Philosophical Aspects of Managing Environmental Values in Urbanised Areas: Copenhagen, Shenzhen and Kaunas

Abstract

This article offers a philosophical and ontological analysis of how environmental values are embodied in urban governance practices, using the examples of Copenhagen, Shenzhen and Kaunas. The initial hypothesis holds that sustainable development requires not only regulatory instruments but also the deep cultural integration of values. The study applies qualitative comparative analysis, hermeneutic examination of strategic documents, and phenomenological reduction. The findings show that in Copenhagen, values are integrated into everyday practices; in Shenzhen, they are reduced to digital metrics; in Kaunas, they are enacted through local initiatives. The conclusions highlight the importance of ethical infrastructures and cultural sensitivity in managing sustainable urban development.