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According to statistics, an increasing part of the population now lives in cities and urban areas. In fact, 80 per cent of the world's future population of 9 billion is expected to live in urban areas by 2050. Transportation has already caused most large cities to be heavily congested and polluted. Some countries have set ambitious goals for city centers to become car-free, like Oslo and Madrid, but that is not reality for the majority.

Wherever people live, travelling has a significant impact on people's quality of life. The UN Sustainable Development Goals have highlighted the need for sustainable public transport in target 11.2: “By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.” Public transport is an essential part of tackling both pollution and congestion, and travelling by public transport needs to be an easy choice.

I have returned to my hometown of Wilson Creek after an absence of 10 years.

So many things have changed around here. When I left Wilson Creek, there was a small pond on the right as you left town. They have filled in this pond and they have built a large shopping mall there. A new post office has also been built just across from my old school.

There is a baseball stadium on the outskirts of Wilson Creek which has been changed completely. They have now added a new stand where probably a few thousand people could sit. It looks really great.

The biggest changes have taken place in the downtown area. They have pedestrianized the center and you can't drive there anymore. A European-style fountain has been built and some benches have also been added along with a grassy area and a new street cafe.

My street looks just the same as it always has but a public library has been built in the next street along. There used to be a great park there but they have cut down all the trees which is a pity. The library now has a large green area in front of it but it's not the same as when the park was there.

Another improvement is the number of new restaurants that have opened in Wilson Creek. A Chinese and an Italian restaurant have opened in the town centre and a Mexican restaurant has opened near my home, which is where I am going tonight!

I have returned to my hometown of Wilson Creek after an absence of 10 years.

So many things have changed around here. When I left Wilson Creek, there was a small pond on the right as you left town. They have filled in this pond and they have built a large shopping mall there. A new post office has also been built just across from my old school.

There is a baseball stadium on the outskirts of Wilson Creek which has been changed completely. They have now added a new stand where probably a few thousand people could sit. It looks really great.

The biggest changes have taken place in the downtown area. They have pedestrianized the center and you can't drive there anymore. A European-style fountain has been built and some benches have also been added along with a grassy area and a new street cafe.

My street looks just the same as it always has but a public library has been built in the next street along. There used to be a great park there but they have cut down all the trees which is a pity. The library now has a large green area in front of it but it's not the same as when the park was there.

Another improvement is the number of new restaurants that have opened in Wilson Creek. A Chinese and an Italian restaurant have opened in the town centre and a Mexican restaurant has opened near my home, which is where I am going tonight!

A community feels more alive when people who live there love it enough to help improve it. Helping your community makes life better for your friends, family, and other people who live where you live. Here are some ideas on how to help your community to be strong and vibrant.

1. Support your local economy

Healthy communities have healthy local economies. People work together to help each other make a living and thrive. You can help improve the health of your local economy in many different ways, from changing your shopping habits to starting a business of your own.

2. Recycle and compost

Many communities are experiencing problems with landfills that are getting too full. Producing too much trash pollutes the environment, and that's not good for your community's long-term health. You can do your part to help improve the situation by recycling and composting as much of your waste as possible.

If you want to go above and beyond, you could also spread awareness about how to recycle, or start a recycling program at your school or place of work. Composting is useful in more ways than one. It allows you to dispose of your food waste without putting it in the trash, and as a result you end up with rich soil you can use in your garden. Once you learn how to do it, show others how easy it can be.

3. Save energy and water

Using excessive electricity and water strains community resources. Saving energy and water is good for the planet as well as your local environment. Do your best to conserve energy and water and it will become an investment in your community's long-term health.

Turning off your lights when you're not using them, using energy-saving appliances, decreasing your reliance on air conditioning, turning down the temperature on your water heater, and unplugging your computer when you power it down are all ways you can help save energy.

Taking shorter showers, making sure your pipes aren't leaking, limiting your lawn watering, and using a low-water method of washing dishes are all ways you can help save water.

4. Be less reliant on your car

Communities that rely heavily on car transportation often experience elevated air pollution levels. Air pollution is not only detrimental to plants and animals, it causes major health problems for humans, too. Using your car less often decreases your carbon footprint, which helps your community.

You can try eco-friendly means of transport like walking or biking. It takes a little longer, but you see more along the way. You should also use public transportation. Even if your area doesn't have a great subway or elevated rail system, you probably have bus lines nearby.

A community feels more alive when people who live there love it enough to help improve it. Helping your community makes life better for your friends, family, and other people who live where you live. Here are some ideas on how to help your community to be strong and vibrant.

