Urbanization Impacts of Urban Cities Sustainable Alternatives Definitions

Urbanization Impacts of Urban Cities & Sustainable Alternatives

Definitions • Urban (metropolitan) area = town plus its suburbs o City = large number of people with a variety of professions who depend on resources from the outside of city boundary • Rural area = an area with a population less than 2, 500 people o Village = group of rural households linked by custom, culture, family ties. Historical utilization of natural resources

Urbanization & Urban growth • Degree of urbanization is percentage of population living in an urban area • Urban growth due to: o natural increase - births o immigration - poor are pulled to urban areas or are pushed from rural areas • Trends of urban growth: o Increase of 2% to 45% of people in urban areas since 1850 o By 2050 about 63% of the world’s people will be living in urban areas.

Urbanization & Urban growth • The number of large cities is mushrooming o In 2001: • more than 400 cities have over 1 mil. or more people. (564 today? ) • 18 megacities with over 10 mil. People o London (11 mil), Moscow (13 mil), LA (17 mil) • Hypercities (more than 20 million people) o New York (22 mil), Mexico City (22. 6 mil), Tokyo (34 mil)

Many of these cities are in developing countries/areas and are already short on water and/or have waste & pollution problems.

Urbanization & Urban Growth • Urban growth is slower in developed countries o 75% of the people live in cities. But by 2030 it will be 81%. • Poverty is becoming increasingly urbanizedurban growth much faster in developing countries: o slums, squatter settlements and shantytowns o At least 1 billion people live in crowded slums of inner cities. No access to water, sewer, electricity, education, etc. 100 mil people are homeless & sleep on the streets. • Case study - Mexico City

Mexico City • The world’s second largest city with 18 million people or one in five Mexicans o severe air pollution (over 4 million cars & 30, 000 factories) within a valley that causes an estimated 100, 000 premature deaths/year o high unemployment rate, close to 50% o high crime rate o over one-third (6 million) of its residents live in slums (barrios) without running water, sewer (but running sewage attracting rats and flies), or electricity o high infection rates i. e. salmonella, hepatitis

Advantages of Urbanization o Population concentration impacts biodiversity less • 46% world pop in urban areas = 4% land area o Per capita expenditures on environmental protection high in urban areas o Centers of industry, commerce, and innovations in science/technology • spurs economic development o Better access to services- cost advantages to government in delivering goods and services. • Public transportation networks feasible • Recycling more economically feasible • Access to medical care, family planning, education, social services, shelter, and environmental information § Live longer/lower IMR than rural § Reduced fertility/growth

Disadvantages of Urbanization I • Huge ecological footprint o Destruction of plant life - what is $ value? • Still consume large quantities of resources even though only living on small % of land • Cities produce little of own food § Large areas of land must be disturbed/degraded to provide food, water, energy, etc. • Cropland, fertile soil, forests, wetlands, wildlife habitats lost • 58 times the land area of London is needed to sustain its residents with resources based on their lifestyle (=4 earths if everyone lived this way) o Produce most of world’s air & water pollution and solid/hazardous wastes • Hard to disperse/dilute/clean up such high concentrations of waste and pollution • High pollution exposure (health effects to human pop. ) • Urban heat island effect dust dome (see slide 12) • NOT a sustainable system!

Compare with p. 265 figure 11 -24

p. 266 • The enormous amount of heat generated creates an urban heat island • Additional heat changes climate of surrounding area • Keep polluted air from being diluted and cleansed

Disadvantages of Urbanization II • Water supply and flooding problems o o o Help cool air Reduce soil erosion Muffle noise Provide habitats Give aesthetic pleasure o High water demands o Reservoirs, canals, dams, wells deprive rural and wild areas of water • High population density o Buildings/asphalt causes means… precipitation to runoff o Easily spread infectious disease quickly and overload storm o High incidence of physical injuries drains (industry/traffic) • Have fewer trees/plants o High crime rates that o Noise pollution o Absorb pollutants o Create oxygen

Noise Pollution • Excessive noise exposure health effects o Hearing loss, hypertension, muscle tension, migraines, headaches, higher cholesterol levels, gastric ulcers, irritability, insomnia, psychological disorders, aggression

United States Urbanization 1800 - 2008 = 5%-79% • • Migration from rural areas to metropolitan areas Large central cities to suburbs North east to South and West Major Urban Problems in the U. S. o Deteriorating services o Aging infrastructures- streets, schools, bridges, housing, sewers o Budget crunches from lost tax revenues as businesses and affluent people move to suburbs o Rising poverty in central city areas where unemployment is high (and this increases the incidence of violence & drugs) o Urban sprawl - growth of low-density development on edges of cities and towns

75% of the US population live in urban areas occupying 3% of the country’s land area

Urban Sprawl • Encouraged by: - availability of ample, cheap land (forests, agricultural fields etc. ) - government loans guarantees for new singlefamily homes (veterans of WWII) - government & state funding of highways - low-cost gasoline encourage car use - zoning laws requiring 0 residential and commercial separation - Problem? Encourages dependence on cars - p. 264, figure 11 -23

