In the heart of North Bali, Singaraja City is undergoing a rapid transformation that is reshaping its ecological landscape and posing significant challenges to sustainability. A recent study published in the *SHS Web of Conferences* (translated from French as *Conference Proceedings in Humanities and Social Sciences*) sheds light on the environmental impacts of urban zoning changes in the region, offering critical insights for urban planners, policymakers, and the energy sector.
Led by Astra Wesnawa I Gede from Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, the research delves into the dynamics of zoning changes and their environmental repercussions between 1984 and 2020. Using medium-scale satellite imagery from Google Earth and processed with QGIS, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of long-term spatio-temporal dynamics of land-use transformation.
The findings are stark: the number of central business districts (CBDs) in Singaraja has surged from two to eight, while rural fringe zones have vanished entirely by 2020. Sub-districts have been categorized into three impact levels: highly significant, significant, and minimal. “These transformations have contributed to ecological degradation, including the loss of green open space, conversion of agricultural land, increased pressure on water resources, and heightened risks of flooding and seawater intrusion,” explains Astra Wesnawa I Gede.
For the energy sector, these changes present both challenges and opportunities. Urban densification often correlates with increased energy demand, particularly in commercial and residential areas. The loss of green open spaces and agricultural land can exacerbate urban heat island effects, potentially raising energy consumption for cooling. Additionally, the heightened risk of flooding and seawater intrusion could impact infrastructure, including energy distribution networks.
However, the study also underscores the need for adaptive, ecology-based spatial planning policies. “Urban densification in Singaraja generates considerable ecological risks,” notes Astra Wesnawa I Gede. “Adaptive, ecology-based spatial planning policies are therefore urgently required to mitigate environmental impacts and support sustainable urban development in coastal North Bali.”
The research published in *SHS Web of Conferences* highlights the importance of integrating ecological considerations into urban planning. For the energy sector, this means investing in resilient infrastructure and exploring renewable energy sources that can withstand the environmental pressures brought about by rapid urbanization.
As Singaraja continues to evolve, the lessons from this study could shape future developments in urban zoning and sustainability. By adopting adaptive policies and integrating ecological principles, cities can mitigate environmental impacts and foster sustainable growth. The energy sector, in particular, has a crucial role to play in this transition, ensuring that infrastructure is resilient and sustainable in the face of urban transformation.