tag:theconversation.com,2011:/au/topics/green-infrastructure-22601/articles
Green infrastructure – The Conversation
2024-03-19T12:23:06Z
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/223836
2024-03-19T12:23:06Z
2024-03-19T12:23:06Z
How ghost streams and redlining’s legacy lead to unfairness in flood risk, in Detroit and elsewhere
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/580202/original/file-20240306-26-nqkhke.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">The Detroit River inundated Detroit's Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood in 2021.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/HighWaterDetroitFlooding/35df93ae560e4e13912b5f36456d2e8d/photo?Query=detroit%20flood&mediaType=photo&sortBy=&dateRange=Anytime&totalCount=74&currentItemNo=18">AP/Corey Williams</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>In 2021, metro Detroit was hit with a rainstorm so severe that President Joe <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/07/15/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-approves-michigan-disaster-declaration/">Biden issued a major disaster declaration</a> at state officials’ request. </p>
<p>Nearly 8 inches of rain fell within 24 hours, closing every major freeway and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2YshMbUeo0">causing massive damage to homes and businesses</a>. The storm was of a severity historically seen in Detroit every 500 to 1,000 years. </p>
<p>But over the past decade, the region has experienced <a href="https://grist.org/cities/how-many-500-year-floods-must-detroit-endure-in-a-decade/">several other storms only slightly less destructive</a>, one <a href="https://www.freep.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2023/08/24/storms-bring-metro-detroit-heavy-rains-flooding/70669298007/">in August 2023</a>.</p>
<p>As the planet warms, severe rains – and the flooding that follows – may become even more intense and frequent in cities like Detroit that have aging and undersized stormwater infrastructure. These extreme events put enormous pressure on communities, but <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/flooding-disproportionately-harms-black-neighborhoods/">low-income urban neighborhoods tend to suffer the most</a> </p>
<p>I am a <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=qyHbWY0AAAAJ&hl=en">geomorphologist at the University of Michigan-Dearborn</a> specializing in urban environments, water, historical mapping and flood-risk equity.</p>
<p>My <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cacint.2023.100134">recent research</a>, conducted with graduate students <a href="https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/pain-research/catherine-sulich">Cat Sulich</a> and <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=RQkzvOQAAAAJ&hl=en">Atreyi Guin</a>, has identified a hidden contributor to flooding in older, low-income neighborhoods that have seen a lack of investment: ghost streams and wetlands.</p>
<p>Although we studied Detroit, our research has implications for cities across the United States.</p>
<h2>Historic decisions have an impact today</h2>
<p>Ghost streams and wetlands are waterways that previously existed but, as urban areas built up, were either buried below the surface or filled in to support development. Detroit has removed more than <a href="https://tandf.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/A_century_of_stream_burial_in_Michigan_USA_cities/3483827/1">85% of the total length of streams</a> that existed in 1905. Most major cities in the United States and Europe have removed similar numbers of streams. </p>
<p>Detroit is also a city deeply <a href="https://www.canr.msu.edu/redlining/detroit">affected by redlining</a> – <a href="https://metropolitics.org/Before-Redlining-and-Beyond.html">a now-outlawed practice</a> once used by the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0096144203029004002">Home Owners’ Loan Corporation</a>, a government-sponsored corporation that was created as part of the New Deal, that graded neighborhoods on perceived financial risk.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="The 1939 Home Owners' Loan Corporation map of metropolitan Detroit showing redlined areas in the inner city." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/580178/original/file-20240306-27-ji0i6b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/580178/original/file-20240306-27-ji0i6b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=911&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/580178/original/file-20240306-27-ji0i6b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=911&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/580178/original/file-20240306-27-ji0i6b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=911&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/580178/original/file-20240306-27-ji0i6b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1145&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/580178/original/file-20240306-27-ji0i6b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1145&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/580178/original/file-20240306-27-ji0i6b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1145&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">A 1939 Home Owners’ Loan Corporation map of metropolitan Detroit shows formerly redlined areas that now experience disproportionate flooding.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidwilson1949/50077016761">David Wilson/Flickr</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span>
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<p>People living in communities labeled as “high risk” were disproportionately people of color, immigrants and residents of lower socioeconomic status and were <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10511482.2024.2321226">systematically denied loans and opportunities to build generational wealth</a>. </p>
<p>These neighborhoods received <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/1523908X.2021.1888702">fewer community investments</a>, including interventions such as stormwater infrastructure and landscape modification, than did higher-wealth neighborhoods. </p>
<p>We looked at whether these decades-old decisions have had any impact on flood risk today and learned that they do.</p>
<p>For <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cacint.2023.100134">this study</a>, we correlated present-day flood risk in metro Detroit with former Home Owner’s Loan Corporation boundaries’ grades. Flood risk was mapped using the <a href="https://firststreet.org/research-library/flood-model-methodology">First Street Foundation’s Flood Factor</a>, which scores every parcel in the U.S. on a scale of minimal (1) to extreme (10). </p>
<p>We then correlated flood risk to the presence of ghost streams and wetlands, which we extracted from old topographic maps from the United States Geological Survey. The goal was to determine whether a history of waterway burial and/or redlining influenced the overall flood risk of communities today.</p>
<p>We found that flood risk was disproportionately distributed, with historically redlined neighborhoods bearing the greatest brunt of flood risk.</p>
<p>Residents living in communities that were graded as “hazardous” (D) or “declining” (C) in the 1940s are today more susceptible to flood risk than the more affluent A and B communities. Over 95% of parcels classified at extreme flooding risk occur in C and D communities, with less than 4% in A and B communities. </p>
<p>Flood risk increases with the presence of ghost streams and wetlands, with C and D communities having a higher risk. In C communities, the presence of a ghost wetland increases flood risk tenfold, while ghost rivers also increase risk, although by a smaller amount. </p>
<p>The percent of properties in D-graded communities that are located adjacent to the 32-mile-long Detroit River and classified at extreme or severe flood risk is 99.9% if they have ghost wetlands or 95% if they have ghost rivers. </p>
<p>In other words, the combined history of redlining and landscape alteration may still contribute to increased flood risk today. When communities received poor grades, banks, lenders and municipalities neglected those areas’ stormwater infrastructure.</p>
<h2>Invest resources where the risk is greatest</h2>
<p>If communities want to protect residents from flooding, it’s crucial for them to map and understand their “hidden hydrology.” Few cities have the data to inform residents that they are at greater flood risk because they are living on a ghost wetland or river. </p>
<p>In Detroit, residents of most of the neighborhoods that show a major to extreme flood risk are not required to purchase flood insurance because they are not near an active river. This means residents are unknowingly at risk.</p>
<p>Another benefit to mapping ghost wetlands and rivers is that stormwater management is most effective if it follows natural pathways and processes. </p>
<p>Stormwater engineers frequently refer to this as “nature-based interventions” or “green stormwater infrastructure.” </p>
<p>During a flood, water occupies the lowest areas of a landscape, such as an abandoned stream valley or filled wetland. Those low areas are a good place to build green stormwater infrastructure, such as rain gardens that absorb water or <a href="https://www.asla.org/bioswales.aspx">bioswales</a> that convey moving water. </p>
<p>Some solutions can reflect culture or embrace art: Detroit’s <a href="https://www.thewright.org/">Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History</a> installed <a href="https://detroitstormwater.org/projects/chw-sankofa-porous-pavers-project">permeable pavers</a> with a unique West African-inspired design to minimize and manage floodwater following major flooding in Detroit in 2014. </p>
<p>In my view, marginalized communities need to have a strong voice in the search for solutions. Discrimination against these communities helped create the current problem. Listening to them now is key to both minimizing flood damage and beginning to right a historical injustice.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/223836/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jacob Napieralski does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>
Mapping where water once flowed is important for managing flood risk today in Detroit and elsewhere.
Jacob Napieralski, Professor of Geology, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/221995
2024-01-31T15:25:44Z
2024-01-31T15:25:44Z
Wetlands are superheroes: expert sets out how they protect people and places
<p>In the past, wetlands were often seen as <a href="https://www.iwmi.cgiar.org/Publications/Books/PDF/wetlands-and-people.pdf">undesirable landscapes</a> – waterlogged areas that were difficult to navigate, impossible to build on or farm, and a source of pests such as mosquitoes. But the view on wetlands has shifted as we have learnt how important these ecosystems are for essential “services”. They purify water and provide habitats for plants and animals.</p>
<p>Wetlands are also critical for supporting some people’s livelihoods, particularly in developing countries, including water-scarce countries like <a href="https://www.gov.za/WorldWetlandsDay2024">South Africa</a>. Wetlands provide over <a href="https://www.worldwetlandsday.org/materials#">1 billion livelihoods globally</a>; 660 million people depend on them for aquaculture and fishing. Livestock owners rely on wetlands as a water source for their animals.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/wetlands-do-the-job-of-expensive-technology-if-we-let-them-125452">Wetlands do the job of expensive technology, if we let them</a>
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<p>In the last decade, the potential for wetlands to help with climate change adaptation has become more recognised. Wetlands absorb the carbon dioxide (CO₂) that contributes to global warming, and they reduce some of the impacts of climate change by curbing floods. </p>
<p>As a researcher, I led South Africa’s first national assessment of coastal wetlands as <a href="https://theconversation.com/first-study-to-estimate-blue-carbon-storage-in-south-africa-is-useful-for-climate-strategy-195458">“blue carbon”</a> sinks. These are marine habitats that can take up and store more carbon than terrestrial forests. My research has also assessed the impact that climate change will have on <a href="https://theconversation.com/mangrove-forests-wont-be-able-to-spread-further-in-south-africa-so-protecting-them-is-crucial-193547">mangrove forests</a>, otherwise known as coastal wetlands.</p>
<p>This has given me insights into wetlands and their importance in helping prevent the worst effects of climate change.</p>
<h2>Wetlands for people and planet</h2>
<p>Wetlands can provide a “nature-based solution” to assist with climate change, but only if they are protected and managed. For example, wetlands absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (like all plants do), and convert this into organic carbon (which makes up the plant as it grows). This organic carbon is deposited into the wetland mud as the plant grows through seasonal cycles, and the waterlogged conditions help to trap it there and prevent it being released back into the atmosphere. This carbon can be locked up for decades or centuries, which is a meaningful timescale for tackling climate change challenges. </p>
<p>In addition to mitigating climate change, wetlands can help humans to adapt to climate change. Many coastal areas are prone to increased flooding as a result of climate change, due to a combination of higher intensity storms and rainfall as well as rising sea levels. Wetlands are considered “ecological infrastructure” that provides protection from flooding. They have been successfully incorporated into shoreline <a href="https://www.wetlands.org/innovative-solutions-to-reduce-emissions-from-coastal-engineering/">engineering</a>. </p>
<p>Naturally occurring coastal wetlands (such as mangroves and salt marshes) can also buffer the effects of flooding if they are restored and maintained in <a href="https://envirobites.org/2022/05/02/rising-sea-levels-call-for-rising-wetlands/">good condition</a>. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/a-root-cause-of-flooding-in-accra-developers-clogging-up-the-citys-wetlands-184270">A root cause of flooding in Accra: developers clogging up the city's wetlands</a>
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<p>Unfortunately, in many urban areas these wetlands have been lost or replaced with hard infrastructure such as buildings or roads. The protection from wetlands is then lost and flooding or sea-level rise can be more severe. Detailed studies at the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/16085914.2019.1662763">Knysna</a> and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272771421003474">Swartkops</a> estuaries in South Africa have shown that salt marshes, another type of wetland, can provide protection from rising sea levels if they are restored. </p>
<h2>What’s missing</h2>
<p>For wetlands to continue to provide these services for climate mitigation and adaptation, their sustainability must be ensured. Many of these steps must be taken at the level of regional or national government, but individual citizens can also get involved. </p>
<p>Some actions that ordinary people can take to help preserve wetlands include:</p>
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<li><p>educating themselves and others about the value of wetlands</p></li>
<li><p>participating in wetland restoration projects or clean-ups </p></li>
<li><p>directly contributing to organisations that conserve wetlands, such as the <a href="https://sawetlandsociety.org/">South African Wetland Society</a> and <a href="https://www.birdlife.org.za/">BirdLife South Africa</a></p></li>
<li><p>conserving water and reducing pollution from household chemicals </p></li>
<li><p>advocating for planning and zoning of new housing and business park developments that include wetlands in their design.</p></li>
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<p>Even with adequate protection, the ability of wetlands to provide a variety of important ecological services is also limited by certain thresholds. For example, catastrophic flooding can cause scouring and erosion of wetlands, wiping them out completely.</p>
<p>Careful planning must be put in place to prepare for climate change-caused disasters like this. The complexity of climate change means that solutions need to be complex too: both nature and human engineering are resources for mitigation and adaptation. </p>
<p>Solutions will also need to be designed for local conditions: there isn’t a general solution for the same challenge in different areas. For example, for a solution that involves creating wetlands as <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/acfdba/pdf">supporting infrastructure</a>, the size of the wetlands and the number of wetlands can influence how effective the flood mitigation of an area will be in comparison to built infrastructure such as flood control reservoirs and dams. Creating natural infrastructure such as wetlands can provide a cost-effective solution to improve built infrastructure in this way.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/221995/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jacqueline L Raw works for Climate Neutral Group, a part of Anthesis which is the largest group of sustainability consultants globally. She is also a Research Associate at the Nelson Mandela University and has received funding from the National Research Foundation of South Africa. </span></em></p>
Wetlands can prevent flooding, trap carbon and support livelihoods, as long as they are protected and managed.