Impacts of Urban Sprawl Land Biodiversity Increased runoff Contaminated drinking water & air Increased surface water & groundwater pollution Noise pollution Increased use of surface water & groundwater Loss of cropland Loss of forests & grasslands Loss of wetlands Loss & fragmentation of wildlife habitats Increased wildlife road kill Increased soil erosion Water Human Health and Aesthetics Sky illumination at night Traffic congestion Decreased storage of Surface water & groundwater Increased flooding Decreased natural Sewage treatment

Impacts of Urban Sprawl Energy, Air, and Climate Economic Effects Increased energy use and waste Higher taxes Increased air pollution Decline of downtown business districts Increased greenhouse gas Emissions Enhanced global warming Warmer microclimate (heat island effect) Increased unemployment in central city Loss of tax base in central city

Major Spatial Patterns • Concentric Circle City such as New York • Sector City is the large urban area extending from San Francisco to San Jose, CA • Multiple Nuclei City is Los Angeles • Megalopolis is when separate cities join such as the Bowash, Chipitts

Concentric Circle Model 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Central business district (CBD) Deteriorating transition zone Worker’s homes Middle-class suburbs Commuter's zone

Sector Model 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. High-rent residential Intermediate-rent residential Low-rent residential Education and recreation Transportation Industrial Core (CBD)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Multiple-Nuclei Model CBD Wholesale, light manufacturing Low-rent residential Intermediate-rent residential High-rent residential Heavy manufacturing Outlying business district Residential Suburb Industrial Suburb

Megalopolis

Advantages and Disadvantages to Urbanization Review from Friday

Advantages of Urbanization o Population concentration impacts biodiversity less • 46% world pop in urban areas = 4% land area o Per capita expenditures on environmental protection high in urban areas o Centers of industry, commerce, and innovations in science/technology • spurs economic development o Better access to services- cost advantages to government in delivering goods and services. • Public transportation networks feasible • Recycling more economically feasible • Access to medical care, family planning, education, social services, shelter, and environmental information § Live longer/lower IMR than rural § Reduced fertility/growth

Disadvantages of Urbanization I • Huge ecological footprint o Destruction of plant life - what is $ value? • Still consume large quantities of resources even though only living on small % of land • Cities produce little of own food § Large areas of land must be disturbed/degraded to provide food, water, energy, etc. • Cropland, fertile soil, forests, wetlands, wildlife habitats lost • 58 times the land area of London is needed to sustain its residents with resources based on their lifestyle (=4 earths if everyone lived this way) o Produce most of world’s air & water pollution and solid/hazardous wastes • Hard to disperse/dilute/clean up such high concentrations of waste and pollution • High pollution exposure (health effects to human pop. ) • Urban heat island effect dust dome (see slide 12) • NOT a sustainable system!

Compare with p. 265 figure 11 -24

p. 266 • The enormous amount of heat generated creates an urban heat island • Additional heat changes climate of surrounding area • Keep polluted air from being diluted and cleansed

Disadvantages of Urbanization II • Water supply and flooding problems o o o Help cool air Reduce soil erosion Muffle noise Provide habitats Give aesthetic pleasure o High water demands o Reservoirs, canals, dams, wells deprive rural and wild areas of water • High population density o Buildings/asphalt causes means… precipitation to runoff o Easily spread infectious disease quickly and overload storm o High incidence of physical injuries drains (industry/traffic) • Have fewer trees/plants o High crime rates that o Noise pollution o Absorb pollutants o Create oxygen

Noise Pollution • Excessive noise exposure health effects o Hearing loss, hypertension, muscle tension, migraines, headaches, higher cholesterol levels, gastric ulcers, irritability, insomnia, psychological disorders, aggression

Transportation & Urban Development

Transportation & Urban Development • Determines where people live, how far they go to work and buy stuff, how much land is paved, and how much air pollution people are exposed to. • Cities grow up if they can’t grow out; more prone to use mass transit. • Urban sprawl due to cheap gas and land highways; dispersed car-centered cities use 10 x more energy.

• Nakagin Capsule Tower • LA "Smogtown" VS.

Motor Vehicle Concentration • Ground transportation: individual (cars, etc. ) and mass (buses and rail) • U. S. (5% of world pop. ) has 35% of cars and trucks (in world) o We use the car for 98% of all urban transportation, and 91% of travel to work o Robert Samuelson- “Cars expand to fill available concrete. ” (p. 268) • Harmful costs of driving in U. S. ($300 -350 bill/yr. ) o Deaths/injuries; Health insurance; Air/water pollution; CO 2 emissions • Solutions? o Tax gasoline higher (20%? !); use revenues to fund mass systems, bike paths, sidewalks o Charging tolls/Parking fees o $ benefits on mortgage for non-car users • Opposition o o Political opposition- public & industry Other 4% Mass transit not widely available Urban sprawl Public transit 5% We ♥ cars Car pool 11% Drive alone 80% transit

