Final answer:
A sustainable city is characterized by stable material and energy consumption, maximization of local food production, and maintaining a supply of clean water. These elements help balance urban demands with environmental preservation and resource availability for future generations.
Step-by-step explanation:
To define a sustainable city, one could list three fundamental characteristics that align with ecological and social sustainability:
- Stable consumption of materials and energy at a level that does not exceed the ecosystem's capacity to regenerate.
- Maximisation of local food production, which reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supports local economies.
- Maintaining a supply of clean water for human consumption that is free of pathogenic organisms or harmful chemicals.
These elements are crucial for ensuring that the urban environment can support the health and needs of its inhabitants while preserving natural resources for future generations and maintaining a balanced ecological system.