Duolingo English Test Interactive Reading Practice #6 — Medium Level

Cities around the world are under growing pressure to become more sustainable. Traditional urban development has relied heavily on fossil fuels, private vehicles, and high-energy buildings. As concerns about climate change intensify, city governments are being pushed to rethink how cities are designed and managed. A growing number of urban areas are now implementing green policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving the quality of life for residents.

One major shift is the push toward public and active transportation. Cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Bogotá have invested heavily in cycling infrastructure, making it safe and convenient for residents to commute by bicycle. Other cities have expanded bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, which offer metro-like speed and reliability at a fraction of the cost of building a subway. When people have reliable, affordable transport alternatives, car ownership and usage tends to decline, which reduces both congestion and air pollution.

Green building standards are another key component of sustainable urban development. Many cities now require new constructions to meet energy efficiency standards — including better insulation, solar panels, and energy-saving systems. In some cities, older buildings are being retrofitted with modern technology to reduce their energy consumption. These changes may require higher upfront costs, but they save money and resources over the long term.

The concept of green urban spaces — parks, community gardens, and tree-lined streets — is also gaining attention. Research shows that access to green spaces improves the mental and physical health of urban residents. Trees reduce air temperature in cities, cutting the need for air conditioning and lowering the urban heat island effect. As cities compete to attract residents and businesses, livability — including access to nature — has become an important factor in urban planning decisions.