UNIT 6: Urban Development

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand importance and nature of urbanization.

  • Recognize environmental issues in Canadian cities.

  • Assess city impacts on the environment.

  • Identify vulnerabilities and best practices for cities.

  • Develop strategies to reduce urban environmental impact.

Introduction

  • In 2008, more than half the global population lived in urban areas.

  • By 2030, an estimated 5 billion people will live in cities, primarily in Africa and Asia.

  • Presently, 81% of Canadians live in urban areas, with major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal hosting 35% of the population.

Trends in Cities

  • Increase in low-rise, low-density homes, excluding major cities.

  • Homes are further from city centers, larger but occupied by fewer people.

  • Increased commuting times leading to more GHG emissions and productivity loss.

  • Urban sprawl increases servicing and transportation costs while contributing to habitat loss.

Urban Sustainability Definition

  • Urban sustainability maintains urban quality of life through economic, ecological, and social perspectives by assessing:

    • Urban form

    • Transportation

    • Energy

    • Waste management

Urban Form

  • Refers to building and road distribution impacting the environment.

  • Smaller urban forms are more beneficial; urban sprawl leads to loss of land and higher GHG emissions.

Urban Sprawl

  • Defined as uncontrolled urban expansion characterized by low-density housing.

  • Causes include:

    • Developer preference for suburban expansion.

    • Economic factors favoring lower-cost development.

Environmental Impacts of Urban Sprawl

  • Increased energy usage and air pollution.

  • Water quality degradation due to runoff.

  • Loss of agricultural land and habitats.

Transportation

  • Low-density areas lead to higher GHG emissions and car dependency.

  • Approximately 60% of energy used in transportation in Canada is for moving people.

  • The shift towards longer commuting times increases reliance on highways.

Waste Management

  • Waste production varies with household characteristics; apartment dwellers typically generate less waste.

  • Incineration for energy recovery is controversial.

  • Canada's diversion rates vary; Calgary targets 70% by 2025, current rate at 30%.

Environmental Issues in Cities

  • Major pollutants contribute to approximately 7 million deaths annually.

  • Urban air quality improvement, but increases in photochemical smog detected.

  • Respiratory issues prevalent; older adults and children are most affected.

Urban Heat Island Effect

  • Urban areas are 2-6°C hotter than surrounding areas.

  • Solutions include increasing green spaces and using reflective materials in buildings.

Brownfield Sites

  • Abandoned industrial sites contaminated by outdated disposal processes; hazardous chemicals can leach into groundwater.

Vulnerabilities to Hazards

  • Urban areas are susceptible to natural/human hazards, worsened by climate change and poor infrastructure.

Best Practices for Urban Management

  • Include sustainable development strategies and community engagement.

  • Smart growth techniques promote mixed-use, density, and transit options.

Conclusion

  • Cities present both advantages and disadvantages:

    • Advantages: Economic growth, cultural diversity, and better resource access.

    • Disadvantages: High resource consumption, pollution, and health problems.

  • It is crucial to balance urban growth with sustainable practices to mitigate environmental impacts.

Importance of Urbanization

  • In 2008, more than half the global population lived in urban areas, illustrating the growing trend towards city living.

  • By 2030, an estimated 5 billion people will reside in cities, primarily in Africa and Asia.

  • Presently, 81% of Canadians live in urban areas, with major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal hosting 35% of the population.

Urban Sprawl and Urban Form

  • Urban sprawl is defined as uncontrolled urban expansion characterized by low-density housing. It leads to increased energy usage, air pollution, and loss of agricultural land.

  • Urban form refers to the distribution of buildings and roads, which impact the environment. Smaller urban forms are more beneficial, while urban sprawl contributes to habitat loss and higher greenhouse gas emissions.

Impact of Cities on the Environment

  • Cities contribute to approximately 7 million deaths annually due to major pollutants.

  • While urban air quality has improved, photochemical smog levels have increased, contributing to respiratory issues, particularly in older adults and children.

  • The Urban Heat Island Effect causes urban areas to be 2-6°C hotter than surrounding areas, worsened by lack of green spaces.

Environmental Issues in Canadian Cities

  • Urban sprawl increases commuting times leading to greater GHG emissions and higher reliance on highways.

  • Waste production varies among households; apartment dwellers typically generate less waste. Canada's diversion rates vary, with Calgary targeting 70% by 2025 but currently at only 30%.

Best Strategies to Reduce Urban Impact on Environment

  • Implementing sustainable development strategies and engaging communities in urban planning is crucial.

  • Smart growth techniques that promote mixed-use developments, increased density, and improved transit options should be prioritized.

Urban Sustainability

  • Urban sustainability maintains urban quality of life by balancing economic, ecological, and social perspectives, focusing on urban form, transportation, energy, and waste management.

  • Different cities exhibit varying levels of urban sustainability based on their policies, infrastructure, and community engagement.

Smarter Sprawl vs. Traditional Sprawl

  • Traditional sprawl involves low-density housing with significant ecological footprints, whereas smarter sprawl focuses on sustainable development practices that incorporate mixed-use areas and preserve green spaces.

  • To implement smarter sprawl, cities can enforce zoning regulations that encourage higher density, integrate transit-oriented development, and prioritize green building practices.

Comparative Populations of Canadian Cities

  • Major urban centers in Canada such as Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal have significant populations, reflecting the urbanization trends influencing ecological and social dynamics.

Waste Management and Environmental Issues

  • Key issues include differences in waste management, challenges in recycling, and the prevalence of brownfield sites characterized by contaminated land from industrial activities.

  • The Urban Heat Island Effect exacerbates energy consumption and air quality issues in cities, while brownfield remediation is critical for urban renewal and sustainability initiatives.