Sustainable Cities Chapter 22

urbanization

Basics Urbanization: shift from rural to urban living Agriculture gave rise to sedentary societies Industrialization has driven the move to urban centers Urbanization has slowed in developed nations (most people already live in cities & suburbs Since 1950: urban pop. Has quadrupled

Basics Urban growth slower in developed countries Poverty is becoming increasingly urbanized; mostly in developing countries Most fast-growing cities are in developing countries Urban development depends on climate, topography, waterways

Basics Portland, OR, developed due to confluence of Columbia & Willamette Rivers Chicago was served by several major rail hubs allowing for grain trading center & slaughterhouses

sprawl

Sprawl Refers to the spread of low-density urban or suburban development outward from an urban center Spread is outward

Causes Population growth Per capita land consumption has increased Government policies encouraged sprawl by via funding for interstate and other road-building projects

Downside Constrains transportation options Increases air pollution Promotes physical inactivity More land use Drains tax dollars from existing communities Water problems

Fighting Sprawl Smart growth Proponents want their communities to manage their growth in ways that maintain or improve quality of life Guiding the rate, placement, and style of development to serve environment, economy, and community

Principles of Smart Growth Mixed land uses Compact building design Range of housing opportunities and choices Walkable neighborhoods Distinctive, attractive neighborhoods Preserve open space Develop existing communities A variety of transportation choices Predictable development decisions Community collaboration in development decisions

Livable cities

City and Regional Planning Early standards for city planning were set by Daniel Burnham’s 1909 Plan of Chicago City planning attempts to design cities to maximize efficiency, functionality, and beauty Regional planning has become important today

City and Regional Planning Zoning is important Zoning is the practice of classifying areas for different types of development and land use Urban Growth Boundaries aim to revitalize downtowns; protect farms, forests, and their industries; and assure urban dwellers some access to open space near cities

New Urbanism A school of thought that seeks to design neighborhoods on a walkable scale, with homes, businesses, schools, and other amenities all close together New urbanist neighborhoods are generally connected to public transit systems Smart growth counters sprawl by managing the rate, placement, and style of development through policy initiatives

Transportation Options Improving the quality of urban life includes multiple transportation options available Mass transit options: cheaper, more energy efficient, and cleaner than automobiles, and also ease traffic congestion

Parks City parks were widely established at the turn of the last century Two sometimes conflicting goals motivated the establishment of early city parks a. They were pleasure grounds for the wealthy, b. They also alleviated congestion and allowed some escape for the poverty-stricken immigrants

Urban sustainability

Urban resource consumption brings a mix of environmental impacts Resource sinks — cities and towns must import from widespread sources nearly everything they need to feed, clothe, and house their inhabitants. Cities also export wastes Efficiency — cities should be able to minimize per capita consumption by maximizing the efficiency of resource use and delivery of goods and services

Urban resource consumption brings a mix of environmental impacts More consumption—the ecological footprints of cities are much greater than their actual land areas.

Urban resource consumption brings a mix of environmental impacts Noise pollution = undesired ambient sound Degrades aesthetic surroundings Can induce stress and harm hearing Light pollution = lights obscure the night sky, impairing the visibility of stars

Sustainability for Cities Cities promote a flourishing cultural life Urban ecology = cities can be viewed explicitly as ecosystems Fundamentals of ecology and systems apply to cities

Sustainable Cities Should… Use resources efficiently Recycle Develop environmentally friendly technologies Account fully for external costs Offer tax incentives for sustainable practices Use locally produced resources Use organic waste and wastewater to restore soil fertility Encourage urban agriculture