GREEN SPACE EVALUATION OF SHAH ALAM LOW CARBON CITY, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

This study examines Shah Alam's progress towards achieving its 2030 low-carbon city goal, focusing on the balance between rapid development, population growth, and carbon emissions. It emphasizes the necessity of a holistic approach to sustainable urban development that integrates societal needs with environmental concerns. The study aims to identify (i) the defining characteristics of green spaces in Shah Alam and (ii) the effectiveness of stakeholders' development strategies related to these green spaces. A qualitative methodology was adopted, utilizing six expert interviews conducted both face-to-face and online. Thematic analysis of these interviews revealed detailed insights into the interplay between green spaces and low-carbon urban development. A strong correlation was found between the attributes of green spaces and their carbon absorption capacity, influenced by factors such as area size, plant diversity, and absorption rates. Initiatives like the "Tree for Life" campaign have notably advanced the low-carbon city goals through strategic green space development. These collective efforts underscore the growing trend towards sustainable urban environments and highlight the critical role of comprehensive programs in enhancing green spaces to achieve low-carbon, sustainable cities.