Alternatives to Cars • Motor scooters o affordable! o effort to change to electric • Riding bicycles o o o less pollution/dangerous than cars more efficient than walking faster in congested areas fewer resources needed to make bicycles available for public use bike and ride systems o o IF people use them… less pollution/dangerous than cars more efficient (energy & time) less land needed • Mass transit (rail=subway, metros, trolleys, trams) • Rapid rail o between urban areas, 200 mph o replace planes o $$$ • Buses o More flexible/less expensive than rail o Curitiba, Brazil (p. 270 -1) Bullet

Making Urban Areas Sustainable Case Study: p. 270 -271 Guest Essay: p. 272 -273

Land-Use Planning • Determining the best present and future use of each parcel of land in the area. o Assuming growth/development should be encouraged • may lead to urban sprawl o Why? 90% governmental revenue comes from property taxes • Needed for schools, police, fire dept, water, sewer, etc. • More growth = more $ o Long term results? • Poorly managed economic growth environmental degradation

Smart Growth Tools for Cities • Smart Growth- encouraging development that requires less dependence on cars/emphasizes environmental awareness. o Zoning- various parcels of land are designated for certain uses. • Drawbacks (if not used properly): o Destroy pristine ecosystems/ecosystem services o Favor things that bring in money over environmentally sensitive areas o Can stifle innovative approaches to urban problem solving o Planning • Shopping in close proximity to residences • High population density near mass transit (zoning) • Open space squares/parks o Other (p. 274, Figure 11 -27) • Protection • Regulations • Taxes/Tax Breaks • Revitalization

Opposition? • Hinder economic growth • Too restrictive • Too much government control • Are these valid critiques? o Practices of European countries with success • National agencies regulate development • High gas tax live close to work/limit car use • High tax on heating fuel apartments/small houses • Use revenues trains/mass transit o Compare these two kitchens:

• Other Solutions Urbanization favored over sprawl BUT MUST be done in a way that makes the city SUSTAINABLE & LIVABLE • “Ecocities” o Good ecological design emphasizing: • Mimic earth’s circular metabolism (p. 74 vs. p. 73) • Prevent pollution/Reduce waste o Recycle/Reuse/Compost 60%+ o Treat sewage using living machines/wastewater gardens o Brownfields/Polluted creeks cleaned up/restored • Efficient use of energy/resources o Solar and other renewable energy resources o All buildings/vehicles/appliances high energy-efficiency stdrds. • Encourage biodiversity o Local/endemic plants/trees provide beauty & wildlife habitats, reduce pollution/noise/erosion o Lawns with organic gardens/endemic species (rather than grass) o Nearby forests, grasslands, wetlands, farms preserved (no sprawl) • Walking/Mass transit • Food from organic farms, greenhouses, community/individual gardens

A sustainable world… • …will be powered by the sun; constructed from materials that circulate repeatedly; made mobile by trains, buses, and bicycles; populated at sustainable levels; and centered around just, equitable, and tight-knit communities. -Gary Gardner

International Development Days Vancouver, BC October 2 – 4, 2002 Maureen C. Shaw Industrial Accident Prevention Association October 3, 2002 Email: mshaw@iapa. on. ca Website: www. iapa. on. ca

"A World where risks are controlled because everyone believes suffering and loss are morally, socially and economically unacceptable. " To improve the quality of life in workplaces and communities we serve by being an internationally recognized leader in providing effective programs, products and services for the prevention of injury and illness.

Essential Components of Sustainable Cities Environmental Integrity • living within ecological limits • protecting natural resources • responsible consumption patterns; re-use & recycling • measurable carrying capacity indicators Economic Security • local, regional economic viability • opportunities for employment • economic justice/equity • reduce gap between rich and poor • economic security • appropriate technology and economics • long term view not short term gains Quality of Life • • • Source Dr. Warren Flint Five E’s Unlimited diversity cooperation health education communication compassion • efficient, affordable, accessible transportation • linking jobs to housing and communities • honouring culture • pluralism and tolerance Democratic Participation • communication, education, information, collaboration • all stakeholders represented and involved • power from within the community • belief in the possibility of change • democracy • accountability • personal dignity • grassroots organizations

Ensuring Health, Safety, Wellness & Security of Employees Management of Natural Resources Conservation Minimizing Waste Recycling Traditional Corporate Responsibilities Minimizing Pollution Compliance with Regulations & Legislation Based on European Sustainable Cities Report

Social Responsibility to Community & Workplace Activities Support of Cultural Heritage Maureen C. Shaw - IAPA Sharing Best Practices Mentoring Corporate Community & Workplace Leadership Imperatives Concern for Individuals Colleagues & Neighbours Political Influence Locally Nationally

Closing Thoughts…. Cities contain many Communities q In our globalized economies, if we are to be successful in business and as a society we must, above all else, care for people. Human sustainability must be the core of what we do. q Healthy, safe and environmentally sound workplaces are integral to successfully achieving sustainable cities. q We need to collaborate, communicate and coordinate our knowledge, experience and resources toward this shared goal. The Safe Community model and its experience is transferable as well as transformational.

To study: