city are now covered with solar panels as people seek relief from unsustainable energy costs. Across Pakistan, this shift towards solar energy is becoming increasingly common as citizens seek practical solutions to resolve energy challenges.
4. Water Management Strategies
Water management is a critical issue for cities worldwide, and Chicago has developed sophisticated systems to address this challenge. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) plays a vital role in managing the city’s water resources, treating 1.3 billion gallons of water daily at its seven water reclamation facilities. This water is then returned to the environment, clean and safe for future use. Founded in 1889, MWRD has long been a forward-thinking organization, originally established to reverse the flow of the Chicago River and protect Lake Michigan. Today, it is recognized as a world leader in sustainability, operating one of the world’s largest water reclamation plants.
In contrast, Islamabad is facing a growing water crisis, with depleting groundwater levels and increasing pollution. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has begun setting up the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to improve water supply, sewerage, and drainage facilities, but much more needs to be done. By adopting water recycling and conservation strategies similar to those used in Chicago, Islamabad could better manage its water resources and address its water scarcity issues.
5. Waste Management and Recycling
Both cities have room for improvement when it comes to waste management. Chicago’s Blue Cart program, offering bi-weekly recycling services, is part of a broader push to reduce waste and increase recycling efforts. Although the city currently recycles less than 10% of its waste, local startups are stepping in with innovative solutions to boost these numbers. This mirrors the efforts in Islamabad, where young innovators are leading initiatives to tackle similar waste management issues.
Islamabad faces similar challenges, with much of its waste ending up in landfills or illegal dumping sites. However, there’s potential for progress. By adopting a comprehensive waste management strategy that includes recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy initiatives — similar to Chicago’s approach — Islamabad can make significant strides. Engaging the community, as Chicago has done, will be key in raising awareness and promoting more sustainable waste management practices in both cities.

6. Sustainable Public Transportation
Chicago’s transportation system is a paragon of sustainable mobility. The city’s extensive network of bike lanes, electric buses, hybrid taxis, and efficient public transit options operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) makes it easy for residents and visitors to navigate the city without relying on cars. This not only reduces traffic congestion and air pollution but also promotes a healthier lifestyle. Chicago’s leadership in sustainable transportation provides a blueprint for developing cities, showing how to offer affordable mass transit while driving economic growth and maintaining environmental sustainability.
In Islamabad, where car ownership is on the rise and public transport options are limited, there is an urgent need to rethink mobility. The Islamabad Bus Service Project, which includes a small number of electric buses, is a positive step, but more is needed to make the city bike-friendly and walkable. Investing in sustainable transportation options, such as electric buses and dedicated bike lanes, could reduce the city’s carbon footprint and improve the quality of life for its residents.
7. Green infrastructure
Chicago is a pioneer in green infrastructure, with over 500 green roofs and 13 rooftop farms contributing to the city’s sustainable urban landscape. The most notable among them is the rooftop garden atop City Hall, which has become a symbol of Chicago’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The city’s Retrofit Initiative further underscores this dedication, aiming to reduce energy consumption in typical Chicago homes by 50%. By 2035, the initiative plans to retrofit 20% of commercial, industrial, and residential sectors, setting a benchmark for cities worldwide in energy efficiency and sustainable urban development.

8. Community Engagement: The Heart of Sustainability
One of the most important lessons Islamabad can learn from Chicago is the importance of community engagement in driving sustainability initiatives. In Chicago, community involvement is central to the success of many environmental programs. For example, DePaul University’s Steans Center fosters community engagement through its curriculum, research, and partnerships with local organizations. Collaboration between universities, local governments, and community organizations has been key to creating and sustaining these initiatives.
For Islamabad, fostering similar partnerships could be transformative. By engaging local communities in sustainability efforts — whether through neighborhood clean-up programs, tree-planting initiatives, or educational campaigns — Islamabad can create a culture of environmental stewardship. The collaboration between universities in Chicago and local communities, for example, offers a model that Islamabad’s educational institutions could emulate, working with residents to develop and implement sustainability projects that address the city’s unique challenges.

9. Economic Power of Going Green
In 2022, Chicago’s green economy generated over $18 billion in output — a staggering 180% increase since 2016, according to Chicagoland’s Green Future October 2023 report. This growth is not just a testament to the city’s commitment to sustainability but also a demonstration of how environmental initiatives can drive economic prosperity. The green economy in Chicago encompasses renewable energy, green building practices, sustainable transportation, and more, providing a significant boost to the city’s overall economic health.
Islamabad, though still in the early stages of embracing green industries, has the potential to harness similar economic benefits. By investing in renewable energy, promoting green construction practices, and supporting sustainable agriculture, Islamabad could create jobs, attract investment, and stimulate economic growth while protecting its natural environment.
10. Harmony of Green and Gray: Urban Architecture meets Nature
One of the most striking aspects of Chicago is the seamless integration of its urban architecture with natural elements. Walking through the city, you marvel at the juxtaposition of iconic skyscrapers Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, and Willis Tower against the backdrop of lush parks such as Millennium Park and Lincoln Park. This harmony of green and gray is a hallmark of Chicago’s urban design, offering a model for cities around the world. The city also has a fair share of energy-efficient buildings and green rooftops.
Chicago’s 600 parks, 500 green roofs, and 24 beaches show how the city integrates nature into its urban fabric, creating valuable green and blue spaces to improve people’s well-being and our resilience to climate change.

Islamabad, with its mix of modern and traditional architecture, could benefit from a similar approach. As the city continues to develop, integrating green spaces with urban infrastructure could help maintain its natural charm while accommodating growth. Islamabad, with its expansive rooftops, could adopt this practice, transforming unused urban areas into productive, sustainable spaces.
Road ahead for Islamabad
As Islamabad looks to the future, the lessons from Chicago’s green journey offer valuable insights. From sustainable urban planning and green economy growth to community engagement and environmental stewardship, Chicago provides a model that Islamabad can adapt to its unique context. By prioritizing sustainability, Islamabad has the opportunity to become a leader in green urban development in South Asia, creating a city that not only meets the needs of its residents but also protects the environment for future generations.
The road ahead will not be easy, but with careful planning, strategic investments, and a commitment to sustainability, Islamabad can build a future that is green, prosperous, and resilient.
Islamabad’s journey towards sustainability requires bold, visionary thinking. In the words of Daniel Burnham, the famed urban planner who shaped Chicago:
“Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work.”
(Note: The insights shared in this article were gained during an exchange visit organized by the Institute of Urbanism (IoU), School of Leadership Foundation (SoLF), and the DePaul University of Chicago, with support from the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, as part of the Green Urban Development (GUD) project.)
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