Environmental Sustainability

Environmental Sustainability

1 . Explain how sustainable development relates to urban areas through the concept of the `compact city . What are the main criticisms of this concept

The concept of sustainable development , which promotes a balanced and wise use of resources to ensure that the needs of both the present and future generations are addressed , has become more accepted over the years . Urban areas are considered the key drivers and enablers of growth in any society . Sadly , this also means that it is in urban areas where the greatest environmental damage can

occur in the process of development . Environmentalists have , therefore , focused on how urban areas can be shaped to enhance sustainable development

One of the concepts introduced to address this concern is the `compact city . A compact city is a highly-dense urban settlement built around the centre of social and commercial activity , which , in turn , is located at mass transport stations . A compact city produces less carbon emissions because it promotes less dependency on fuel-powered vehicles and reduced power consumption due to the concentration of activities in one area . Moreover , air quality is better in a compact city because it has more green space that absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen through photosynthesis . The form of a compact city likewise facilitates easier management and treatment of human wastes , both solid wastes and wastewater

While the concept of a compact city presents a number of benefits , it has yet to address certain issues . Critics ask what will happen to a compact...