1. Support your local economy

Healthy communities have healthy local economies. People work together to help each other make a living and thrive. You can help improve the health of your local economy in many different ways, from changing your shopping habits to starting a business of your own.

2. Recycle and compost

Many communities are experiencing problems with landfills that are getting too full. Producing too much trash pollutes the environment, and that's not good for your community's long-term health. You can do your part to help improve the situation by recycling and composting as much of your waste as possible.

If you want to go above and beyond, you could also spread awareness about how to recycle, or start a recycling program at your school or place of work. Composting is useful in more ways than one. It allows you to dispose of your food waste without putting it in the trash, and as a result you end up with rich soil you can use in your garden. Once you learn how to do it, show others how easy it can be.

3. Save energy and water

Using excessive electricity and water strains community resources. Saving energy and water is good for the planet as well as your local environment. Do your best to conserve energy and water and it will become an investment in your community's long-term health.

Turning off your lights when you're not using them, using energy-saving appliances, decreasing your reliance on air conditioning, turning down the temperature on your water heater, and unplugging your computer when you power it down are all ways you can help save energy.

Taking shorter showers, making sure your pipes aren't leaking, limiting your lawn watering, and using a low-water method of washing dishes are all ways you can help save water.

4. Be less reliant on your car

Communities that rely heavily on car transportation often experience elevated air pollution levels. Air pollution is not only detrimental to plants and animals, it causes major health problems for humans, too. Using your car less often decreases your carbon footprint, which helps your community.

You can try eco-friendly means of transport like walking or biking. It takes a little longer, but you see more along the way. You should also use public transportation. Even if your area doesn't have a great subway or elevated rail system, you probably have bus lines nearby.

A community feels more alive when people who live there love it enough to help improve it. Helping your community makes life better for your friends, family, and other people who live where you live. Here are some ideas on how to help your community to be strong and vibrant.

1. Support your local economy

Healthy communities have healthy local economies. People work together to help each other make a living and thrive. You can help improve the health of your local economy in many different ways, from changing your shopping habits to starting a business of your own.

2. Recycle and compost

Many communities are experiencing problems with landfills that are getting too full. Producing too much trash pollutes the environment, and that's not good for your community's long-term health. You can do your part to help improve the situation by recycling and composting as much of your waste as possible.

If you want to go above and beyond, you could also spread awareness about how to recycle, or start a recycling program at your school or place of work. Composting is useful in more ways than one. It allows you to dispose of your food waste without putting it in the trash, and as a result you end up with rich soil you can use in your garden. Once you learn how to do it, show others how easy it can be.

3. Save energy and water

Using excessive electricity and water strains community resources. Saving energy and water is good for the planet as well as your local environment. Do your best to conserve energy and water and it will become an investment in your community's long-term health.

Turning off your lights when you're not using them, using energy-saving appliances, decreasing your reliance on air conditioning, turning down the temperature on your water heater, and unplugging your computer when you power it down are all ways you can help save energy.

Taking shorter showers, making sure your pipes aren't leaking, limiting your lawn watering, and using a low-water method of washing dishes are all ways you can help save water.

4. Be less reliant on your car

Communities that rely heavily on car transportation often experience elevated air pollution levels. Air pollution is not only detrimental to plants and animals, it causes major health problems for humans, too. Using your car less often decreases your carbon footprint, which helps your community.

You can try eco-friendly means of transport like walking or biking. It takes a little longer, but you see more along the way. You should also use public transportation. Even if your area doesn't have a great subway or elevated rail system, you probably have bus lines nearby.

A community feels more alive when people who live there love it enough to help improve it. Helping your community makes life better for your friends, family, and other people who live where you live. Here are some ideas on how to help your community to be strong and vibrant.

1. Support your local economy

Healthy communities have healthy local economies. People work together to help each other make a living and thrive. You can help improve the health of your local economy in many different ways, from changing your shopping habits to starting a business of your own.

2. Recycle and compost

Many communities are experiencing problems with landfills that are getting too full. Producing too much trash pollutes the environment, and that's not good for your community's long-term health. You can do your part to help improve the situation by recycling and composting as much of your waste as possible.

If you want to go above and beyond, you could also spread awareness about how to recycle, or start a recycling program at your school or place of work. Composting is useful in more ways than one. It allows you to dispose of your food waste without putting it in the trash, and as a result you end up with rich soil you can use in your garden. Once you learn how to do it, show others how easy it can be.

3. Save energy and water

Using excessive electricity and water strains community resources. Saving energy and water is good for the planet as well as your local environment. Do your best to conserve energy and water and it will become an investment in your community's long-term health.