Jacqueline L Raw, Carbon Project Developer, Nelson Mandela University
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/210506
2023-08-27T13:32:46Z
2023-08-27T13:32:46Z
Bike and EV charging infrastructure are urgently needed for a green transition
<iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100px; border: none; position: relative; z-index: 1;" allowtransparency="" allow="clipboard-read; clipboard-write" src="https://narrations.ad-auris.com/widget/the-conversation-canada/bike-and-ev-charging-infrastructure-are-urgently-needed-for-a-green-transition" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
<p>The green transition is happening too slowly. We are in a climate emergency and it is clear that we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to more sustainable transportation.</p>
<p>However, without sufficient infrastructure to enable electric vehicles (EVs) or cycling for <a href="https://www.burnhamnationwide.com/final-review-blog/bike-infrastructure-key-to-healthier-cities-reduced-emissions">commuting</a>, these options will remain too inconvenient or unsafe for most. Canada’s <a href="https://unfccc.int/news/climate-plans-remain-insufficient-more-ambitious-action-needed-now">climate obligations</a> will not be met without these infrastructure changes.</p>
<p>We just experienced the hottest July <a href="https://public.wmo.int/en/media/press-release/july-2023-set-be-hottest-month-record">on record</a>. We cannot burn more carbon, no matter the remaining <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/chapter/chapter-2/">carbon budget</a>. Climate <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/photos-extreme-weather-events-2023-climate-change/">disasters around the world today</a> are dictating timelines now. Meanwhile, gas cars are needlessly on city streets, adding to traffic congestion and pollution while urban sprawl means gas <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2022/aug/31/how-car-culture-colonised-our-thinking-and-our-language">car driving habits</a> expand.</p>
<p>Canada requires urgent investment in transport infrastructure and incentives to reverse this trend.</p>
<h2>Policy breakdowns</h2>
<p>Here in Toronto, a recent mayoral election provided a platform for two candidates who made election promises to close down <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/traffic-congestion-byelection-campaign-trail-1.6883005">cycling lanes</a>. Meanwhile, a lack of high-quality cycling infrastructure in the city incentivizes travel by car to the <a href="https://worldhappiness.report/ed/2020/cities-and-happiness-a-global-ranking-and-analysis/">detriment of the city’s happiness</a> and carbon budget.</p>
<p>This stands in stark contrast to a city like Copenhagen, Denmark where <a href="https://cyclingmagazine.ca/advocacy/over-60-per-cent-of-people-in-copenhagen-commute-to-work-or-school/">62 per cent of people commute by cycling</a>. A city which, by some metrics, <a href="https://www.earthtrekkers.com/copenhagen-happiest-destination-europe">may also be the happiest in the world</a>. </p>
<p>Closer to home, <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-canadas-first-national-cycling-map-will-benefit-both-riders-and-public-planners-208347">cycling infrastructure remains poor</a> and bike theft rose by <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/bicycle-thefts-in-canada-soar-by-429-per-cent-during-summer-months-report-1.6467265">429 per cent in Canada this summer</a>. However, the solutions to this problem, such as bicycle lockers, are not widely enough installed and where they do exist, they are only for regular users and require a <a href="https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportaon/cycling-in-toronto/bicycle-parking/bicycle-lockers/">reservation and monthly payments</a>. </p>
<p>Solutions such as an <a href="https://www.translink.ca/news/2021/june/translink%20launches%20new%20on-demand%20bike%20lockers">on-demand bicycle storage system</a> being piloted in Vancouver and the <a href="https://thebicyclevalet.ca/our-locations">Vancouver City Centre Bike Valet</a> show promise for nation-wide implementation but will require effort to implement at scale.</p>
<h2>Nowhere to charge</h2>
<p>Likewise, a recent survey says that <a href="https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/two-thirds-of-canadian-drivers-unlikely-to-buy-an-electric-vehicle-1.6462200">Canadians are not switching</a> to cleaner EVs partly because of a lack of charging infrastructure. In a climate emergency, bike and electric vehicle infrastructure should have been installed long ago. </p>
<p>Toronto’s mandate is to reach <a href="https://www.toronto.ca/musservices-payments/water-environment/environmentally-friendly-city-initiatives/transformto/">net zero by 2040</a>, but its efforts pale in comparison to the actions of other cities in Canada and around the world.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-far-to-the-next-electric-vehicle-charging-station-and-will-i-be-able-to-use-it-heres-how-to-create-a-reliable-network-209222">How far to the next electric vehicle charging station – and will I be able to use it? Here's how to create a reliable network</a>
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<p>A variety of <a href="https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-tools/global-ev-policy-explorer">incentives and legislation</a> are accelerating an EV transition including fee exemptions, grants and mandated targets. Brazil is proposing that all gas stations offer EV charging. </p>
<p>Ireland’s <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/oireachtas/2022/07/13/all-car-sales-will-have-to-be-electric-by-2030-to-reach-climate-targets-oireachtas-committee-told/">zero emissions office</a> is aiming for 100 per cent of new car sales to be EVs by 2030. France supports EV purchases with funding and bonuses for low income individuals. Ecuador’s public transport will be 100 per cent electric by 2025 and Sweden’s government fleet will be electrified by 2035. Colombia and South Africa are setting EV charging infrastructure minimums.</p>
<p>There are notable Canadian EV initiatives in <a href="https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-tools/global-ev-policy-explorer">Québec and British Columbia</a>. Québec has ambitious electrification plans including expanding EV charging, funding further vehicle electrification across the province. B.C. is improving upon the Canadian national mandate by installing more EV charging stations and planning a changeover to clean vehicles. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/right-to-charge-laws-bring-the-promise-of-evs-to-apartments-condos-and-rentals-206721">Right-to-charge laws bring the promise of EVs to apartments, condos and rentals</a>
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<p>In contrast, Ontario and Toronto are without any unique innovations in electric vehicle infrastructure or policy.</p>
<h2>An electric future</h2>
<p>EVs are already addressing local air pollution around the world and reducing <a href="https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-triggers-causes/air-pollution-smog-asthma/">health issues such as asthma</a>. Higher EV sales are also associated with higher <a href="https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/human-development-index#/indicies/HDI">human development indexes</a> (HDI). An HDI is a national measure of wealth, and a good reflection of standard of living, including health and education. Countries with higher EV sales also tend to lead worldwide in the development of environmental inventions. Healthier inventions make a <a href="https://hdr.undp.org/">better life</a>.</p>
<p>Perhaps in Sweden, France, The Netherlands, Germany, Japan, Norway and certain Canadian provinces such as Québec and B.C., the connection is clearer between switching to cleaner technologies and increasing levels of personal health and <a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/happiest-countries-in-the-world">happiness</a>. Improving <a href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/climate-solutions/education-key-addressing-climate-change">education</a> is a catalyst for change. </p>
<p>If Canada is to meet its climate commitments, it has to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Infrastructure investments, such as for EVs and cycling, improve our quality of life and the <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets/080816/can-infrastructure-spending-really-stimulate-economy.asp">economy</a> at the same time. Building infrastructure is a classic approach to boosting an economy. It is also a green economic opportunity if the right choices are made.</p>
<p>Canada can start by applying well-known policy solutions and rapidly installing infrastructure nationwide. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.114961">Studies have validated this recommendation</a> and additional phased-in electrical grid capacity is neither controversial nor impractical. Emissions reductions with EVs as compared to gas cars, no matter the energy fuel source, ultimately validate EVs green utility over gas powered cars. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/batteries-in-electric-vehicles-have-more-mileage-in-city-driving-rather-than-highway-driving-206564">Batteries in electric vehicles have more mileage in city driving rather than highway driving</a>
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<p>Around the world, such as in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.8b05264">China</a> where they have energy mix variations <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-021-02209-6">across regions</a> including coal, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2022.122063">EVs make sense</a>. Emissions reductions for Ontario have been calculated at <a href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b01519">around 80 per cent</a> when EVs are driven. </p>
<p>The International Energy Agency offers a <a href="https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-tools/global-ev-policy-explorer">comprehensive policy database of worldwide examples</a> for places like Toronto that are lagging on clean transportation transition policy and change. Beyond benchmarking, Canada could strive for leadership on the world stage by investing in university research and applying ambitious initiatives across the country. </p>
<p>Canada has an opportunity that should not be missed to stimulate its economy by investing in sustainable transportation infrastructure to accelerate the green transition.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/210506/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Deborah de Lange receives funding from SSHRC and ESRC. </span></em></p>
Canada should invest in sustainable transportation infrastructure to accelerate the green transition.
Deborah de Lange, Associate Professor, Global Management Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/193560
2023-02-10T12:29:00Z
2023-02-10T12:29:00Z
Parks versus people? Challenges facing the South African capital’s greening efforts
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496238/original/file-20221119-16195-ziab04.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=8%2C5%2C1839%2C1349&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Green spaces provide benefits for people and nature. Photo by Ida Breed,</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">GRIP Research team</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Urban green spaces have recently been getting more research attention because of the <a href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/978-1-80043-636-720211018/full/html">benefits</a> they offer. </p>
<p>Gardens, parks, reserves and trees have been <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/17/6836">linked</a> to cultural, spiritual and alternative medical solutions. Natural or semi-natural land areas can also deliver ecosystem services like <a href="https://theconversation.com/growing-plants-on-buildings-can-reduce-heat-and-produce-healthy-food-in-african-cities-191190">food</a>, storm water management and <a href="https://theconversation.com/heat-and-health-dar-es-salaams-informal-settlements-need-help-181816">climate control</a>. Cities can <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169204619303299">plan and manage</a> these for maximum benefit. </p>
<p>Our research team works on the <a href="https://bio.au.dk/forskning/forskningscentre/biochange/research/grip">Integrative Green Infrastructure Planning</a> project, a collaboration between the University of Pretoria in South Africa and Aarhus University in Denmark. We reviewed policy documents relating to green infrastructure in the City of Tshwane (Pretoria and surrounds) to look for ways to plan, manage and maintain these green space resources. We also interviewed city officials and held workshops with officials and consultants. </p>
<p>We discovered that Tshwane needs guidelines based on green infrastructure principles. An increase in green infrastructure awareness among city officials and residents will increase the many benefits that green spaces can deliver. </p>
<h2>Rapid development</h2>
<p>Tshwane is in an area that is rich in biodiversity. It is one of the largest metropolitan <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169204614000401?casa_token=Q5h4MFqVI0QAAAAA:-ODIuvQ82fal3HOrbipS9bvrqRGs_XwYYPr4cPCK303KBF_sF8KJ1Y5KSqMrWE_r_7nrg5PX">municipalities</a> by area in the world – growing at <a href="https://www.statssa.gov.za/?page_id=1021&id=city-of-tshwane-municipality">3.1%</a> a year – and serves as the administrative seat of South Africa’s government. Despite the change of government to democratic rule in 1994, the impact of the apartheid era still shows in the city’s neighbourhoods and land development. People are still separated spatially and some areas have more services, facilities and access to planned green infrastructure than others.</p>
<p>Green infrastructure in Tshwane takes the form of public and private gardens, street trees, community parks, unmanaged vegetated land and reserves. The City of <a href="https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CityofTshwane_Final_March-2016.pdf">Tshwane bioregional plan 2016</a> revealed that its biodiverse, protected and ecological areas covered 456,340 hectares – 26% of Tshwane’s land.</p>
<p>In any city, expansion often comes at the expense of green spaces. In Tshwane, our research found that the challenges to green infrastructure include rapid development, budget constraints, departmental silos, negative perceptions and limited capacity within departments. Collaboration is also insufficient among different disciplines in the city’s departments to manage and sustain green infrastructure.</p>
<p>One official told us: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>The biggest challenge towards green infrastructure sustainability has to do with rapid developments linked to aspects such as higher rates of formalising the informal settlements, which is difficult for planning to meet up with. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Another challenge is that of resources. A city official explained that projects like electricity provision and road construction were prioritised above the environment. In her words: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>If we look at the capital budget, the portion of the budget going into the environment is probably less than one percent. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>We found that the flow of information among departments was limited. One informant said the situation could complicate necessary or urgent decisions and actions. For example, solutions to flooding might need to go beyond the Infrastructure and Engineering department and include the Social and Human settlement department, to help with welfare and relocation. </p>
<blockquote>
<p>We don’t optimise the benefits of understanding the connections and linkages between different departments. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Another city official argued that residents’ perceptions could make or mar green infrastructure planning:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>People just don’t comply with related green infrastructure by-laws because there’s not much ecological awareness. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>From our policy documents analysis, the research team discovered that housing, roads, electricity and water were at the top of the government priority list. Most of the yearly budget was directed towards these services. Plans for green infrastructure were mostly embedded in climate action plans.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/green-policies-are-in-place-for-south-africas-major-port-city-but-a-key-piece-is-missing-181272">Green policies are in place for South Africa's major port city: but a key piece is missing</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496239/original/file-20221119-16-adim7c.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A small river surrounded by trees and vegetation." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496239/original/file-20221119-16-adim7c.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496239/original/file-20221119-16-adim7c.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=497&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496239/original/file-20221119-16-adim7c.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=497&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496239/original/file-20221119-16-adim7c.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=497&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496239/original/file-20221119-16-adim7c.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=625&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496239/original/file-20221119-16-adim7c.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=625&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496239/original/file-20221119-16-adim7c.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=625&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Urban green spaces, like this stretch of river in Mabopane, have great potential for recreational activities, cultural uses and climate adaptation, Photo by: Maya Pasgaard.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">GRIP research team</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We believe there are opportunities for balancing the preservation of green spaces and the socio-economic needs of the people by creating multi-functional and beneficial green spaces. The city of Aarhus in Denmark is an example of a city where recently developed urban green spaces provide multi-functional benefits. For example, a new urban park also retains storm water during flooding events. </p>
<p><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11625-020-00886-8">Transdisciplinarity</a> has lately been highlighted as a way to tackle complex global challenges. </p>
<p>City officials in Aarhus spoke of the way green infrastructure planning should cut across divisions like engineering and housing departments, and across disciplines.</p>
<p>One said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I see a need for trans- and interdisciplinarity within departments; the issue of managing storm water should not only be from the engineering perspectives but from planning and social angle. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>One way to break down departmental silos could be to work together on joint projects. </p>
<h2>Balancing needs</h2>
<p>Cities need to balance residents’ daily needs with the conservation of green spaces for biodiversity, climate change adaptation and environmental health. </p>
<p>Based on the interviews, a way forward is for the city to engage in collaborative processes to create an enabling environment and develop actionable guidelines for people and green spaces to co-exist. </p>
<p>In our research, we mapped out three priority green areas to support Tshwane’s biodiversity. </p>
<p>We recommend that the high priority green areas that produce most green infrastructure benefits should be judiciously conserved. The medium priority areas should serve as buffer zones to the critical biodiverse areas that are at risk of climate hazards, fires and the like. The low priority areas are those with low green infrastructure benefits, characterised by high population density and informal development. These areas are flexible for development.</p>
<p>Green infrastructure planning and management includes increasing awareness of the benefits of green space to government, developers and residents, creating a joint vision and making it clear what’s expected from everyone.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/193560/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Titilope Funmbi Onaolapo receives funding from Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). Integrative Green Infrastructure Planning is a funded project by DANIDA, which is a collaboration between the University of Pretoria, South Africa and Aarhus University, Denmark. It is an interdisciplinary research project tied to a city to city, a Strategic Sector Cooperation (SSC) in Denmark.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Christina Breed is affiliated with the University of Pretoria in South Africa and receives funding from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Kristine Engemann Jensen is affiliated with Aarhus University, Denmark and receives funding from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Maya Pasgaard is affiliated with Aarhus University in Denmark and receives funding from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. </span></em></p>
South Africa needs to integrate urban green spaces as part of valuable infrastructure and provide framework for their sustainability.
