The green city as a driver of sustainable development

Abstract Given the accelerating pace of urbanization and worsening environmental constraints, it has become imperative to explore innovative and integrated solutions to shape a sustainable urban future. In this context, the emergence of the “Green City” stands out as an innovative approach to addressing environmental challenges while promoting sustainable urban development. This study aims to deepen our understanding of the crucial role played by the Green City as a driver to overcome obstacles related to environmental and urban sustainability. To achieve this objective, our methodology is based on several essential steps. Firstly, we establish a solid conceptual framework by comparing the Green City to sustainable cities. This initial step allows us to precisely define the contours and specific objectives of each concept, laying the groundwork for our comparative analysis. Next, we conduct a comprehensive analysis to explore how the Green City can contribute in a targeted manner to achieving sustainable development goals. By integrating these different approaches, our goal is to substantially advance knowledge and practices in sustainable urban planning, as well as the creation of more resilient and environmentally friendly cities.