environmental science: toward a sustainable future richard t. wright sustainable communities and...
TRANSCRIPT
Environmental Science: Toward a Sustainable Future Richard T. Wright
Sustainable Communities and Lifestyles
PPT by Clark E. Adams
Chapter 24
Trenton Brownfield Site
Sustainable Communities and Lifestyles Urban sprawl Urban blight Moving toward sustainable communities Toward the common good
Urban Sprawl
Sprawl: extension of city perimeters outward in the countryside, one development after the next, with little plan as to where the expansion is going and no notion as to where it will stop.
The Origins of Urban Sprawl
Post–World War II demand for consumer goods: cheap cars and gas
Housing boom with low mortgage rates Highway Trust Fund
Impact of Highway Trust Fund
The Flight Continued
The results of a car-dependent lifestyle
City Suburbs Exurbs
Measuring Sprawl
Residential density Neighborhood mix of homes, stores, and
workplaces Accessibility of the street networks Strength of activity centers and
downtowns
Sprawl Scores: Low Scores Mean High Sprawl (see Table 23-2)
Conversion of Land to Developed Uses
Impacts of Urban Sprawl: Environmental
Environmental Impacts of Urban Sprawl: Simplify and Destabilize!
Photos by C. E. Adams
Impacts of Urban Sprawl: Quality of Life
Higher vehicle ownership and driving mileage
Greater risk of fatal accidents Lower rates of walking and lessened use
of mass-transit facilities
Impacts of Urban Sprawl: Quality of Life
No change in congestion delays Higher costs for municipal services Higher incidence of obesity and high blood
pressure
Benefits of Urban Sprawl
Lower-density residential living Larger lot sizes Larger single-family homes
Benefits of Urban Sprawl
Better quality public schools Lower crime rates Better social services Greater opportunity to participate in local
governments
Reining in Urban Sprawl: Smart Growth
“Smart Growth”: forces communities to purposely choose to develop in more environmentally sustainable ways. Sets boundaries on urban sprawl Saves open space Develops existing urban space Creates new towns
Urban Blight
Economic and ethnic segregation The vicious cycle of urban blight Economic exclusion of the inner city Urban blight in developing countries What makes cities livable?
Indicators of Urban Decay
Economic and ethnic segregation Eroding tax base Loss of social services Lowered property values Higher property taxes Deterioration of central city infrastructure
Segregation by Exurban Migration: White Flight
The Vicious Cycle of Urban Blight
Economic Exclusion of the Inner City
Urban Blight in Developing Countries
Slum communities No utility services No land ownership Crime and disease are endemic Expected to continue growing into middle of
century Continually overwhelmed by influx of rural
immigrants
Slum Community Needs
Home security More jobs Cheap transportation Government representation
(Slum Dwellers International – SDI at
http://www.sdinet.org)
What Makes Cities Livable?
Integrated living, working, and recreational spaces
Affordable housing Provisions for pedestrian and bicycle
traffic Protection of sensitive habitats
What Makes Cities Livable?
What Makes Cities Livable?
Reduced outward sprawl Reduced automobile traffic Improved access by foot or bicycle Mass transit
What Makes Cities Livable?
High population density Heterogeneity of residences and business People meet people, not cars
Moving toward Sustainable Communities
Sustainable cities Proximity of people to residences, shops, and
workplaces Use of solar energy Self-sufficiency in provision of food Stable population
Sustainable Communities
Renovation and recycling
Greenways development
Reclaimed waterways New industries
Toward the Common Good
Intergenerational equity Set national goals for sustainable
development Reduce conflict between business and
environmental groups Individual responsibility
The Common Good
Compassion Concern for justice Honesty Frugality Humility Neighborliness
Lifestyle Changes
Individual lifestyle changes Political involvement Membership and participation in NGO
environmental organizations Volunteer work Career choices
End of Chapter 23