There are key components to a sustainable city. Please comp ✓ Solved
There are key components to a sustainable city. Please complete the chart below and add details describing each of the components listed below. Be sure to include why they are important in creating a sustainable city. Additionally, consider how they influence the safety, convenience, and livability of the city.
• Fossil fuels energy generate from electricity
• Mass transit supporting urban life for people around the world.
• Transportation policy choice in urban security and energy
• Lowering greenhouse gas emissions
• Urban growing population low carbon improve building efficiency
• Reduce, reuse, recycle generate the minimum amount of waste
• Waste collection is protection of environment, health of the population
• Nuclear waste cause extensive groundwater contamination
• Reduce solid waste, water consumption, energy, and air pollution
• Integration of water, waste, energy, and agriculture
• Countries of economic development
• Infrastructure economic growth around the nation
• Road environment on road safety contributions traffic
• New infrastructure increase energy demand.
• Healthier, more livable, productive cities
• Trees, grass, yards parks landscape open area
• Great benefit to the environment
• Efficiency, reliable, and safe energy systems and open space
• Green space develop health benefits
• Open space for residents to positive influence
Clean Energy is a key component of a sustainable city listed above. There are several types of renewable energy sources that provide clean energy compared to fossil fuels.
You have the opportunity to move with a new job to a city center, nice suburb, or rural community. You strive to be sustainable and environmentally friendly in all you do. Please complete the chart below by listing 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages, from a sustainable standpoint, of each living condition, to help you make your decision: (12 points)
a. City Center:
b. Suburb:
c. Rural Community:
Finally, which one would you choose and why?
Paper For Above Instructions
Key Components of a Sustainable City
Sustainable cities are essential for minimizing environmental degradation and enhancing the quality of life for their inhabitants. The first key component is the reliance on fossil fuel energy generated from electricity. It is crucial to transition away from fossil fuels due to their substantial contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, which are the primary drivers of climate change. This transition not only influences safety by reducing air pollution-related health issues, but also enhances convenience as renewable energy systems become more cost-effective and widespread, consequently improving the overall livability of the city.
Mass transit systems also play a vital role in sustainable urban living. Public transportation reduces the number of individual vehicles on the road, thereby decreasing traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and pollutants. This not only impacts safety and convenience but also promotes a sense of community by improving access to jobs and services. In densely populated urban areas, effective mass transit systems are critical for both environmental sustainability and social equality.
Furthermore, transportation policies that favor non-motorized forms of transport, such as biking or walking, are vital in urban planning. These policies support urban security by creating safer streets, enhancing the overall convenience of getting around, and making cities more livable through the promotion of active lifestyles and community interactions.
Another key aspect is the integration of urban agriculture. Urban farming practices can significantly address food insecurity while promoting local sustainability. Communities that prioritize urban agriculture benefit from reduced transportation costs, bolstered local economies, and improved public health. Such initiatives also foster community engagement and create green spaces, enhancing city livability.
Reducing waste through reduce, reuse, recycle initiatives is another fundamental component. Cities can encourage waste minimization practices that not only protect the environment but also promote economic efficiency. These practices influence safety by reducing waste management hazards, increase convenience through accessible recycling programs, and enhance livability by maintaining clean, pleasant environments.
Another pressing concern is nuclear waste; managing this waste is essential to mitigate groundwater contamination risks. Implementing advanced waste management strategies is critical to public health and safety and contributes to greater community trust in municipal systems, enhancing overall convenience in living conditions.
Additionally, green infrastructure such as trees, parks, and open spaces significantly contribute to the sustainability of urban environments. These green areas not only provide aesthetic values but also contribute to environmental health by filtering pollutants and providing habitats. Importantly, they influence community health and well-being, as they offer recreational spaces, reduce heat island effects, and enhance livability by providing residents with natural settings for engagement and relaxation.
Finally, efficient and reliable energy systems are necessary for sustainability. Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, demonstrate a shift from traditional fossil fuels. These energy sources significantly contribute to a city's sustainability by reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, promoting health, safety, and livability for residents.
Types of Renewable Energy
| Type of Energy Source | How Energy is Produced | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | Utilizes wind turbines to convert wind energy into electricity. | Renewable, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and creates jobs. | Dependent on wind availability; can impact local wildlife. |
| Solar | Captures sunlight to generate electricity through panels. | Ample resource, reduces electricity bills, and low environmental impact. | High initial cost, and efficiency can vary with weather. |
| Hydropower | Generates energy via water flow in dams. | Reliable energy source and storage potential. | Environmental impact on aquatic ecosystems. |
| Geothermal | Exploits heat from the Earth's interior for energy. | Consistent energy source; minimal land footprint. | Limited geographic availability; potential for induced seismicity. |
| Bioenergy | Derived from organic materials and waste. | Reduces waste, renewable if sustainably managed. | Can produce greenhouse gases; might compete with food production. |
Living Conditions Analysis
Considering a move to either a city center, suburb, or rural community, each living condition presents its own advantages and disadvantages from a sustainability perspective:
- City Center:
- Advantage 1: Access to mass transit and reduced reliance on cars.
- Advantage 2: High density that fosters local economies and reduces land use.
- Disadvantage 1: Higher cost of living and potential for increased pollution.
- Disadvantage 2: Overcrowded and may lack green spaces.
- Suburb:
- Advantage 1: More space and potential for personal gardens and green infrastructure.
- Advantage 2: Community oriented with opportunities for local involvement.
- Disadvantage 1: Dependence on cars for transportation.
- Disadvantage 2: Urban sprawl may impact ecosystems.
- Rural Community:
- Advantage 1: Potential for self-sustainability through agriculture.
- Advantage 2: Less densely populated, promoting a quieter, natural environment.
- Disadvantage 1: Limited access to healthcare and other services.
- Disadvantage 2: Generally lower public transportation options.
Conclusion
After considering all factors, I would choose to live in the suburb. This option offers a balance between the convenience of urban living while providing a more spacious environment that allows for sustainable practices such as gardening and local farming initiatives.
References
- United Nations. (2017). Sustainable Development Goals. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-cities/
- World Health Organization. (2016). Urban Green Spaces and Health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/urban-green-spaces-and-health
- European Commission. (2019). The European Green Deal. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2019). Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions
- World Resources Institute. (2018). The Urban Sustainability Index. Retrieved from https://www.wri.org/publication/urban-sustainability-index
- American Bar Association. (2020). Water and Wastewater Issues in Sustainable Communities. Retrieved from https://www.americanbar.org/groups/environment_energy_resources/publications/aba_podcast/2020/water-and-wastewater-issues-in-sustainable-communities/
- Nature Conservancy. (2019). The Role of Trees in Urban Communities. Retrieved from https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/priority-landscapes/urban/
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2020). Renewable Energy Basics. Retrieved from https://www.nrel.gov/research/re-renewable-energy-basics.html
- International Renewable Energy Agency. (2021). Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2020. Retrieved from https://www.irena.org/publications/2021/Jun/Renewable-Power-Generation-Costs-in-2020