Titilope Funmbi Onaolapo, Postdoctoral fellow, University of Pretoria
Christina Breed, Senior Lecturer, University of Pretoria
Kristine Engemann Jensen, Assistant Professor, Aarhus University
Maya Pasgaard, Adjunct assistant professor, Aarhus University
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/193949
2022-11-21T04:32:23Z
2022-11-21T04:32:23Z
Queensland’s high-tech plan to make the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games smarter and greener
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495303/original/file-20221115-13-zhdrj3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C80%2C3827%2C2784&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>With Brisbane to host the 2032 Olympic Games, Queensland is accelerating “smart” and “green” infrastructure projects right across the coast from Coolangatta to Coolum.</p>
<p>So what practical steps is the state government taking to bring Brisbane closer to being a smart city while managing rapid growth? And what differences can city residents realistically expect to see for themselves?</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/urban-planning-is-now-on-the-front-line-of-the-climate-crisis-this-is-what-it-means-for-our-cities-and-towns-193452">Urban planning is now on the front line of the climate crisis. This is what it means for our cities and towns</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Exploiting a quarter century of technological progress</h2>
<p>Vastly more ambitious than the South Bank building boom, which preceded Brisbane’s World Expo 88 in the pre-internet era, Queensland’s current infrastructure programs are exploiting the last quarter-century of technological progress. </p>
<p>Think sensor-triggered street lights, automated air conditioning and watering of parks and green facades. Envision robots for cleaning and construction, satmaps, swipe cards and QR codes. Data technology will be embedded in 32 existing and planned Olympic venues, the future athletes’ village at Northshore Hamilton (near Breakfast Creek) and the international media centres. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495255/original/file-20221115-24-m8th6s.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="An artist's impression of the new 'data' city centre being developed at Maroochydoore by Walker Corporation with the Sunshine Coast City Council." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495255/original/file-20221115-24-m8th6s.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495255/original/file-20221115-24-m8th6s.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495255/original/file-20221115-24-m8th6s.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495255/original/file-20221115-24-m8th6s.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495255/original/file-20221115-24-m8th6s.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495255/original/file-20221115-24-m8th6s.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495255/original/file-20221115-24-m8th6s.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">An artist’s impression of the new ‘data’ city centre being developed at Maroochydoore by Walker Corporation with the Sunshine Coast City Council.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Sunshine Coast City Council</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Technology will also underpin a substantial city centre at Maroochydore. Here, a mid-rise precinct will be powered via a solar farm at nearby Valdora, and will include fibre-optic telecommunications cables. In what may be a first for Australia, a new system will sluice garbage from chutes through <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-21/maroochydore-rubbish-revolution-envac-underground/7864272">underground vacuum pipes</a>.</p>
<h2>A ‘New Norm’ Olympics</h2>
<p>All Games facilities must align with a set of 118 reforms the International Olympic Committee (IOC) calls its “<a href="https://olympics.com/ioc/faq/roles-and-responsibilities-of-the-ioc-and-its-partners/what-is-the-new-norm">New Norm</a>” guidelines. </p>
<p>These were introduced in 2018 to improve energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness and long-term value from the huge development expenditure required of host governments. There had been concerns about integrity and wastefulness in the IOC’s old-school supervision of Games bidding and delivery processes.</p>
<p>Brisbane’s Games win is accelerating and expanding some major public mobility programs offering “turn up and go” transport routes for the 4.4 million people expected to live in South-East Queensland by 2031. </p>
<h2>Aerial taxis without pilots</h2>
<p>The most provocative proposal – still speculative – is to introduce <a href="https://www.austrade.gov.au/international/invest/investor-updates/wisk-s-self-flying-electric-air-taxis-to-land-in-australia">aerial taxis</a> to fly passengers without pilots, but remotely supervised, between future “vertiports”.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495254/original/file-20221115-12-m9bp2t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A prototype of the Wisk aerial taxi proposed to be flying passengers around south-east Queensland before the Brisbane Olympics." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495254/original/file-20221115-12-m9bp2t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495254/original/file-20221115-12-m9bp2t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=300&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495254/original/file-20221115-12-m9bp2t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=300&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495254/original/file-20221115-12-m9bp2t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=300&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495254/original/file-20221115-12-m9bp2t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=377&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495254/original/file-20221115-12-m9bp2t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=377&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495254/original/file-20221115-12-m9bp2t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=377&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A prototype of the Wisk aerial taxi proposed to be flying passengers around South-East Queensland before the Brisbane Olympics.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Wisk Aero</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A prototype eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft is in Brisbane while its American manufacturer, Wisk Aero, seeks approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to operate commercially before the 2032 Games. </p>
<p>Wisk (<a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/3/23380518/wisk-aero-air-taxi-electric-autonomous-boeing-faa">backed by Boeing</a>) has completed more than <a href="https://wisk.aero/news/press-release/generation6/">1,600</a> test flights with six generations of aircraft. The Brisbane model has 12 lift fans on two 15-metre wings and is powered by a battery in the tail. </p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RLmeMgXbF9Q?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</figure>
<p>Delegates at a recent Smart Cities Council transport workshop I attended noted the potential of autonomous aerial vehicles to change patterns of housing development beyond road and rail links. Even so, Queensland is rapidly expanding its terrestrial network.</p>
<h2>Land transport projects</h2>
<p>Brisbane’s <a href="https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/about/rail-route/#:%7E:text=The%20Cross%20River%20Rail%20route%20includes%20a%205.9%20Kilometre%20underground,information%20on%20Brisbane's%20first%20underground!">Cross River Rail</a> line is being extended northwards through a new twin tunnel under Brisbane River and four new underground stations at Boggo Road, Woolloongabba, Albert Street and Roma Street. </p>
<p>This project uses smart <a href="https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/news/first-mega-machine-ready-to-go/">tunnel-boring machines</a> to carve through the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-14/what-is-brisbane-tuff-volcanic-rock/12435462">tuff</a> (a type of volcanic rock, pronounced toof) that formed Brisbane’s geology more than 200 million years ago.</p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TpWitOUYlHY?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</figure>
<p>As well as supporting the new health, science and education precinct near Boggo Road, this rail extension will connect the city’s southern suburbs with the existing line north from Bowen Hills.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495258/original/file-20221115-24-hro79m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="One of the new articulated carriages on the G:Link light rail line at Southport on the Gold Coast." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495258/original/file-20221115-24-hro79m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495258/original/file-20221115-24-hro79m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=354&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495258/original/file-20221115-24-hro79m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=354&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495258/original/file-20221115-24-hro79m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=354&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495258/original/file-20221115-24-hro79m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=445&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495258/original/file-20221115-24-hro79m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=445&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495258/original/file-20221115-24-hro79m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=445&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">One of the new articulated carriages on the G:Link light rail line at Southport on the Gold Coast.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">G:Link</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>And work continues on extending the Brisbane-to-Gold Coast light railway (also known as the <a href="https://ridetheg.com.au/">G:Link</a>). </p>
<p>This extension will provide eight new stations along a <a href="https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/gold-coast-light-rail">6.7km track from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads</a>. The G:Link service uses German Bombardier Flexity carriages that are bi-directional and air-conditioned, with low-level floors matching station platforms and storage for wheelchairs, bikes, prams and surfboards. These are electric-powered via 750V overhead cables.</p>
<h2>Superfast bus charging</h2>
<p>More innovative is the Brisbane Metro project, which is being tested to potentially supply <a href="https://thedriven.io/2022/08/08/brisbane-confirms-order-for-60-all-electric-trackless-trams-with-flash-charging/">60 electric buses</a> (or “trackless trams”) to supplement the city’s existing fleet. These would be battery-powered by a combination of 600kW, six-minute, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KtciCz92VE">superfast “flash chargers”</a> at end-of-line stations and 50kW, overnight, slow chargers at depots.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495265/original/file-20221115-12-v17psy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Flash (super-fast) charging of a Metro bus via rooftop equipment docking with an overhead charging arm." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495265/original/file-20221115-12-v17psy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495265/original/file-20221115-12-v17psy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=470&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495265/original/file-20221115-12-v17psy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=470&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495265/original/file-20221115-12-v17psy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=470&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495265/original/file-20221115-12-v17psy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=591&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495265/original/file-20221115-12-v17psy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=591&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495265/original/file-20221115-12-v17psy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=591&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Flash (super-fast) charging of a Metro bus via rooftop equipment docking with an overhead charging arm.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Brisbane Metro.</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Each bus can be recharged up to 85 times faster than an electric car at home – but the flash system degrades batteries more than slow charging overnight.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495260/original/file-20221115-24-d6ceu0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Artist impression of a Brisbane Metro electric bus emerging from a city tunnel, with an older bus on the ramp." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495260/original/file-20221115-24-d6ceu0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495260/original/file-20221115-24-d6ceu0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495260/original/file-20221115-24-d6ceu0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495260/original/file-20221115-24-d6ceu0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495260/original/file-20221115-24-d6ceu0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495260/original/file-20221115-24-d6ceu0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495260/original/file-20221115-24-d6ceu0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Artist impression of a Brisbane Metro electric bus emerging from a city tunnel, with an older bus on the ramp.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Brisbane City Council.</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Healthy footbridges</h2>
<p>Although two of Brisbane’s four proposed “green bridges” for pedestrians and cyclists were <a href="https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/roads-infrastructure-and-bikeways/green-bridges/st-lucia-to-west-end-green-bridge">paused</a> to prioritise flood recovery, new crossings from the city to Kangaroo Point and Newstead to Albion are expected to open in 2024. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495266/original/file-20221115-26-vliqyk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Artist impression of the Kangaroo Point to Ann Street green bridge now under construction in Brisbane." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495266/original/file-20221115-26-vliqyk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495266/original/file-20221115-26-vliqyk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=225&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495266/original/file-20221115-26-vliqyk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=225&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495266/original/file-20221115-26-vliqyk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=225&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495266/original/file-20221115-26-vliqyk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=283&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495266/original/file-20221115-26-vliqyk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=283&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/495266/original/file-20221115-26-vliqyk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=283&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Artist impression of the green bridge between Kangaroo Point and Ann Street now under construction in Brisbane.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Queensland government.</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Kangaroo Point green bridge will include a <a href="https://brisbanedevelopment.com/updated-kangaroo-point-green-bridge-design-to-include-bar-restaurant/">restaurant overlooking the botanic gardens</a>. Newstead bridge will join the <a href="https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/roads-infrastructure-and-bikeways/green-bridges">1.2km-long Lores Bonney Riverwalk</a>.</p>
<p>These are examples of a new phenomenon in public transport planning – to not merely move people between destinations but also boost their health and enjoyment outdoors.</p>
<p>As Corey Gray, global CEO of the Smart Cities Council, told me at the Smart Cities Council conference:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Smart cities are not ultimately about data and technology, but improving human systems.</p>
</blockquote>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/in-a-year-of-sporting-mega-events-the-brisbane-olympics-can-learn-a-lot-from-the-ones-that-fail-their-host-cities-187838">In a year of sporting mega-events, the Brisbane Olympics can learn a lot from the ones that fail their host cities</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/193949/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Davina Jackson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>
What steps is the state government taking to bring Brisbane closer to being a smart city while managing rapid growth? And what differences can city residents expect to see for themselves?
Davina Jackson, Visiting Scholar, Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/186491
2022-07-25T10:36:29Z
2022-07-25T10:36:29Z
Industrial policy options for southern Africa: scenarios set out possibilities and risks
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/474912/original/file-20220719-6817-g7hej2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Coal operations at one of South Africa's coal-fired power plants. Industrial policy needs to envisage less reliance on carbon.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Photo by Phill Magakoe /AFP via Getty Images)</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>There is a need to transform the underlying economic principles of the economies in southern African countries to address the persistent challenges of severe poverty and unemployment. </p>
<p>Two of the region’s strategies are the Southern African Development Community’s <a href="https://www.sadc.int/document/sadc-vision-2050">Vision 2050</a> and its <a href="https://www.sadc.int/pages/regional-indicative-strategic-development-plan-risdp">Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan</a>. These highlight technology as a way to lead economic growth equitably and sustainably in a growing industrialised region.</p>
<p>But, in our view, these plans aren’t enough. Historical drivers – such as poor governance and the legacies of colonialism – have kept the region’s potential locked in negative cycles. It’s true that the desire for industrial transformation exists. But the practicalities are not connected with real buy-in from power brokers. The result is low levels of implementation. </p>
<p>The Southern African Development Community has set itself the goal of emulating the high-growth economies of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Asian_Tigers">Asian Tigers</a>. These include Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. But to achieve this it needs to support infrastructure and economic diversification that takes economies away from primary commodities. </p>
<p>In our view, the co-incidence of two developments provides an opportunity for such a transformation. They are the emerging Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the green economy. The Fourth Industrial Revolution represents the possibility of fundamental change through technological and scientific advances. The green economy can be described as a low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive approach to economic development.</p>
<p>A recent <a href="https://saiia.org.za/research/sadc-industrialisation-futures-towards-economic-wellbeing/">study</a> by the <a href="https://saiia.org.za/programme/futures/">Futures Programme</a> at the South African Institute of International Affairs highlights a range of future scenarios for industrialisation in the region. These don’t predict the future. Rather they explore a range of uncertainties about regional industrialisation. They also identify challenges and opportunities.</p>
<p>The scenarios visualise how industrialisation in the region might evolve. They were mapped from the viewpoint that the green economy and Fourth Industrial Revolution hold significant promise. They have the potential to boost industrial activity, transform socio-economic development and advance transitions while alleviating unemployment and inequality.</p>
<p>The scenario analysis provides plausible and possible alternatives for industrialisation. It also alerts decision makers to undesired pathways. </p>
<p>The main four scenarios are called Do-it-Yourself (DIY), Leapfrog World, Green Monopolies and Colonialism Reloaded.</p>
<h2>Re-thinking industrialisation</h2>
<p>The Fourth Industrial Revolution paves the way for increased interconnectivity and smart automation. It does this by creating rapid and unprecedented changes to technology, industries and societal patterns. But there’s been little exploration of its impact on the emerging drivers of industrialisation. These include rapid urbanisation, population growth, rising incomes, energy decentralisation, climate change and reducing dependence on carbon.</p>
<p>The interplay of the 4IR and other drivers is key to understanding the potential impact of industrialisation. Changes to income, behaviour and perceptions shape consumption and in turn demand-and-supply responses. </p>
<p>The demand for reducing industry’s dependence on carbon and the 4IR has set a new trajectory in technological disruption. This has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. And this, in turn, has forced the rapid adoption of digital tools such as artificial intelligence, robotics and new modes of work.</p>
<p>For countries in the Southern African Development Community, 4IR can be viewed as a double-edged sword. On the one hand it presents opportunities. These include improvements in business productivity, banking the unbanked, formalising economies, creating new markets and improving public service access.</p>
<p>On the other hand it poses risks. These include automation at the expense of job creation and moving manufacturing operations to more advanced economies. </p>
<p>Aggressive adoption of 4IR could also deepen inequality by exposing the region’s unprepared skills base and outdated infrastructure to new technologies.</p>
<h2>The desirable and undesirable</h2>
<p>We called one of the desirable scenarios <strong>leapfrog world</strong>. In this scenario countries leapfrog over classical barriers to rapidly adopt new technologies. This is achieved when the 4IR is governed through effective democratic principles. </p>
<p>Some examples include investments in blockchain, waste tracking and mapping technologies. These would help reorganise, for example, mining and agricultural value chains. At the same time they would reduce negative effects on the environment. Blockchain can reduce barriers to entry. New competitors could come in – crucial for job creation.</p>
<p>A possible (undesirable) future would be <strong>colonialism reloaded</strong>.</p>
<p>In this scenario the benefits of the 4IR are concentrated among a few well-connected multinational companies. Many industry participants are excluded from the green economy. This would reinforce current challenges such as poor technology infrastructure and low skills levels.</p>
<p>To avoid this, investments in the skills base are necesssary to improve social and civic competencies. They must accompany investments in technology infrastructure to increase access to economic opportunities. This will turn the tide on the ever-increasing digital divide.</p>
<p>Another – quite probable – undesirable future we termed <strong>green monopolies</strong>.</p>
<p>In this scenario there is a sustainable regional economy, thanks to a democratised and empowering 4IR. But the associated industries remain unsustainable. The “green monopolised” industries dominate the economy. They use technology innovations to enhance their economic positions, spreading deep fakes at an unimaginable scale. This results in polarised communities, social unrest and unfavourable economic conditions. </p>
<p>Advancements in technology are in the hands of a few powerful monopolies without effective regulatory practices. This creates the ideal breeding ground for hacking, cybercrimes and corporate bullying tactics. Inequality deepens because profit is more important than people and the environment.</p>
<p>A green monopolies scenario will have the resources and political power to invest in technologies such as advanced robotics. This will create efficiencies and environmentally sustainable industries. But it will be at the expense of job creation. </p>
<p>Another probable future is the <strong>do-it-yourself (DIY)</strong> scenario.</p>
<p>This is achieved when technology empowers citizens. An example is 3D printing. These kinds of technologies can help create self-sustaining villages independent of the larger economies. The democratised process provides the tools to create new products, leading to new industries. But there are risks. These technologies also open the potential for counterfeit goods. And they can be harmful by emitting toxic particles.</p>
<h2>The way forward</h2>
<p>Industrialisation in southern Africa will demand concerted efforts in four domains. These are:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>skills development and technology infrastructure development</p></li>
<li><p>dynamic innovation ecosystems</p></li>
<li><p>circular economy principles</p></li>
<li><p>practical regulatory frameworks.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>If properly harnessed, industrialisation can provide new pathways to achieve personal and collective economic wellbeing. Inequality can be narrowed. And marginalised communities can be at the centre of industrial development.</p>
<p>The fusion of technology and investment into skills development and job creation is critical. This is particularly important for the region’s budding youth population.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/186491/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Dr Julius Gatune and SAIIA gratefully acknowledge the support and funding received from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung for this
publication” </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Deon Cloete and SAIIA gratefully acknowledge the support and funding received from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung for this
publication.</span></em></p>
The scenarios provide plausible and possible alternatives for futures of industrialisation. They also alert decision makers to desired and undesired development pathways.
