Hgap 6.11

Learning Goals

• Challenges to Urban Sustainability: 52-1

• Responses to Sustainability Challenges: 52-2

Urban Sustainability Overview

• Definition: Urban sustainability is a city's ability to utilize resources without depleting them over time, coupled with minimal environmental impact.

• Ecological Footprint: Cities have a significant ecological footprint representing the total use of natural resources and environmental impacts.

Challenges to Urban Sustainability

Threats to Sustainability

• Suburban Sprawl: Expanding urban areas lead to inefficient land use and increased resource consumption.

• Clean Resources: Cities struggle to provide clean air and water, essential to residents' health.

• Climate Change: Urban areas face severe impacts, necessitating adaptive strategies.

• Altered Landscapes: Urbanization transforms natural landscapes, leading to heavy resource usage and habitat destruction.

Urban Atmospheric Conditions

• Environmental Disconnect: Cities appear disconnected from natural environments, yet urban construction significantly alters them.

• Effects of Urbanization:

  • Increased temperatures (average 3.5°F higher than countryside).

  • Greater fog, cloudiness, and atmospheric pollution.

  • Higher rainfall (5-10% more) due to urban heat and particle accumulation.

• Urban Heat Island: Cities generate excess heat, leading to temperature concentration that raises energy demands and contributes to ecological footprints.

Water Usage and Runoff Patterns

• Consumption: Residential areas consume 80-100 gallons of water per person per day.

• Impact on Runoff: Pavement replaces vegetation, increasing runoff and the frequency of urban flooding.

Urban Vegetation

• Importance: Comprising about two-thirds of many cities, urban vegetation is vital for:

  • Water quality and quantity regulation

  • Air pollution absorption

  • Noise reduction

  • Habitat provision for wildlife

• Soil Stability: Vital in preventing landslides in areas with steep slopes.

Environmental Effects of Urbanization

• Consumption Increase: Urban lifestyles lead to heightened resource consumption impacting distant ecosystems (e.g., demand for meat affecting forests).

• Urban Footprint: The spatial extent of a city's environmental impact, significant in rapidly growing cities like Las Vegas.

Urbanization and Sustainability Strategies

Global Response Patterns

• Disaster Preparedness: Some cities lead in climate adaptation; Latin American cities are at the forefront (95% engaged in planning), while U.S. cities lag (59%).

• Challenges: Budget constraints and political barriers hinder effective climate action in U.S. cities.

Water and Sanitation Issues

• Developing Countries: Lack of infrastructure leads to severe water and sanitation issues. Only about 65% have access to clean water, and 40% are connected to sewers.

• Waste Management: Many cities inadequately manage waste disposal, leading to environmental contamination.

Air Quality Concerns

• Pollution Sources: Major contributors include automobiles and indoor fuels like charcoal and kerosene.

• Health Impacts: Poor air quality is linked to IQ reduction in children and increased mortality.

Energy Consumption Trends

• Fossil Fuel Reliance: Heavy dependence on nonrenewable energy sources contributes to urban air pollution.

• Regional Consumption Variations: China surpasses the U.S. in energy consumption; the EU decreased slightly due to efficiency improvements.

Natural Disaster Vulnerability

• Urban vs. Rural Risk: Cities are often more affected due to large populations but not necessarily more vulnerable overall.

• Impact on Poor Communities: Disproportionate risks from disasters often affect low-income neighborhoods with inadequate infrastructure.

Climate Change Adaptation

• Strategies: Cities can combat climate change through:

  • Emission reductions

  • Sustainable architecture (e.g., green roofs, walls)

• Global Trends: Growing focus on urban resilience to future climate challenges.

Brownfield Remediation

• Definition: Sites with previous contamination needing cleanup for future use.

• Pittsburgh Example: Success in transforming brownfields into productive spaces showcases potential benefits of remediation.

Government Protections

Farmland Protection Policies

• Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA): Aims to minimize federal contributions to farmland conversion.

• Scattered Developments: Significant adverse impacts on agricultural productivity and property rights of farmers.

Regional Planning Efforts

• Sustainable Development: Calls for preservation of open spaces and efficient urban growth to protect surrounding lands from degradation.

• Future Importance: Necessary conservation projects will continue to grow as urbanization trends rise.

Conclusion

• Urban Sustainability Debate: Ongoing conversation encompasses benefits of urbanization vs. environmental costs.

• Call to Action: Individuals are encouraged to support sustainable urban initiatives and minimize their ecological impact.