There are many current projects around the world to support sustainable development and growth in urban areas. The general goal is to create livable cities in which people have open spaces, nature, and areas for congregation and relaxation. The idea is also to have well developed public transport systems that would reduce the need for cars and other transport that contribute to air pollution. Through good education programs, there can be less litter and reduced waste. Finally, the thoughtful use of more eco-friendly products, renewable energy, and materials can make a huge difference in reducing both waste production and energy use. Basically, cities can be built and developed in a way that is healthy for the local environment as well as those living within the city. Curitiba, Brazil, is a city that has become a model of sustainable city growth and quality urban planning. At the following links, you can learn more about the different ways in which Curitiba, and its mayor, have supported sustainable, environmentally friendly, urban growth.
Read and learn about this city at the following links and the textbook, then answer the questions below:
PBS Frontline report on Curitiba
City Profile - Curitiba, Brazil
Encyclopedia Britannica - Curitiba
Some videos to view:
Jaime Lerner: A song of the city Talk Video
Questions to answer:
- What is the most significant change or project in the city of Curitiba that you feel has influenced it becoming more livable, clean, or sustainable?
- What do you think the future steps in Curitiba should be? For example, what would be a good 'next project' to continue their movement forth in sustainable development and quality urban planning?
- Do you feel that any of the planning, projects, policy, education programs, and/or changes they have made would work well in your own city? Which one, and why? Explain.
Any materials cited should be referenced using the style guidelines established by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Introduction
The overview below will help you review the material covered in this unit.
Environmental Economics and Policies
- Environmental and natural resource economists study the tradeoffs associated with one of the most important scarce resources we have—nature. Economic activity generally affects the environment, usually negatively.
- Natural resources are used, and large amounts of waste are produced. These side effects can be seen as ways in which the actions of a producer impact the well being of a bystander. The market fails to allocate adequate resources to address such external costs because it is only concerned with buyers and sellers, not with the well-being of the environment. Only direct costs are considered relevant. External costs are harmful social or environmental effects caused by the production or consumption of economic goods.
- A cost-benefit analysis provides an estimate of the most economically efficient level of pollution reduction that is practical.
- Environmental laws today encompass a wide range of subjects such as air and water quality, hazardous wastes and biodiversity. The purpose of these environmental laws is to prevent, minimize, remedy and punish actions that threaten or damage the environment and those that live in it. Conventions, or treaties, generally set forth international environmental regulations. These conventions and treaties often result from efforts by international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) or the World Bank.
- It is often difficult, if not impossible, to enforce these regulations because of the sovereign rights of countries. In addition, rules and regulations set forth in such agreements may be no more than non-binding recommendations, and often countries are exempted from regulations due to economic or cultural reasons. Despite these shortcomings, the international community has achieved some success via its environmental agreements. These include an international convention that placed a moratorium on whaling (1986) and a treaty that banned the ocean dumping of wastes (1991).
Sustainability and Urban Infrastructure
- Urbanization is the study of the social, political, and economic relationships in cities.
- There are three prerequisites for the development of a city. First, good environment with fresh water and a favorable climate; second, advanced technology, which will produce a food surplus to support non-farmers; and third, strong social organization to ensure social stability and a stable economy.
- Urbanization levels are affected by two things – migration and natural increase.
- Global urbanization reached the 50 percent mark in 2008, meaning that more than half of the global population was living in cities compared to only 30 percent 50 years ago.
- The access to basic services— clean water, sanitation, electricity, and roads—are some of the main urbanization challenges facing the developing world.
- Long commute times, observed in sprawling metropolitan areas are unsustainable from many aspects. Various negative health and environmental consequences can be identified related to these development trends.
- Green urbanism is a conceptual model that seeks to transform and re-engineer existing city districts and regenerate the post-industrial city centre. It promotes the development of socially and environmentally sustainable city districts. The principles of green urbanism offer practical steps on the path to sustainable cities, harmonizing growth and usage of resources.
Reading Assignment
Doršner, K. (2020). Essentials of environmental science (2nd edition). Download the pdf.
Read chapters 16 and 17 in the textbook and answer the 'End of Chapter Review Questions' in each chapter.
Video Resources
Oxford Academic (Oxford University Press). (2015, December 27). Environmental economics: A very short introduction [Video]. YouTube.
Conservation Strategy Fund. (2014, May 15). Intro to cost-benefit analysis [Video]. YouTube.