Julius Gatune, Senior Project Consultant, Maastricht School of Management
Deon Cloete, Head SAIIA Futures Programme, South African Institute of International Affairs
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/162810
2021-06-28T19:23:36Z
2021-06-28T19:23:36Z
How urban gardens can boost biodiversity and make cities more sustainable
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/408460/original/file-20210625-27-1fvl7ha.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=107%2C71%2C5748%2C3206&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Part of the answer to a more functional and sustainable city may lie in your garden.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span></figcaption></figure><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 250px; border: none; position: relative; z-index: 1;" src="https://narrations.ad-auris.com/widget/the-conversation-canada/how-urban-gardens-can-boost-biodiversity-and-make-cities-more-sustainable" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
<p>In building cities, we have created some of the harshest habitats on Earth — and then chosen to live in them. </p>
<p>Temperatures in cities are typically 2 C to 3 C warmer than those of the surrounding landscape. Pollution levels and noise can reach levels seen few other places on Earth. <a href="https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2015.11.0567">Too much drainage leaves soils dry in the heat, but the sealed surfaces of roads and sidewalks lead to flooding when it rains</a>. </p>
<p>Because <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/271208/urbanization-in-canada">cities now house over 80 per cent of Canadians</a>, their impact on the environment extends far beyond the city limits. Cities are now driving large-scale environmental changes such as elevated pollution levels, climate change and habitat loss. </p>
<p>We need to find solutions to creating more sustainable and functional cities. Part of the answer may lie in your garden.</p>
<h2>Plants allow the city to sweat</h2>
<p>The field of urban ecology is relatively new, but over the past three decades it has shed light on how green infrastructure — trees and other plants of greenspaces, gardens and wetlands — can offer solutions to the issues faced by urban development. </p>
<p>The few ecological studies done within cities prior to 1990 were based on isolated greenspaces. In the 1990s, there was a shift from studying ecology <em>in</em> cities towards studying the ecology <em>of</em> cities, where <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/ehs2.1229">the entire city was seen as a coherent, functioning ecosystem</a>, which led to the interdisciplinary field of urban ecology. </p>
<p>Urban ecology helps us understand how and why green infrastructure provides ecosystem services — the specific benefits provided by components of the ecosystem — that improve the livability and sustainability of urban areas. </p>
<p>For example, vegetation lowers the temperature of the city by 1 C to 9 C. This is not only a matter of providing shade — transpiration from the leaf surface area allows the city to sweat. Leaves also slow down raindrops, and roots allow rain to infiltrate the ground, reducing surface runoff. Further, the foliage <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-013-9912-y">traps particulate pollution and reduces noise</a>.</p>
<h2>The importance of plant-based solutions</h2>
<p>The importance of this can be seen in cities across the United States, where the link between demographics and urban planning has been well-studied. Decades of limited greenspace development in <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/26/climate/racist-urban-planning.html">neighbourhoods dominated by people of colour have left these areas both warmer and less liveable than those of adjacent, whiter neighbourhoods</a>. Differences in vegetation cover have become a driver for socio-economic and racial discrepancies in well-being. </p>
<p>The addition and maintenance of green infrastructure is now central to urban planning in most cities. This includes planting trees and bushes, naturalizing parks, restoring wetlands and promoting other forms of green infrastructure such as <a href="https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/official-plan-guidelines/green-roofs/">green roofs</a>. Some cities, including Edmonton, have launched <a href="https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/goat-pilot-project.aspx">goat programs to control noxious weeds</a>. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="Front yard of a house" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/408461/original/file-20210625-18-wnvq68.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/408461/original/file-20210625-18-wnvq68.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/408461/original/file-20210625-18-wnvq68.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/408461/original/file-20210625-18-wnvq68.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/408461/original/file-20210625-18-wnvq68.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/408461/original/file-20210625-18-wnvq68.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/408461/original/file-20210625-18-wnvq68.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Privately owned gardens can make up a large portion of a city’s greenspace and can have very high functional diversity.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Karen Christensen-Dalsgaard)</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A complicating factor is that much of the urban greenspace is found in privately owned gardens. Depending on the city, gardens can make up between 16 and 40 per cent of the total urban land cover, and between <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2009.07.016">35 and 86 per cent of the total greenspace</a>. Governments have little influence over these areas, leaving it up to individual people to make the right decisions.</p>
<h2>How to garden for your community</h2>
<p>The best decisions on how to garden for ecosystem services and healthy habitat depends on what you are trying to achieve, but some approaches transcend most objectives.</p>
<p>Sealed surfaces such as concrete or asphalt are the bane of urban development. They increase heat retention and surface runoff, and are inhospitable to almost all organisms, contributing to the low biodiversity seen in some urban areas. </p>
<p>Breaking up sealed surfaces and planting vegetation improves biodiversity, flood mitigation and cooling. The extent to which vegetation modifies the micro-climate varies with plant composition and structural features.</p>
<p>A recent study compared different types of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127007">low-height green infrastructure such as lawns, meadows and low shrubland in Montréal</a>. Surface temperatures, measured using infrared thermal imaging, were higher in plots with less plant volume. Lawns, for example, were warmer than flower meadows or shrubland. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="A bright green lawn" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/408462/original/file-20210625-21-sy80d0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/408462/original/file-20210625-21-sy80d0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=383&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/408462/original/file-20210625-21-sy80d0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=383&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/408462/original/file-20210625-21-sy80d0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=383&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/408462/original/file-20210625-21-sy80d0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=481&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/408462/original/file-20210625-21-sy80d0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=481&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/408462/original/file-20210625-21-sy80d0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=481&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Flower meadows have more beetles, spiders, centipedes, butterflies, bees and other insects than lawns.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Arthropods — such as beetles, spiders and centipedes as well as butterflies, bees and other insects important for pollination — were more abundant and diverse in areas with more plant varieties. Flower meadows had an approximately 50 per cent higher arthropod richness than lawns. </p>
<p>Your neighbour’s lawn might be greener, but your overgrown shrubbery likely provides better habitat for arthropods and other animals, and ecosystem services such as heat reduction and water infiltration.</p>
<h2>Urban greenspaces can be a refuge</h2>
<p>The value of gardens as biodiversity refuges relates to a concept called functional diversity. This is a measure of how many different functional groups that are present in a habitat. A functional group is a set of organisms that share key characteristics such as food choice, reproductive strategies and behaviours. </p>
<p>With vegetation, a high functional diversity implies that there is a variety of different types plants present — grasses, other herbaceous annuals and perennials, bushes, broad-leaved trees and coniferous trees. </p>
<p>Gardens with high functional diversity excel in most ecosystem services. The multilayered canopy and root systems are more effective in promoting water infiltration into the soil. Deeper roots allow transpiration during hotter days. And a greater functional diversity of plants tends to result in a greater variety of animals living in the garden.</p>
<p>Because of this, properly managed gardens can replace the habitat lost due to urban development, making <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s42949-020-00010-w">urban greenspaces increasingly important as refuges for native biodiversity</a>. Planting functionally different and, ideally, native species that extend the period of flowering and fruiting throughout the growing season provides excellent habitat for <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.1941">pollinating insects</a>, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2016.04.011">birds</a> and other animals. The <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13475">biodiversity of gardens managed for habitat improvement can match that of natural areas</a>. </p>
<p>If you own a garden, you own one part of the solution to creating liveable and sustainable cities. <a href="https://cwf-fcf.org/en/explore/gardening-for-wildlife/tools/">It is up to you to choose what to do with it</a>. The choices you make will affect the urban ecosystem you are part of, determine how your city functions and how it interacts with the surrounding semi-urban, rural and wild areas.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/162810/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Karen Kirstine Christensen-Dalsgaard collaborates with the City of Edmonton on research projects related to urban Ecology and urban plant physiology</span></em></p>
Cities are among the harshest habitats on Earth. But when planned properly, private gardens can help improve their liveability.
Karen K. Christensen-Dalsgaard, Assistant Professor in Plant Biology and Urban Ecology, MacEwan University
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/152680
2021-01-08T03:26:02Z
2021-01-08T03:26:02Z
Cities could get more than 4°C hotter by 2100. To keep cool in Australia, we urgently need a national planning policy
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/377689/original/file-20210108-13-a3kx3t.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C5%2C3350%2C2221&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>In cities around the world, temperatures could rise by <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/cities-face-withering-heat-under-worst-warming-scenarios/">more than 4°C</a> by 2100 under a high-emissions climate change scenario, suggests <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-020-00958-8">research published this week</a> in Nature Climate Change. </p>
<p>It comes as the Bureau of Meteorology’s <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/annual/aus/">annual climate statement</a>, released today, shows 2020 was Australia’s fourth-warmest year on record, despite being an “La Niña” year, which usually leads to cooler temperatures. </p>
<p>Cities occupy just 3% of Earth’s surface. As this portion of land is so small, they’ve typically been left out of most climate models, which generally make projections on global scales. </p>
<p>Yet more than half the world’s population live in urban environments (set to jump to 70% by 2050). This is why the researchers call for “multi-model projections” of local climates for cities. </p>
<p>In the study, the researchers say their predictions on climate will give “urban planners and decision-makers in any city […] access to city-specific projections for any planning horizon they need”.</p>
<p>It’s important these planning horizons include the cooling and shading provided by <a href="https://theconversation.com/heres-how-green-infrastructure-can-easily-be-added-to-the-urban-planning-toolkit-57277">green infrastructure</a> — the network of green spaces such as street trees and green walls — in urban areas. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/heres-how-green-infrastructure-can-easily-be-added-to-the-urban-planning-toolkit-57277">Here’s how green infrastructure can easily be added to the urban planning toolkit</a>
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<p>For Australia, this means getting a national green infrastructure policy that provides for green spaces within our cities, open spaces and buildings to help with increasing density and rising global temperatures.</p>
<h2>What the research found</h2>
<p>Heat events, such as heatwaves, pose <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/emergency-health-management/heatwave-health-tips-and-information">a significant health risk</a> and can <a href="https://theconversation.com/smart-urban-design-could-save-lives-in-future-heatwaves-33246">hit people harder in cities</a>.</p>
<p>Cities are hotter than in surrounding regional areas due to “<a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/urban-heat-island/">the urban heat island</a>” effect, a result of heat created by all the densely packed people, vehicles and industries, and the heat retained among buildings and other infrastructure.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/377696/original/file-20210108-19-x3b67f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Sydney highway" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/377696/original/file-20210108-19-x3b67f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/377696/original/file-20210108-19-x3b67f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/377696/original/file-20210108-19-x3b67f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/377696/original/file-20210108-19-x3b67f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/377696/original/file-20210108-19-x3b67f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/377696/original/file-20210108-19-x3b67f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/377696/original/file-20210108-19-x3b67f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Cars, asphalt on roads, buildings and people, all densely packed together, are why cities are hotter than regional areas.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Despite having the highest population density, the researchers point out that urban areas aren’t often represented in the <a href="https://www.wcrp-climate.org/wgcm-cmip/wgcm-cmip5">Coupled Model Intercomparison Project</a>. This project is important because it informs the global authority on climate change (the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/syr/">International Panel on Climate Change</a>).</p>
<p>So the research authors built a statistical model emulating a complex climate model with urban regions. And they estimate that, by the end of the century, average warming across global cities will increase by 1.9°C under an intermediate emissions scenario, and 4.4°C with high emissions.</p>
<p>Urban warming would most affect mid-to-northern parts of the United States, southern Canada, Europe, the Middle East, northern Central Asia and northwestern China. </p>
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<p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/smart-urban-design-could-save-lives-in-future-heatwaves-33246">Smart urban design could save lives in future heatwaves</a>
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<p>They also predict that the <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ama/heatindex#">heat index</a> would increase faster than air temperature alone over almost all cities. “Heat index” refers to how hot the human body actually <em>feels</em>, a combination of relative humidity and air temperature. This would mean urban residents would experience higher heat stress. </p>
<h2>What does this mean for Australia?</h2>
<p>While the research found most urban warming would occur in the northern hemisphere, Australian cities are also projected to continue to warm. But we need only look to the recent record-breaking years to realise climate change will result in more extremely hot days here. </p>
<p>2019 was <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/state-of-the-climate/future-climate.shtml">Australia’s hottest</a> (and driest) year on record. And today’s <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/annual/aus/">annual climate statement</a> from the Bureau of Meteorology shows the highest temperature ever recorded in the Sydney Basin, at a whopping 48.9°C, occurred in 2020, on January 4. It also found the average national temperature for 2020 was 1.15°C higher than normal. </p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1347256693416103939"}"></div></p>
<p>These are nationwide findings, but how Australia manages climate in urban areas is particularly important as around <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/regional-population/latest-release#capital-cities">80% of population growth</a> occurs in capital cities. </p>
<p>In fact, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169204620301407">2020 research</a> found we’re increasingly facing more frequent and prolonged heatwaves that intensify urban heat islands in places such as Sydney, by raising inland temperatures by as much as 10°C more than in coastal zones.</p>
<h2>Keeping cities cool</h2>
<p>The best way to ensure our cities are kept cool is through greening urban spaces. Green spaces can be developed by planting trees in streets, yards and parks for shade, recreation and relief from the heat. This will create cooler urban “microclimates” for social interaction and <a href="https://theconversation.com/cities-will-endure-but-urban-design-must-adapt-to-coronavirus-risks-and-fears-135949">natural retreats</a> from city life.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-world-endured-2-extra-heatwave-days-per-decade-since-1950-but-the-worst-is-yet-to-come-141983">The world endured 2 extra heatwave days per decade since 1950 – but the worst is yet to come</a>
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<p><a href="https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/premiers-priorities/greening-our-city">Greater Sydney</a>, for example, has a welcome new policy to ensure five million more trees are planted by 2030. This is an important long-term goal as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S221067071630066X">2016 research from Canada</a> found tree cover in daytime reduced air temperature by up to 4°C in Montreal city. </p>
<p>The design of buildings and their immediate surroundings are also important to help manage increasing heat in our cities. </p>
<p>Our open spaces are places of exercise, retreat, relaxation and, in a new COVID world, socially distant interactions. The pandemic has allowed us <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/popularity-of-parks-prompts-call-for-ideas-to-re-imagine-public-spaces-20200715-p55c5z.html">to rediscover</a> the importance of our community and local connections in these spaces. </p>
<p>Multi-storey buildings also provide opportunity for vertical greening. The Victorian government, for example, is seeking <a href="https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/planning-for-melbourne/plan-melbourne/cooling-greening-melbourne/green-wall-on-the-go">to increase</a> the amount of green infrastructure in our urban areas to help us cope with predicted warmer conditions. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/377694/original/file-20210108-13-ahdow5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/377694/original/file-20210108-13-ahdow5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/377694/original/file-20210108-13-ahdow5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/377694/original/file-20210108-13-ahdow5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/377694/original/file-20210108-13-ahdow5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/377694/original/file-20210108-13-ahdow5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/377694/original/file-20210108-13-ahdow5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/377694/original/file-20210108-13-ahdow5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Melbourne has many trees and green spaces that help negate the effects of the urban heat island.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
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<h2>Australia needs a national planning policy</h2>
<p>Urban planning and greening urban spaces is largely a local government responsibility, usually overseen by state and territory governments. </p>
<p>And there is national recognition of the importance of green cities through the federal government’s <a href="https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/cities/smart-cities/plan/index.aspx">Smart Cities Plan</a>. It states: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>Green, sustainable cities […] improve the quality of air and water, reduce the heat island effect, protect biological diversity and threatened species, and enhance general amenity. </p>
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<p>But what’s needed, urgently, is a national planning framework of green city principles so no regions get left behind. Climate change is a national issue, and all urban residents from all socioeconomic backgrounds should benefit from green cities.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/anatomy-of-a-heatwave-how-antarctica-recorded-a-20-75-c-day-last-month-134550">Anatomy of a heatwave: how Antarctica recorded a 20.75°C day last month</a>
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<p>This national planning policy would describe how our cities across the nation should develop appropriately spaced trees and other vegetation, to better manage and prepare for increasing density and greater activity as climate change brings hotter weather. </p>
<p>And importantly, more research is needed to better inform climate models. We need more information into the ways our climates will change within different land areas — whether rural, suburban or in cities — so we can develop better national plans for how we will live and work in the future. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/in-a-heatwave-the-leafy-suburbs-are-even-more-advantaged-53307">In a heatwave, the leafy suburbs are even more advantaged</a>
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</p>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/152680/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Mark Maund works as an environmental planner in private practice.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>SueAnne Ware receives funding from the City of Newcastle and Landcom NSW.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Kim Maund and Marcus Jefferies do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>
Cities occupy just 3% of the Earth’s surface, yet more than half the world’s population live in urban environments. We need nation-wide plans to keep our cities cool so no one gets left behind.