Turning off your lights when you're not using them, using energy-saving appliances, decreasing your reliance on air conditioning, turning down the temperature on your water heater, and unplugging your computer when you power it down are all ways you can help save energy.

Taking shorter showers, making sure your pipes aren't leaking, limiting your lawn watering, and using a low-water method of washing dishes are all ways you can help save water.

4. Be less reliant on your car

Communities that rely heavily on car transportation often experience elevated air pollution levels. Air pollution is not only detrimental to plants and animals, it causes major health problems for humans, too. Using your car less often decreases your carbon footprint, which helps your community.

You can try eco-friendly means of transport like walking or biking. It takes a little longer, but you see more along the way. You should also use public transportation. Even if your area doesn't have a great subway or elevated rail system, you probably have bus lines nearby.

A community feels more alive when people who live there love it enough to help improve it. Helping your community makes life better for your friends, family, and other people who live where you live. Here are some ideas on how to help your community to be strong and vibrant.

1. Support your local economy

Healthy communities have healthy local economies. People work together to help each other make a living and thrive. You can help improve the health of your local economy in many different ways, from changing your shopping habits to starting a business of your own.

2. Recycle and compost

Many communities are experiencing problems with landfills that are getting too full. Producing too much trash pollutes the environment, and that's not good for your community's long-term health. You can do your part to help improve the situation by recycling and composting as much of your waste as possible.

If you want to go above and beyond, you could also spread awareness about how to recycle, or start a recycling program at your school or place of work. Composting is useful in more ways than one. It allows you to dispose of your food waste without putting it in the trash, and as a result you end up with rich soil you can use in your garden. Once you learn how to do it, show others how easy it can be.

3. Save energy and water

Using excessive electricity and water strains community resources. Saving energy and water is good for the planet as well as your local environment. Do your best to conserve energy and water and it will become an investment in your community's long-term health.

Turning off your lights when you're not using them, using energy-saving appliances, decreasing your reliance on air conditioning, turning down the temperature on your water heater, and unplugging your computer when you power it down are all ways you can help save energy.

Taking shorter showers, making sure your pipes aren't leaking, limiting your lawn watering, and using a low-water method of washing dishes are all ways you can help save water.

4. Be less reliant on your car

Communities that rely heavily on car transportation often experience elevated air pollution levels. Air pollution is not only detrimental to plants and animals, it causes major health problems for humans, too. Using your car less often decreases your carbon footprint, which helps your community.

You can try eco-friendly means of transport like walking or biking. It takes a little longer, but you see more along the way. You should also use public transportation. Even if your area doesn't have a great subway or elevated rail system, you probably have bus lines nearby.

A community feels more alive when people who live there love it enough to help improve it. Helping your community makes life better for your friends, family, and other people who live where you live. Here are some ideas on how to help your community to be strong and vibrant.

1. Support your local economy

Healthy communities have healthy local economies. People work together to help each other make a living and thrive. You can help improve the health of your local economy in many different ways, from changing your shopping habits to starting a business of your own.

2. Recycle and compost

Many communities are experiencing problems with landfills that are getting too full. Producing too much trash pollutes the environment, and that's not good for your community's long-term health. You can do your part to help improve the situation by recycling and composting as much of your waste as possible.

If you want to go above and beyond, you could also spread awareness about how to recycle, or start a recycling program at your school or place of work. Composting is useful in more ways than one. It allows you to dispose of your food waste without putting it in the trash, and as a result you end up with rich soil you can use in your garden. Once you learn how to do it, show others how easy it can be.

3. Save energy and water

Using excessive electricity and water strains community resources. Saving energy and water is good for the planet as well as your local environment. Do your best to conserve energy and water and it will become an investment in your community's long-term health.

Turning off your lights when you're not using them, using energy-saving appliances, decreasing your reliance on air conditioning, turning down the temperature on your water heater, and unplugging your computer when you power it down are all ways you can help save energy.

Taking shorter showers, making sure your pipes aren't leaking, limiting your lawn watering, and using a low-water method of washing dishes are all ways you can help save water.

4. Be less reliant on your car

Communities that rely heavily on car transportation often experience elevated air pollution levels. Air pollution is not only detrimental to plants and animals, it causes major health problems for humans, too. Using your car less often decreases your carbon footprint, which helps your community.

You can try eco-friendly means of transport like walking or biking. It takes a little longer, but you see more along the way. You should also use public transportation. Even if your area doesn't have a great subway or elevated rail system, you probably have bus lines nearby.