Chapter 22: Sustainable Cities

Smart Growth

a way to encourage more environmentally sustainable development; encourages clustered, mixed- use neighborhoods.

Urban residents

tend to live longer and have a lower infant mortality rate- better access to medical care, family planning, and social services.

Huge ecological footprints

consume most of Earth’s resources and produces most of the carbon dioxide emissions, high resource input of food, water, and materials resulting in high waste output.

Megalopolis

chain of roughly adjacent metropolitan areas; very large cities.

Environmental advantages

recycling is more feasible, reduces stress on wildlife, and saves energy when relying on mass transit.

Excessive noise

urban dwellers are subject to noise pollution- any unwanted or harmful sound that interferes with hearing, causes stress, etc.

Land use planning

To determine the best present and future use of land.

Urbanization

The creation and growth of urban and suburban areas.

Cluster development

High- density housing units are concentrated on one portion of a parcel and the rest of the land is used for commonly shared open space (live, work, play communities)

Water problems

water demands increase, deeper well drilling, flooding due to a lot of impermeable surfaces, and destroyed wetlands.

Compact Cities

high density like Hong Kong, Tokyo where people get around by foot, bike, or mass transit, many high- rise apartment buildings.

Urbanization

The creation and growth of urban and suburban areas

Urban Sprawl

The growth of low-density development on the edges of cities and towns

Megalopolis

chain of roughly adjacent metropolitan areas; very large cities

Huge ecological footprints

consume most of Earths resources and produces most of the carbon dioxide emissions, high resource input of food, water, and materials resulting in high waste output

Lack of vegetation

vegetation is destroyed to make way for roads, buildings, and housing therefore cities do not benefit from the natural absorption of air pollution, oxygen output, and shade

Water problems

water demands increase, deeper well drilling, flooding due to a lot of impermeable surfaces, and destroyed wetlands

Concentrate pollution and health problems

pollution levels are higher because pollution is produced in a smaller area and cannot be dispersed and diluted

Different climates experience light pollution

cities are generally warmer, rainier, and cloudier; the enormous amount of heat is generated by factories, lights, air conditioners, etc

Slums

areas dominated by tenements and rooming houses where several people may live in a single room

Shantytowns

shacks are built on the outskirts of town Squatter

Settlements

people take unoccupied land without permission for survival

Compact Cities

high density like Hong Kong, Tokyo where people get around by foot, bike, or mass transit, many high-rise apartment buildings

Dispersed Cities

the city is more spread own because of plentiful land, cheap gasoline, and a network of highway systems

Car-Centered Cities

ample land is available for outward expansion resulting in urban sprawl, and passenger vehicles are the main mode of transportation

Land-use planning

To determine the best present and future use of land

Smart Growth

a way to encourage more environmentally sustainable development; encourages clustered, mixed-use neighborhoods

Cluster development

High-density housing units are concentrated on one portion of a parcel and the rest of the land is used for commonly shared open space (live, work, play communities)

Walkability

most stores and recreational activities located within 10 minute's walk of homes and apartments

Mixed Use and Diversity

provides a mix of pedestrian-friendly shops, offices, and homes to encourage people of all ages and races to move in

Smart Transportation

well-designed train and bus systems connecting neighborhoods, towns, and cities