Mark Maund, Research Affiliate, School of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Newcastle
Kim Maund, Discipline Head – Construction Management, School of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Newcastle
Marcus Jefferies, Senior Lecturer School of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Newcastle
SueAnne Ware, Professor and Head of School of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Newcastle
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/151043
2020-12-04T14:11:42Z
2020-12-04T14:11:42Z
UK plans to slash carbon emissions 68% by 2030 – how banking, building and borrowing can help
<p>For those conscious of the growing climate crisis and the perilous economic situation, the path out of the coronavirus recession looks like a tightrope. On one side, the urgent need to revive the economy and head off unemployment. On the other, the demand that post-COVID growth is green and sustainable. The UK’s recently announced <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-infrastructure-strategy">national infrastructure strategy</a> is part of the government’s vision for managing that balancing act.</p>
<p>The government has set out plans to renew the UK’s “creaking national anatomy” with “hundreds of billions of pounds” of private and public investment in transport, the energy sector and telecommunications. But with the newly announced target to cut carbon emissions by at least <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55179008">68%</a> of what they were in 1990 by the end of 2030, decarbonisation measures must be much more aggressive.</p>
<p>If planned carefully, there are opportunities for targeting this promised infrastructure spending in a way that could slash emissions and make the British economy more sustainable.</p>
<h2>1. National infrastructure bank</h2>
<p>The UK government is to set up a <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/938051/NIS_final_print.pdf">national infrastructure bank</a> in the North of England which will fund projects across the UK, while attempting to garner additional private investment. The bank’s institutional weight will lend confidence and guarantees to private investors, and could assist local and mayoral authorities with regional infrastructure projects.</p>
<p>The European Investment Bank (EIB) provided <a href="https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainers/european-investment-bank-brexit">€165 billion to UK projects</a> between 1973 and 2017. Since it lent around a third of the total project cost on average, it meant around €20 billion in <a href="https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/brexit/2020/09/28/european-investment-bank-the-uk-will-miss-it-when-it-is-gone/">project support annually</a> in the years before the 2016 Brexit referendum. A national infrastructure bank would need to match and surpass the level of support the EIB provided post-Brexit, particularly given the dire need for a post-pandemic economic revival.</p>
<p>From its outset, the bank should mandate that projects which are carbon-neutral or contribute to lowering emissions elsewhere – such as energy efficient upgrades of existing infrastructure or new low-carbon public transport – get priority in funding. Continued support should require proof that promised benefits to the environment and communities are being delivered. </p>
<h2>2. Levelling-up fund</h2>
<p>The government is also committing £4 billion to a “levelling-up fund”. This is supposed to reduce regional inequality across the UK by offering local authorities the chance to bid for up to £20 million in project funding. </p>
<p>A <a href="https://www.rtpi.org.uk/consultations/2020/october/pwpconsultationresponse/">green growth board</a>, or similar proposal, could recommend local projects for funding. But this should be an opportunity to find the best ideas – not an additional process for applicants to negotiate.</p>
<p>The government recently revised its <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/937700/Green_Book_Review_final_report_241120v2.pdf">investment rules</a> to ensure that project appraisals go beyond benefit-cost ratios and consider how each project might serve strategic priorities, such as regional renewal or reaching net-zero carbon emissions. Allowing communities to define local priorities, lead projects and have a say in where funding goes could generate local support for new green infrastructure.</p>
<h2>3. Housing and energy efficiency</h2>
<p>The government aims to build <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-announces-new-housing-measures">300,000 new homes</a> each year. These should all meet the highest energy efficiency standards, with the highest quality insulation and heat pumps where possible. There should be a similarly ambitious programme of refurbishment for existing homes that includes replacing gas heating systems and retrofitting walls and windows.</p>
<p>The UK’s private rental sector tends to have <a href="https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-7328/">lower housing standards</a>, so properties that fail to meet energy efficiency targets must be retrofitted before being placed on the market. Meanwhile, incentives like tax benefits or subsidies could encourage the wider adoption of energy-efficient measures.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="A builder installs insulating boards into the roof of a house." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/373059/original/file-20201204-21-tfouk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/373059/original/file-20201204-21-tfouk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/373059/original/file-20201204-21-tfouk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/373059/original/file-20201204-21-tfouk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/373059/original/file-20201204-21-tfouk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/373059/original/file-20201204-21-tfouk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/373059/original/file-20201204-21-tfouk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">A fifth of the UK’s carbon emissions come from the energy generated to heat and light homes.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/builder-installing-insulating-board-into-roof-203363170">SpeedKingz/Shutterstock</a></span>
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<h2>4. Road building</h2>
<p>The announcement of <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/27billion-roads-investment-to-support-64000-jobs">£27 billion for road building</a> doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence in the government’s ability to meet its net-zero target. But there is an opportunity here to make Britain’s road network greener if the money is spent carefully.</p>
<p>New road building projects could focus on reducing journey times and congestion by identifying where routes are likely to be most useful, analysing hourly traffic data and <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170329102523.htm">adopting smart interventions</a> to reduce queuing at roundabouts. Remote rural areas should get new road connections including new bus routes and public transport provision to reduce how dependent people in these communities are on cars.</p>
<p>Rapid charging hubs for electric vehicles should feature in all new motorway and A-road service stations. New roads and extensions of existing ones should include bus and bike lanes, with money for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2020/feb/11/the-government-must-invest-in-cycling-heres-how-to-do-it">bike-sharing schemes too</a>.</p>
<p>Highways England’s promise to create <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/01/wildflower-meadows-to-line-all-major-new-uk-roads-in-boost-for-biodiversity-aoe">native wildflower meadows</a> along the verges of all new major roads – and eventually extend them to existing roads – highlights the opportunities to make the network more wildlife-friendly as well.</p>
<h2>5. Carbon pricing system</h2>
<p>Most energy-intensive industries such as electricity generation, steel manufacturing and aviation currently receive some free and tradeable allowances, each of which permits the emission of one tonne of CO₂ under the <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/ets_en#:%7E:text=The%2021%25%20reduction%20in%202020,to%20the%20phase%202%20cap.">EU Emissions Trading System</a> (ETS). A “cap”, or limit, is set on the total greenhouse gas emissions by all participants, which is lowered over time to ensure total emissions fall.</p>
<p>Participating companies either take measures to reduce their emissions or buy additional tradeable allowances from other companies or through state auctions. Post-Brexit, the UK will adopt a <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-emissions-trading-system-proposal-would-see-uk-go-further-in-tackling-climate-change">replacement carbon pricing system</a>.</p>
<p>Here lies an opportunity to go deeper and further than current EU plans, by reducing the cap aggressively and bringing more polluting activities under the cap. This will ensure the cap remains below what the UK’s share would have been in the EU’s ETS, but also help the UK become a global leader in the race to reach net-zero emissions.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/151043/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Anupam Nanda's research has received funding UKRI/Innovate UK, the US Real Estate Research Institute, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Investment Property Forum and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He is a board member of the European Real Estate Society.</span></em></p>
Slashing carbon emissions by 68% by 2030 will depend on using the UK’s infrastructure strategy effectively.
Anupam Nanda, Professor of Urban Economics & Real Estate, University of Manchester
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/148263
2020-10-28T17:27:52Z
2020-10-28T17:27:52Z
Will the population freeze allow our big cities to catch up on infrastructure?
<p>The 2020 federal budget forecasts Australia’s <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/federal-budget/federal-budget-shows-that-the-pandemic-will-made-australias-population-go-backwards/news-story/c6d19af2d63fbb18c755686a010ea597">population growth will slow</a> to almost zero over several years because of COVID-19 and related restrictions. This leads to the question: will this period allow the big cities to catch up on infrastructure shortfalls that developed before the pandemic? </p>
<p>One of us recently conducted <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07293682.2020.1739095">research</a> on how infrastructure shortages – <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08111146.2011.576650">such as rail lines, open space and affordable housing</a> – linked to Sydney’s pre-pandemic rapid growth arose in the context of government support for a lot more population. The findings gives us some insights into whether an infrastructure catch-up might happen.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/city-planning-suffers-growth-pains-of-australias-population-boom-75930">City planning suffers growth pains of Australia's population boom</a>
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</p>
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<h2>The impacts of fiscal imbalance</h2>
<p>The research centred on the consequences for infrastructure provision in Sydney of the vertical fiscal imbalance in Australia. The Commonwealth collects <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/our-federation-functions-well-but-we-can-do-better/news-story/c15bea56432c3eb49db4964afb83b574">more than 80% of tax revenue</a> while the states rely on the Commonwealth for 45% of their revenue. </p>
<p>The federal government, especially the Treasury, favours population growth. That’s because it generates extra tax revenue, reduces the risk of recession and spreads the welfare costs of an ageing society across a wider base. </p>
<p>The state government is also positive about growth, though less so than the Commonwealth. As a public marker of successful government, growth provides political legitimacy. However, it also requires the state, under the Australian Constitution, to provide most of the infrastructure needed to support that growth. </p>
<p>On the other hand, the Commonwealth garners most of the extra tax revenue from growth. Extra state revenue from a growing population is absorbed into the unavoidable recurrent costs of health, education and so on to service the increased needs. As a result, the state government is unable to fund enough new public infrastructure. </p>
<p>Commonwealth infrastructure funding to the state is only a <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/the-nation-s-most-populous-state-starts-to-shrink-20201001-p5615g.htm">small fraction</a> of the total required. The federal budget says New South Wales will receive A$2.7 billion from the Commonwealth for infrastructure over the next decade. The state government’s forecast infrastructure spending is more than A$100 billion over the next four years. </p>
<p>As a result, the state needs to call on private sector funding as much as possible. This means infrastructure that can’t be fully paid for by users, such as rail lines, open space and affordable housing, is under-provided. And, as is <a href="https://cur.org.au/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/understanding-the-assumptions-and-impacts-of-the-phrp-final-report-28-5-19.pdf">the case in Victoria</a>, existing assets such as public housing are sold to the private sector.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/public-land-is-being-sold-exactly-where-thousands-on-the-waiting-list-need-housing-139118">Public land is being sold exactly where thousands on the waiting list need housing</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>An over-reliance on growth?</h2>
<p>This context suggests the pandemic-induced flatlining of population growth won’t necessarily allow the infrastructure shortfall to be overcome. Cities are unlikely to catch up unless the Commonwealth greatly increases its funding of state infrastructure. </p>
<p>State budgets rely heavily on growth-sensitive revenue such as property transfer taxes and the GST. And these are set to fall. NSW GST revenue, for example, is forecast to be <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/nsw-braces-for-historic-hit-to-gst-revenue-20201005-p5627w.html">A$3.5 billion lower</a> this financial year than anticipated before the pandemic.</p>
<p>For states to fund infrastructure beyond user-pay projects like motorways, they have to take on debt to offset reduced taxation revenue. But this will be constrained by their desire to preserve their credit ratings as a marker of good governance. </p>
<p>The federal government is less constrained. The combined influences of ultra-low interest rates and the Reserve Bank’s availability to buy government bonds mean much higher Commonwealth debt is now fiscally tolerable. </p>
<p>The question then becomes: can the Commonwealth’s ability to shoulder increased debt be used to provide the states with more infrastructure funding? The Commonwealth’s <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus">huge budgeted outlays</a> to offset the economic impacts of the pandemic are obviously a major constraint on this happening. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/should-the-government-keep-running-up-debt-to-get-us-out-of-the-crisis-overwhelmingly-economists-say-yes-143089">Should the government keep running up debt to get us out of the crisis? Overwhelmingly, economists say yes</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Nevertheless, infrastructure projects are generally seen as an important vehicle for responding to the effects of the pandemic. And state government projects count just as much as Commonwealth projects for economic recovery. </p>
<p>However, the federal budget provides little cause for optimism here. The big cities received relatively little infrastructure funding, and certainly very little to overcome current shortfalls. </p>
<p>For instance, the main Sydney project funded was the <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/penrith-press/federal-budget-2020-18-billion-for-western-sydney-airport-metro-line/news-story/dd9db7539ddb760c464cbb3b90199295">St Marys-Western Sydney Airport rail line</a>. However no business case for the line has been released, and it is likely to be a decades-long white elephant with little passenger traffic.</p>
<h2>A case for more federal funding</h2>
<p>The case for more Commonwealth funding of state infrastructure goes beyond helping a post-pandemic recovery. The big cities need funding for public goods such as public housing and mass transport. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-more-housing-stimulus-will-be-needed-to-sustain-recovery-148003">Why more housing stimulus will be needed to sustain recovery</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>But developing infrastructure of this kind offers limited opportunities for user-pays financing, especially where current shortfalls are significant. These public-good projects range from relatively small projects such as dedicated cycleways to big-ticket items like Sydney’s<a href="https://www.sydneymetro.info/west/project-overview"> Metro West</a> and Brisbane’s <a href="https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/">Cross River Rail</a>, as well as low-job but high-need items like land purchases for new public open space. </p>
<p>The role government played in responding to the pandemic reminded us just how important leadership, accountability and public-sector-led co-ordination are in times of crisis. </p>
<p>Climate change is another crisis that requires such a response, particularly when it comes to infrastructure investment and delivery. Infrastructure that reduces our dependency on carbon involves investment in high-quality public transport, active transport (walking and cycling) and public open spaces.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/cycling-and-walking-can-help-drive-australias-recovery-but-not-with-less-than-2-of-transport-budgets-142176">Cycling and walking can help drive Australia's recovery – but not with less than 2% of transport budgets</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>In some areas the private sector is well placed to deliver greener outcomes. But in areas such as transport, open space and housing, government investment must play a central role. The transformation that the challenges of the 21st century demand of us needs bold leadership from our elected officials. </p>
<p>As our research has concluded, a deep analysis of the costs and benefits of big city population growth for state government finances should provide the basis for a new federal-state financial accord that addresses the imbalance of such costs and benefits between the two levels of government.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/148263/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Glen Searle receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Crystal Legacy has received funding from the Australian Research Council and the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute.</span></em></p>
The states are primarily responsible for providing infrastructure, but lack the budgets, especially since the pandemic hit revenues. Making up the shortfall depends very much on the Commonwealth.
Glen Searle, Honorary Associate Professor in Planning, University of Queensland, University of Sydney
Crystal Legacy, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, The University of Melbourne
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/144183
2020-09-30T14:43:20Z
2020-09-30T14:43:20Z
Storms and wildfires can cut electricity, but microgrids help communities take control
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/360438/original/file-20200929-16-lj2tbf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=104%2C120%2C3267%2C2073&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Electric utilities will often cut off power to prevent equipment from starting wildfires during hot, windy weather.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>As <a href="https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2020/09/power-outages-continue-to-affect-tens-of-thousands-across-oregon-wednesday-as-wildfires-evacuations-grow.html">wildfires</a>, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2020-09-08/why-does-californias-power-grid-keep-flirting-with-disaster-here-are-some-answers">heat waves</a> and <a href="https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/nova-scotia-power-mobilizes-300-crews-ready-to-deal-with-power-outages-1.5115419">hurricanes</a> sweep across North America, residents are bracing for the power outages that come with these extreme weather events. </p>
<p>Strong winds can knock down electrical lines or blow dry vegetation like dead tree branches into power lines and <a href="https://wildfiremitigation.tees.tamus.edu/faqs/how-power-lines-cause-wildfires">ignite wildfires</a>. Utilities may intentionally shut down targeted sections of power lines in fire-risk areas in the interest of public safety. In October 2019, for example, with wildfires burning through California, PG&E, the largest utility in the United States, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/10/29/pges-role-sonoma-fire-questioned-anger-around-power-outages-spreads/">cut the electricity to two million homes</a>. </p>
<p>But turning off the power can also have negative effects on communities. People rely on a stable electricity supply for <a href="https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/why-cell-phones-failed-in-pgande-outages-and-how-to-prevent-a-repeat">evacuation warnings</a>, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/28/20932780/california-blackout-healthcare-electricity-fires">health care</a> and essential services such as <a href="https://regina.ctvnews.ca/power-outage-forces-buffalo-pound-water-treatment-plant-offline-1.4921689">water</a> and lighting.</p>
<p>Local electricity generation could mitigate these disruptions. During the California blackouts in 2019, Blue Lake Rancheria, an Indigenous community in northwestern California, was a “<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2020/01/01/amid-shut-off-woes-beacon-energy">beacon of energy</a>” in a sea of darkness. The community had previously constructed a state-of-the-art microgrid that allowed it to disconnect from the main grid and provide homes and businesses with solar-generated electricity while other Californians were left without power. </p>
<p>This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated the unplanned power outages caused by wildfires, hurricanes and other disasters. People are increasingly dependent on their home electrical supply to communicate, work and learn — and reduce their <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/19/style/coned-blackouts-spectrum-hurricanes.html">social isolation</a>. In addition, travel restrictions, isolation requirements and supply chain problems for equipment and materials are making it difficult for utilities to respond quickly to power outages.</p>
<h2>The trouble with the status quo</h2>
<p>In the power systems that dominate North America and Europe, electricity is typically generated in large quantities <a href="https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/electricity/delivery-to-consumers.php">far away from population centres</a> and transmitted by power lines over long distances. More than <a href="https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/our-natural-resources/energy-sources-distribution/electricity-infrastructure/electricity-canada/canada-electric-reliability-framework/18792">430,000 kilometres</a> of transmission lines crisscross North America.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/360417/original/file-20200929-18-18yj7qv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Silhouette of a firefighter in a forest aflame." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/360417/original/file-20200929-18-18yj7qv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/360417/original/file-20200929-18-18yj7qv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/360417/original/file-20200929-18-18yj7qv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/360417/original/file-20200929-18-18yj7qv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/360417/original/file-20200929-18-18yj7qv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/360417/original/file-20200929-18-18yj7qv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/360417/original/file-20200929-18-18yj7qv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A firefighter battles a wildfire known as the Maria Fire in Somis, Calif., in October 2019.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Damage from snowstorms, wildfires and windstorms are a <a href="https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2013/08/f2/Grid%20Resiliency%20Report_FINAL.pdf">leading cause of power outages</a> in the U.S. Climate change is expected to <a href="https://changingclimate.ca/site/assets/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/CCCR_FULLREPORT-EN-FINAL.pdf">increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events</a> and power outages have become an accepted practice. </p>
<p>Other events, like a pandemic, can also disrupt access to electricity due to the limited pool of skilled workers. The timely restoration of an outage event is unlikely if illness (or other circumstances) limit the availability of skilled talent. </p>
<p>During the COVID-19 pandemic, some utilities <a href="https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/public-power-utilities-sequester-workers-response-covid-19">sequestered essential workers</a> to ensure continuity of service. But utility service personnel may also cover a wide geographical area, moving from one community to the next, which can increase infectious disease exposure both to the community and to the workers themselves. </p>
<h2>What we can do?</h2>
<p>Local electricity generation can insulate communities against these challenges. Solar- and wind-generated electricity, as well as battery storage, are <a href="https://www.pembina.org/reports/reliable-affordable.pdf">cost-effective and reliable</a>. These alternative generation sources tend to be small-scale and located close to those who will use the electricity. </p>
<p>In addition, renewable resources do not need an outside fuel source, like diesel or natural gas. Disease outbreaks and severe weather events affect the supply and transportation of these fuel sources — <a href="http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/sr/sr290grenzenbacklukmann.pdf">refineries shut down and pipelines are damaged</a>. Technologies such as solar photovoltaics tend to be low-maintenance and present <a href="https://mccac.ca/project-showcase/municipal-district-of-taber-renuwell-project/">an opportunity to train local workers</a> to maintain the infrastructure. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="A darkened street with car lights in the distance" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/360420/original/file-20200929-22-4nrbik.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=13%2C15%2C1247%2C814&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/360420/original/file-20200929-22-4nrbik.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/360420/original/file-20200929-22-4nrbik.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/360420/original/file-20200929-22-4nrbik.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/360420/original/file-20200929-22-4nrbik.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=504&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/360420/original/file-20200929-22-4nrbik.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=504&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/360420/original/file-20200929-22-4nrbik.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=504&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Damage from snowstorms, wildfires and windstorms are a leading cause of power outages. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/dave_hale/860846402">(dave hale/flickr)</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://microgridknowledge.com/microgrid-defined/">A microgrid</a> — a self-sufficient, energy-generating distribution and control system — puts communities on the path to self-reliance. It integrates the source of the electricity with consumption loads, such as homes and businesses, in a connected system, allowing the community to operate in isolation when the utility-scale electricity supply is interrupted. </p>
<h2>Building resilient communities</h2>
<p>During the California power outage in 2019, Blue Lake Rancheria helped nearby communities. It converted a hotel to a newspaper office to boost communication and took in critical patients from the county hospitals. Non-residents lined up at gas stations and convenience stores to stock up on resources they didn’t have access to in their own communities due to the power outages.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/nrg/sttstc/lctrct/rprt/2016cndrnwblpwr/2016cndrnwblpwr-eng.pdf">Cost and regulations</a> are among the major obstacles to local electricity generation and the adoption of microgrids. Communities need access to capital to invest in these technologies, but it is often out of reach. In addition, myriad regulations govern the generation, distribution and sale of electricity, and these uncertainties can be difficult to navigate. </p>
<p>In Canada, there are various incentives programs across the provinces to help communities investing in green infrastructure. For example, <a href="https://fcm.ca/en">the Federation of Canadian Municipalities</a> has multiple funding programs, like the <a href="https://fcm.ca/en/programs/green-municipal-fund">Green Municipal Fund</a>, that assist municipal partners from creating plans to funding capital projects. In British Columbia, the Community Energy Leadership Program <a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/electricity-alternative-energy/community-energy-solutions/community-energy-support-resources">has a guide</a> listing resources and support for communities interested in undertaking clean energy projects.</p>
<p>Communities should engage in <a href="https://questcanada.org/project/getting-to-implementation-in-canada/?dc=strategy-10">community energy planning</a> to help define community priorities around energy and establish actions to achieve the community’s energy goals. The plan showcases a community’s commitment to taking action and advocates for support on funding opportunities and policy changes. The planning process drives education and awareness within local partners on the importance of a reliable electricity supply.</p>
<p>Shifting the focus of renewable electricity generation from a purely economic lens to one that sees the value in its many societal benefits — energy independence and security, skilled local jobs, zero-emissions electricity — can help build more energy-resilient communities.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/144183/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jeanie Chin receives funding from Alberta Jobs, Economy and Innovation, Western Economic Development, and Alberta Innovates.</span></em></p>
In an era of climate change and extreme weather, a microgrid — a self-sufficient, energy-generating distribution and control system — puts communities on the path to self-reliance.
Jeanie Chin, Manager, Centre for Grid Innovation, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/144966
2020-09-01T14:15:08Z
2020-09-01T14:15:08Z
Cemetery design has to consider many sensitive issues: lessons from Johannesburg
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/355056/original/file-20200827-16-4sff6r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">An aerial picture of funerals taking place at a section of the Westpark cemetery in Johannesburg.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Michelle Spatari/AFP via Getty Images</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>South Africa’s cities have been shaped by its <a href="http://www.treasury.gov.za/divisions/bo/ndp/TTRI/TTRI%20Oct%202007/Day%201%20-%2029%20Oct%202007/1a%20Keynote%20Address%20Li%20Pernegger%20Paper.pdf">colonial and apartheid history</a>. And for many years South Africans were divided even after death. Cemeteries reflect the spatial imbalances and segregation inherited from earlier times.</p>
<p>In the <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/3059926?seq=1">nineteenth century</a>, religion determined where a person was buried within a cemetery. This continued into the twentieth century. At the peak of apartheid, <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lorena_Nunez6/publication/313176373_UnRest_in_Peace_The_Local_Burial_of_Foreign_Migrants_as_a_Contested_Process_of_Place_Making/links/5a5da8f5aca272d4a3ddf2a8/UnRest-in-Peace-The-Local-Burial-of-Foreign-Migrants-as-a-Contested-Process-of-Place-Making.pdf">segregationist laws</a> stipulated that cemeteries be classified by race and ethnicity.</p>
<p>That ended with the arrival of democracy, but cemeteries continue to reflect changing values and needs. </p>
<p>Municipalities, particularly those in urban areas, are now forced to identify new cemetery planning methods and models that are environmentally sensitive and consistent with diverse cultural practices, and facilitate social cohesion.</p>
<p>The City of Johannesburg, for one, is exploring new approaches to cemetery planning and provision to meet current and future demand. There is a drive by the city to design cemeteries that accommodate everyone, whatever their racial or economic status or religion. </p>
<p>Like many South African cities, Johannesburg faces diverse challenges. Cemeteries take up a lot of land and mostly promote a single-use design. Unless burial practices are reviewed, cities face a real threat of running out of burial land.</p>
<p>My PhD <a href="http://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/handle/10539/24012">research</a> looked at Waterval Cemetery as an example of Johannesburg’s innovative design of future cemeteries. I wanted to find out what people thought of current and alternative burial options, and what social barriers there might be to the provision of innovative cemeteries that foster sustainability, inclusion and cohesion. </p>
<p>I then <a href="https://www.wits.ac.za/sacp/featured-projects/urban-innovations/">studied</a> Diepsloot Memorial Park, an unconventional cemetery that opened in 2007. It was designed to densify burial, foster inclusion and relieve older cemeteries that were reaching capacity. I wanted to investigate the local community’s perceptions and barriers to acceptance of the memorial park. I also wanted to determine the general public’s view of newer cemetery designs that combine burial and recreation.</p>
<p>I found that most people embraced the integration of green elements within cemeteries, as long as these didn’t affect the core function of burial. But integrating these elements for recreation was seen as disrespectful. A majority of the people I spoke to didn’t embrace alternatives. For instance, cremation was perceived as offensive, and not much was known about mausoleums. Educating communities about these alternatives could improve acceptance, particularly given that a substantial number could be open to change.</p>
<h2>Re-imagining cemeteries</h2>
<p>Cemeteries can be viewed as part of a city’s green infrastructure. This means that green elements such as trees, grass and flowers are integrated in the cemetery’s design. That way they provide services to both the living and the dead. In addition to burial, they also conserve and restore ecological services. These include regulating temperature, soil erosion and flooding, and providing habitats for insects and small animals. </p>
<p>The idea is that when green infrastructure principles are integrated into their design, cemeteries look more pleasing and are used better. Another consideration is that some cultures hold that the dead are aware of their surroundings. </p>
<p>The question is whether Johannesburg’s cemeteries are being planned with this in mind, and whether people will accept this new approach to cemetery design and alternatives to conventional burial. If people resist change, land may not be put to good use. Limiting what land is used for is not sustainable in the long run and increases contestation over diminishing resources.</p>
<p>Conventional burial is interment of human remains underground. Alternatives include interment above ground in mausoleums and cremation which entails burning of human remains into ashes. </p>
<p>Most participants in my Waterval Cemetery research were open to the integration of green elements such as trees and grass within the cemetery as it provides a comforting atmosphere and dignifies the space. It has an ecological function for the city and they believed it promotes health and tranquillity, and thus aids with grieving. </p>
<p>But most people did not approve of recreational activities taking place in cemeteries. They found it offensive. </p>
<p>Participants were aware of alternatives such as cremation. But they had limited knowledge about it and its cost in comparison to conventional burial. Cremation seemed to cause a lot of debate and was a sensitive issue for most participants. People believed cremation was more expensive than conventional burial. Nonetheless, many seemed open to the idea. </p>
<p>But when I studied the Diepsloot Memorial Park, I found resistance to innovation. Firstly, there has been a slow uptake of graves as the cemetery does not comply with users’ values and norms. This is because it combines both burial and recreation. Secondly, most participants would prefer only one body to be buried in a grave instead of multiple bodies as the municipality encourages. Thirdly, the community does not favour the use of flat ground plaques for the cemetery to look like a park and for easy maintenance. Lastly, funeral undertakers discourage members of the community from using the cemetery because restrictions such as use of plaques rather than full body memorials and upright headstones undermine revenue.</p>
<h2>Looking ahead</h2>
<p>My research showed that there are major social barriers towards adoption of newer methods of interment and cemetery designs. </p>
<p>A shift towards designing innovative cemeteries requires a strong understanding of local socio-cultural contexts. </p>
<p>Cemeteries are some of the most important spaces in cities, especially in South Africa, where burial practices are an important part of diverse cultures and form a link to community history.</p>
<p>The country’s cultural and religious diversity adds to the complexity, and requires greater consultation with the stakeholders.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/144966/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Tsepang Leuta has received funding from the Urban Resilience Programme through the DST/NRF funding opportunity and from the GCI (previously GCSRI) at the University of the Witwatersrand.</span></em></p>
Municipalities are now forced to identify new cemetery planning methods and models that are environmentally sensitive and consistent with diverse cultural practices, and facilitate social cohesion.
Tsepang Leuta, Lecturer in Planning, University of the Witwatersrand
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/139376
2020-06-17T16:11:55Z
2020-06-17T16:11:55Z
How investing in green infrastructure can jump-start the post-coronavirus economy
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/342280/original/file-20200616-23243-16sxrp5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=62%2C93%2C4221%2C2980&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Investing in natural assets like ponds can help prevent cities from flooding — and save municipalities money. </span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>COVID-19 has turned the world on its head. <a href="https://www.policyalternatives.ca/newsroom/updates/our-social-and-economic-analysis-covid-19">Many socio-economic benefits Canadians took for granted are now under threat</a>, and the <a href="https://www.conferenceboard.ca/focus-areas/canadian-economics/provincial-outlook/canadian-overview">economic</a>, <a href="http://canadianinfrastructure.ca/downloads/canadian-infrastructure-report-card-2019.pdf">infrastructure</a> and <a href="https://www.wwf.ca/about_us/lprc/">environmental</a> problems that we were once content to ignore are now glaringly obvious.</p>
<p>A recent <a href="https://ipbes.net/sites/default/files/ipbes_7_10_add.1_en_1.pdf">United Nations report</a> shows that most of Earth’s ecosystems are in serious decline, and this is also true for Canada. In addition, <a href="https://www.trisura.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Trisura-Infrastructure-WP-English-Update.pdf">our infrastructure is failing</a>: most of the <a href="http://canadianinfrastructure.ca/downloads/canadian-infrastructure-report-card-2019.pdf">country’s roads, bridges, stormwater and sewer systems were built just after the Second World War, and up to 40 per cent are close to their expiration dates</a>. </p>
<p>But repairing infrastructure is expensive. Cities own <a href="https://www.policyschool.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/municipal-capital-infrastructure-tassonyi-conger.pdf">two-thirds of it</a> <a href="https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/cmsmedia/3784811/moving-forward-infrastructure-risk-paper-january-2019.pdf">but receive only eight per cent of all tax dollars</a> and, <a href="https://www.fraserinstitute.org/sites/default/files/federal-fiscal-history-canada-1867-2017.pdf">historically, they have set aside very little money for infrastructure operations, maintenance and rewnewal</a>. </p>
<p>As attentions begin to shift towards economic recovery, some communities are beginning to incorporate natural assets such as lakes, forests or streams into their infrastructure planning while maintaining and improving municipal services such as drinking water supplies, flood protection and stormwater management. Doing so can <a href="http://www.fao.org/3/xii/0649-b3.htm">save municipalities billions of dollars on investments such as water treatment plants</a>.</p>
<h2>Economic recovery with natural assets</h2>
<p><a href="https://naturalcapitalcoalition.org/">Natural assets</a> provide benefits to people in the form of <a href="http://www.millenniumassessment.org/documents/document.356.aspx.pdf">ecosystem services</a> like <a href="https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/benefits-green-infrastructure">managing stormwater, regulating local climate and filtering pollution</a>. Natural asset approaches do not see people as separate from nature. Instead, they understand that <a href="https://science.sciencemag.org/content/317/5844/1513">we are part of nature</a> and that nature can support solutions to societal challenges.</p>
<p>As a subset of <a href="https://greeninfrastructureontario.org/app/uploads/2020/04/Economic-Impact-Assessment-of-GI-Sector-in-Ontario_Online.pdf">green infrastructure</a>, natural assets produce societal, environmental and economic benefits. Green infrastructure increases resilience to environmental challenges like <a href="https://www.cdp.net/en/research/global-reports/cities-at-risk">climate change, which has emerged as a major threat to cities the world over</a>. In addition, <a href="https://greeninfrastructureontario.org/app/uploads/2020/04/Economic-Impact-Assessment-of-GI-Sector-in-Ontario_Online.pdf">the green infrastructure sector in Ontario alone contributes over $8 billion to our national economy and more than 120,000 jobs</a>.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/342283/original/file-20200616-23217-1yychpr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/342283/original/file-20200616-23217-1yychpr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=373&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/342283/original/file-20200616-23217-1yychpr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=373&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/342283/original/file-20200616-23217-1yychpr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=373&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/342283/original/file-20200616-23217-1yychpr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=469&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/342283/original/file-20200616-23217-1yychpr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=469&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/342283/original/file-20200616-23217-1yychpr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=469&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A tow truck driver walks back through floodwaters after hooking up a car on the Don Valley Parkway in Toronto in July 2013.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Examples of urban natural asset planning and management can be found in progressive cities across the world. For instance, the latest <a href="https://vaxer.stockholm/globalassets/tema/oversiktplan-ny_light/english_stockholm_city_plan.pdf">urban plan for Stockholm</a>, Sweden, has explicitly integrated the city’s natural assets. The plan gives direction to maintain and strengthen green infrastructure like parks and forests. These assets will be important for increasing climate change resilience and protecting the quality of life and health of Stockholm’s residents. </p>
<p>In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, <a href="https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/27505/hcmc-climate-change-summary.pdf">urbanization and climate change combine to increase the frequency of floods and urban heating</a>. These floods damage property, disrupt infrastructure and cause sewer backups, while urban heating increases air pollution and causes heat stress. In response to these threats, the city has <a href="http://www.vcaps.org/assets/uploads/files/HCMC_ClimateAdaptationStrategy_webversie.pdf">developed a climate adaptation strategy</a> that includes plans to expand and strengthen the city’s green spaces to increase water storage capacity and reduce urban heating.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-cities-can-add-accessible-green-space-in-a-post-coronavirus-world-139194">How cities can add accessible green space in a post-coronavirus world</a>
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<p>In Canada, the town of Gibsons, B.C., has incorporated the local pond system into their municipal asset management plan. The ponds function as a stormwater system that stores, cleans and filters water that would otherwise require storm sewers, bypass pipes and other forms of engineered infrastructure <a href="https://mnai.ca/media/2018/01/TownofGibsons_CaseStudy.pdf">at a cost of $3.5 million to $4 million</a>. An important additional benefit is that <a href="https://www.assetmanagementbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/Asset-Management-for-Sustainable-Service-Delivery-A-BC-Framework-.pdf">natural assets can help fight climate change by capturing carbon</a>. </p>
<p>The <a href="https://mnai.ca/">Municipal Natural Assets Initiative</a>, which works with local governments to account for and manage their natural assets, has partnered with Gibsons on its stormwater management study. It is now scaling up that example for other communities across Canada, and is helping address some of the <a href="https://mnai.ca/media/2019/07/SP_MNAI_Report4_June2019.pdf">barriers that local governments face in managing their natural assets</a>. Investments into natural assets could help municipalities that are stretched thin due to higher spending and lower revenues from COVID-19. </p>
<h2>Maximizing economic stimulus spending</h2>
<p>One of the <a href="https://www.preventionweb.net/files/43291_sendaiframeworkfordrren.pdf">best practices of disaster management</a> is “building back better” to increase resilience in the community and the rest of the country. This includes investments in services and infrastructure. <a href="https://institute.smartprosperity.ca/sites/default/files/publications/files/Building%20A%20Green%20Economic%20Stimulus%20Package%20for%20Canada.pdf">Natural asset strategies such as reforestation initiatives can contribute to generating the needed economic stimulus for recovery efforts</a>. Nature-based solutions that support vital ecosystem services can <a href="https://www.unglobalcompact.org/take-action/events/climate-action-summit-2019/nature-based-solutions">reduce the financial costs of climate change, contribute to job creation, increase resilience and reduce poverty</a>. </p>
<p>In late April, data from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities showed that Canadian communities faced <a href="https://fcm.ca/en/news-media/news-release/covid-19-municipalities-seek-emergency-funding">$10 billion to $15 billion in near-term, non-recoverable losses</a> from lost property taxes, utility charges and decreased transit ridership, and called for at least $10 billion in emergency operation funds from the federal government. So far, the federal government has only committed to release the annual <a href="https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gtf-fte-eng.html">Gas Tax Fund funding to municipalities as an early, one-time transfer of $2.2-billion</a>.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/340177/original/file-20200605-176542-2mwbsq.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=70%2C6%2C725%2C465&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/340177/original/file-20200605-176542-2mwbsq.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=70%2C6%2C725%2C465&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/340177/original/file-20200605-176542-2mwbsq.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=358&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/340177/original/file-20200605-176542-2mwbsq.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=358&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/340177/original/file-20200605-176542-2mwbsq.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=358&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/340177/original/file-20200605-176542-2mwbsq.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=449&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/340177/original/file-20200605-176542-2mwbsq.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=449&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/340177/original/file-20200605-176542-2mwbsq.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=449&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Extensive forests line the Don River Valley Park with the Prince Edward Viaduct and Toronto skyline in the background.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prince_Edward_Viaduct_(4672897942).jpg#file">(Jess/Wikimedia Commons)</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The country needs additional investments. The <a href="https://www.forestsontario.ca/planting/programs/50-million-tree-program/">50 Million Tree Program</a> might be an example of a great target for this. <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/50-million-tree-program-ontario-funding-1.5162571">After the Ontario government pulled the funding for this program, the federal government stepped in and guaranteed funding until 2023</a>. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169204618303542?via%3Dihub">Planting urban trees is as close as it gets to a magic bullet in our fight against climate change and air pollution</a>. Expanding the 50 Million Tree Program and continuing it past 2023 would be a great investment with short and long-term economic benefits.</p>
<p>A portion of any federal or provincial stimulus investments should be used to support natural assets and green infrastructure projects that protect ecosystems, improve municipal service delivery, produce jobs and strengthen the economy. Doing so could save municipalities millions — if not billions — of dollars in infrastructure service costs. </p>
<p>Let’s not lose out on this opportunity to make our municipalities more resilient to the future threats that we know will come.</p>
<p><em>The authors thank Roy Brooke and Cheekwan Ho for their contributions to this commentary.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/139376/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michael Drescher has previously consulted for the Municipal Natural Assets Initiative. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Lucas Mollame is currently conducting research which is partially funded by the Municipal Natural Assets Initiative. </span></em></p>
Natural assets produce important city services and complement engineered infrastructure. Investing in natural assets can help protect our environment, reduce municipal service costs and create jobs.
Michael Drescher, Associate professor, School of Planning, University of Waterloo
Lucas Mollame, Master's Candidate, School of Planning in the Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/139194
2020-06-11T19:40:12Z
2020-06-11T19:40:12Z
How cities can add accessible green space in a post-coronavirus world
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/341242/original/file-20200611-80770-102058m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=37%2C51%2C2434%2C1566&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Cities can prepare for climate change emergencies by adding green spaces to help manage stormwater, heat stress and air quality.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments to weigh the benefits of keeping green spaces open against the public health concerns that come from their use. During the pandemic, playgrounds have been taped off, parks locked and access to outdoor spaces for recreation cut off.</p>
<p>Green spaces have positive effects on <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/01426397908705892">mental health</a>, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/her/cym059">physical fitness</a>, <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16030452">social cohesion</a> and <a href="https://csme.utah.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Nadkarni-Dharma-News-2002.pdf">spiritual wellness</a>. Although researchers say the coronavirus spreads more easily indoors than outdoors, they also believe the <a href="https://ncceh.ca/documents/guide/covid-19-and-outdoor-safety-considerations-use-outdoor-recreational-spaces">concentrated use of green spaces will increase the transmission of COVID-19</a>.</p>
<p>As cabin fever set in and governments began to ease restrictions, those living in urban areas have turned, en masse, to green spaces. <a href="https://osf.io/3wx5a/">Urban nature has been a source of resilience for many during COVID-19</a>. But the outcome has been disconcerting. COVID-19 has highlighted the <a href="https://alextabascio.wordpress.com/2020/05/24/does-downtown-toronto-have-enough-green-space-to-support-its-residents/amp/">inadequacy of green space for the dense populations of cities</a>. It also reinforces existing <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2016.05.017">inequities regarding unequal access to parks in term of size and quality</a>. </p>
<h2>Human benefits only part of the story</h2>
<p>Natural features and diverse urban forests are <a href="https://montrealgazette.com/news/planning-montreals-urban-forest/">essential for cities to be more resilient and resistant to future challenges</a>, such as invasive species. They are also imperative to <a href="https://theconversation.com/3-ways-cities-can-prepare-for-climate-emergencies-125536">how cities can prepare for climate change emergencies</a> by helping manage stormwater, heat stress and air quality.</p>
<p>Cities around the world can make incremental adjustments and take on radical overhauls to improve their green spaces. Some cities have already started.</p>
<p>Urban green space patches are critically important — and always have been — <a href="https://www.fs.fed.us/nrs/pubs/jrnl/2017/nrs_2017_lepczyk_001.pdf">for biodiversity conservation</a>. But only recently do we seem to appreciate their value and presence. In fact, research has shown that <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/0272-4944(95)90001-2">gazing at trees has psychological benefits</a>. Improving green spaces means making use of traditionally grey infrastructure spaces and infusing them with green.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/341246/original/file-20200611-80789-aanssc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/341246/original/file-20200611-80789-aanssc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341246/original/file-20200611-80789-aanssc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341246/original/file-20200611-80789-aanssc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341246/original/file-20200611-80789-aanssc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341246/original/file-20200611-80789-aanssc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341246/original/file-20200611-80789-aanssc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Landscapes can be designed with the benefits of plants, soil and biodiversity in mind.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>To do this properly, cities need to adopt an ecosystem planning approach that incorporates <a href="https://www.doi.org/10.1038/d41586-018-05607-x">nature-based design to make them more liveable and resilient. It also means managing cities as ecosystems</a>. </p>
<p>In our field of ecosystem restoration, we talk about patch size and quality, corridors and matrices of green space when we assess landscapes for their ability to support biodiversity. Cities that map these spaces are finding increasing trends (e.g. community stewardship, tree planting initiatives) connecting <a href="https://treecanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Article-1-EN-CUFN-Trends-in-Canada%E2%80%99s-Urban-Forests.pdf">people and nature</a>. Some cities map the green dots of tree canopy cover to ensure the urban forest is well-managed and to prepare for consequences of climate change.</p>
<p>For example, one analysis found <a href="https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-141368.pdf">Toronto lacked permeable surfaces and growing space on public land</a>, making it difficult for the city to meet its <a href="http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/it/newsrel.nsf/11476e3d3711f56e85256616006b891f/c3c788e736e7f0d0852584fe00734171?OpenDocument">tree canopy target of 40 per cent coverage by 2050</a>, part of its commitment to the local economy and better equip Toronto to face the effects of climate change. </p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1197213014749040641"}"></div></p>
<p><a href="https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/partnerships-sponsorships-donations/partner-2/parks-environment/urban-forestry-grants-and-incentives/">Continued investments and partnerships with community and stewardship groups</a> has allowed Toronto to increase canopy cover on private land to about 28 per cent. This connect-the-dots approach can be applied incrementally to increase the availability of green space within neighbourhoods that possess both the need and desire to grow their urban canopy.</p>
<h2>Incremental adjustments are not enough</h2>
<p>More radical approaches to landscape design move beyond reactively adding green space to existing grey infrastructure. Instead, decision-makers can prospectively develop landscapes with the benefits of plants and soil in mind.</p>
<p>Even when such aspirational policies and plans exist, they may fail because the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2016.06.010">tools that guide the implementation of ecosystem-based urban plans are often missing</a>. Components of green space design are <a href="https://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol14/iss1/art13/">overlooked because they are quite literally out of sight and therefore out of mind</a>. For example, the specifications for <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s42532-018-00005-z">soil quality and quantity are critical to green</a> and blue infrastructure (vegetation and water elements, respectively) are usually insufficient to support nature-based designs.</p>
<p>The success stories of large-scale <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56091-5_6">green-blue infrastructure</a> design have something in common: they consider <a href="http://www.adaptivecircularcities.com/designing-green-and-blue-infrastructure-to-support-healthy-urban-living/">ecosystem services — the benefits that humans obtain from ecosystems — first and often</a>.</p>
<p>Utrecht, Netherlands, is an <a href="http://www.adaptivecircularcities.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/T02-ACC-WP3-Green-Blue-infrastructure-for-Healthy-Urban-Living-Final-report-160701.pdf">excellent example</a> of the resilience nexus that occurs when applying new design principles that <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2017.11.038">support climate adaptation and contribute to a healthy, liveable urban environments</a>. The city has incorporated green-blue infrastructure goals its plans since 2007, and the legacy of this mindset is already obvious. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/341259/original/file-20200611-80778-1coy7qy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/341259/original/file-20200611-80778-1coy7qy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341259/original/file-20200611-80778-1coy7qy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341259/original/file-20200611-80778-1coy7qy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341259/original/file-20200611-80778-1coy7qy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341259/original/file-20200611-80778-1coy7qy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341259/original/file-20200611-80778-1coy7qy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">People exercise in a park in the city of Utrecht, Netherlands.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Within a fixed city boundary and an increasing urban population, green space per household increased 24 per cent between 2009 and 2014. There are other measurable benefits too: <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2015.02.009">trees have made streets more aesthetically appealing and more comfortable on hot days</a>. And by mapping ecosystem services, Utrecht city officials confirmed that <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/knowledge/ecosystem_assessment/pdf/102.pdf">green spaces could be easily accessed from any part of the city</a>.</p>
<p>In North America, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2014.11.013">ecosystem services are certainly gaining more attention</a>. A key lesson from Utrecht is that cities must commit to planning using an ecosystem approach if they want healthy, liveable cities that improve biodiversity and support climate adaption. </p>
<p>As we navigate the next few months and try to determine what the new normal looks like, cities and municipalities will begin to determine what is feasible. COVID-19 has taught us that availability and accessibility of green space is inadequate. Perhaps as we re-emerge from this crisis, it is the opportune time to pause and consider what is possible.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/139194/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ryan Plummer receives relevant research funding from Mitacs Accelerate (IT17685)</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Darby McGrath receives funding from the Ontario Horticultural Trades Association, Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association and several Canadian municipalities for research partnerships. She is on the Board of Directors of Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF).</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Sivajanani Sivarajah is affiliated with the Ontario Urban Forest Council. </span></em></p>
The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the lack of green space available to those living in urban areas. Cities must be managed as ecosystems to make them more liveable and resilient.
Ryan Plummer, Professor, Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, Brock University
Darby McGrath, Adjunct professor, Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, Brock University
Sivajanani Sivarajah, Research Associate, Department of Architectural Science, Toronto Metropolitan University
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/139478
2020-06-04T19:58:26Z
2020-06-04T19:58:26Z
Greening our grey cities: here’s how green roofs and walls can flourish in Australia
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339644/original/file-20200603-130917-34su2d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C4031%2C2510&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Melbourne Sky Park, between the CBD grid and Docklands precinct.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Oculus, used with permission</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Tomorrow is the first <a href="https://worldgreenroofday.com/">World Green Roof Day</a>. Cities around the world will celebrate the <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/quantifying-benefits-green.pdf">well-documented</a> environmental, economic and social benefits of green roofs. New ground-level green spaces are difficult to create in high-density urban areas. As a result, other forms of city greening – green roofs, green walls and vegetated facades – are increasingly popular.</p>
<p>Being able to grow plants up and on top of buildings combines grey infrastructure with green infrastructure. Unfortunately, <a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-cities-are-lagging-behind-in-greening-up-their-buildings-97088">most Australian cities are lagging behind </a> many international counterparts in this aspect of urban greening.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339657/original/file-20200604-130951-kcyl2m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339657/original/file-20200604-130951-kcyl2m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339657/original/file-20200604-130951-kcyl2m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339657/original/file-20200604-130951-kcyl2m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339657/original/file-20200604-130951-kcyl2m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339657/original/file-20200604-130951-kcyl2m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339657/original/file-20200604-130951-kcyl2m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339657/original/file-20200604-130951-kcyl2m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Growing Up green roof by Bent Architecture on the top of 131 Queen Street, Melbourne.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">University of Melbourne</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-cities-are-lagging-behind-in-greening-up-their-buildings-97088">Australian cities are lagging behind in greening up their buildings</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Roadmap outlines key steps</h2>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339651/original/file-20200603-130903-1st1mhj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339651/original/file-20200603-130903-1st1mhj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339651/original/file-20200603-130903-1st1mhj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=896&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339651/original/file-20200603-130903-1st1mhj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=896&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339651/original/file-20200603-130903-1st1mhj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=896&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339651/original/file-20200603-130903-1st1mhj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1126&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339651/original/file-20200603-130903-1st1mhj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1126&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339651/original/file-20200603-130903-1st1mhj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1126&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Green wall by Junglefy at One Central Park, Sydney.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">John Rayner, used with permission</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>To explore how to increase the uptake of engineered green infrastructure we ran <a href="https://appreciativeinquiry.champlain.edu/learn/appreciative-inquiry-introduction/">appreciative inquiry</a> summits in Sydney and Melbourne. More than 60 representatives from the building and horticultural industries, local and state governments and universities attended. They worked together to create a positive vision for greener Australian cities using green roofs, walls and facades.</p>
<p>Participants identified key actions to achieve this goal. These are compiled in the <a href="https://blogs.unimelb.edu.au/girg/files/2020/06/Roadmap-for-Green-Roofs-Walls-and-Facades-Report.pdf">Roadmap for green roofs, walls and facades in Australia’s urban landscapes 2020-2030</a>. The newly released report sets out how to achieve a flourishing green infrastructure industry and more liveable, green, climate-adapted Australian cities. </p>
<p>There is a significant amount of Australian-specific information on the benefits, value and construction requirements of green roofs, walls and facades. Sharing this knowledge is essential for accelerating advances and bringing people up to speed quickly. A key recommendation was establishing a cloud-based knowledge hub and accompanying programs.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339652/original/file-20200603-130955-nb29jp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339652/original/file-20200603-130955-nb29jp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339652/original/file-20200603-130955-nb29jp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339652/original/file-20200603-130955-nb29jp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339652/original/file-20200603-130955-nb29jp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339652/original/file-20200603-130955-nb29jp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339652/original/file-20200603-130955-nb29jp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339652/original/file-20200603-130955-nb29jp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Biodiversity Green Roof by Junglefy at Yerrabingin Indigenous Rooftop Farm in South Eveleigh, Sydney.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Junglefy, used with permission</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>It’s also about job growth</h2>
<p>Green roofs, walls and facades require a diverse mix of professions and trades to build them. As the sector grows, many jobs will be created. </p>
<figure class="align-left zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339653/original/file-20200603-130923-6v7w6q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339653/original/file-20200603-130923-6v7w6q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339653/original/file-20200603-130923-6v7w6q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339653/original/file-20200603-130923-6v7w6q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339653/original/file-20200603-130923-6v7w6q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339653/original/file-20200603-130923-6v7w6q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339653/original/file-20200603-130923-6v7w6q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339653/original/file-20200603-130923-6v7w6q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Medibank Private green wall by Fytogreen at 720 Bourke Street, Melbourne.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">John Rayner, used with permission</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Changes to government policies and inclusion in economic recovery programs are key to this. For example, in Toronto a 2009 bylaw made green roofs mandatory on new buildings with floor areas greater than 2,000 square metres. That change is <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58e3eecf2994ca997dd56381/t/5d84dfc371cf0822bdf7dc29/1568989140101/Green_Roof_and_Wall_Policy_in_North_America.pdf">estimated</a> to have created more than 1,600 jobs in their construction and 25 jobs a year in maintenance. </p>
<p>Education and training programs will be needed to upskill the new workforce. The <a href="https://www.skillsimpact.com.au/horticulture-conservation-and-land-management/training-package-projects/green-walls-rooftop-gardens-project/?_cldee=YnJpZGdldEBza2lsbHNpbXBhY3QuY29tLmF1&recipientid=contact-5284cf2a66c8e8118168e0071b6685b1-eeea0aae82c14f02b8882c7f93ac9d75&esid=d96f5953-faf9-e911-a813-000d3a797268">National Skills Standards for Green Walls and Rooftop Gardens</a> is a welcome vocational training initiative. In addition, university engineering, design and <a href="https://theconversation.com/if-planners-understand-its-cool-to-green-cities-whats-stopping-them-55753">planning graduates</a> require greater expertise in both policy and implementation, backed up by continuing professional development programs. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339664/original/file-20200604-130923-dgeyt6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339664/original/file-20200604-130923-dgeyt6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339664/original/file-20200604-130923-dgeyt6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339664/original/file-20200604-130923-dgeyt6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339664/original/file-20200604-130923-dgeyt6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339664/original/file-20200604-130923-dgeyt6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339664/original/file-20200604-130923-dgeyt6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339664/original/file-20200604-130923-dgeyt6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Research green roof at the University of Melbourne Burnley campus.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Nicholas Williams</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/if-planners-understand-its-cool-to-green-cities-whats-stopping-them-55753">If planners understand it's cool to green cities, what's stopping them?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Government leadership makes a difference</h2>
<p>Strong government leadership is a feature of countries and cities with a rapid uptake of green roofs, walls and facades. They have clear policies and strategies, established funding mechanisms and good co-ordination among all levels of government. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339650/original/file-20200603-130951-pgumvv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339650/original/file-20200603-130951-pgumvv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339650/original/file-20200603-130951-pgumvv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339650/original/file-20200603-130951-pgumvv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339650/original/file-20200603-130951-pgumvv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339650/original/file-20200603-130951-pgumvv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339650/original/file-20200603-130951-pgumvv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339650/original/file-20200603-130951-pgumvv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Victorian Parliament Members Annexe green roof.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Rachael Bathgate, used with permission</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A national transition to more sustainable cities that incorporates systematic job-making is desirable. It could be achieved through new federal government <a href="https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/cities/city-deals/index.aspx">City Deals</a> focused on stimulating the green economy. </p>
<p>The European Union has already <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidrvetter/2020/04/13/use-lessons-of-covid-19-to-build-a-green-recovery-say-eu-ministers/#30625a794335">proposed</a> fiscal recovery packages along these lines. Economists have <a href="https://academic.oup.com/oxrep/advance-article/doi/10.1093/oxrep/graa015/5832003">identified policies with high potential</a> for both economic multiplier effects and climate impact. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/forget-siestas-green-micro-breaks-could-boost-work-productivity-42356">Forget siestas, 'green micro-breaks' could boost work productivity</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Cities that combine incentives with regulation <a href="https://www.horticulture.com.au/growers/help-your-business-grow/research-reports-publications-fact-sheets-and-more/gc15001/">have higher rates</a> of green infrastructure installation. Education and advocacy to ensure standards of design, installation and maintenance further improve these rates. Importantly, tailored policies can produce green roofs, walls and facades that deal with specific impacts of urbanisation, such as stormwater runoff in flood-prone catchments. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339658/original/file-20200604-130912-8y91ym.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339658/original/file-20200604-130912-8y91ym.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339658/original/file-20200604-130912-8y91ym.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339658/original/file-20200604-130912-8y91ym.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339658/original/file-20200604-130912-8y91ym.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339658/original/file-20200604-130912-8y91ym.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339658/original/file-20200604-130912-8y91ym.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339658/original/file-20200604-130912-8y91ym.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Green wall by Fytogreen at 1 Bligh Street, Sydney CBD.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">John Rayner, used with permission</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The City of Melbourne has adopted this approach. Its <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/greening-the-city/green-infrastructure/Pages/green-our-city-action-plan.aspx">Green Our City Strategic Action Plan</a> identified the benefits of requiring new buildings to include green infrastructure via a planning scheme amendment. The amendment is yet to be approved. However, the city’s <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/greening-the-city/urban-forest-fund/funded-projects/Pages/funded-projects.aspx">Urban Forest Fund</a> is providing incentives for projects. </p>
<p>In addition, the council has released an Australian-first online <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/greening-the-city/green-infrastructure/pages/green-factor-tool.aspx">Green Factor Tool</a> to measure and improve vegetation cover on new developments. Developers have been asked to voluntarily submit a green factor scorecard with building planning applications. This is expected to increase greening in the private realm.</p>
<h2>Crisis also creates opportunities</h2>
<p>The upheavals in how we live and work caused by COVID-19 also provide opportunities. It’s a chance for developers and building managers to rethink apartment and office building design, with health and well-being in mind. The benefits of green roofs for the <a href="https://theconversation.com/forget-siestas-green-micro-breaks-could-boost-work-productivity-42356">cognitive functioning</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/biophilic-urbanism-how-rooftop-gardening-soothes-souls-76789">well-being</a> of employees are already well documented.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/biophilic-urbanism-how-rooftop-gardening-soothes-souls-76789">Biophilic urbanism: how rooftop gardening soothes souls</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>During the pandemic we have seen high <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-reminds-us-how-liveable-neighbourhoods-matter-for-our-well-being-135806">demand for urban green space and nature</a>. Rooftop and podium-level green roofs can help meet this public need. If next to lunch rooms, these spaces may help workers feel safer in communal areas. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339648/original/file-20200603-130923-cd8gan.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339648/original/file-20200603-130923-cd8gan.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/339648/original/file-20200603-130923-cd8gan.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=397&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339648/original/file-20200603-130923-cd8gan.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=397&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339648/original/file-20200603-130923-cd8gan.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=397&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339648/original/file-20200603-130923-cd8gan.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=499&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339648/original/file-20200603-130923-cd8gan.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=499&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/339648/original/file-20200603-130923-cd8gan.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=499&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Breathing Wall by Junglefy at 485 La Trobe Street, Melbourne.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Junglefy, used with permission</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A business tax incentive for retrofits of this type would also help to stimulate the construction industry. </p>
<p>Australian cities are already experiencing <a href="https://theconversation.com/scientists-hate-to-say-i-told-you-so-but-australia-you-were-warned-130211">hotter days, more intense storms and flooding</a>. Creating more green roofs, walls and facades is an important way to respond to climate change and biodiversity impacts. At the same time, these actions create engaging and restorative outdoor spaces for workers and residents. The new roadmap provides a bold but achievable path towards a more sustainable and liveable future.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/139478/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Nicholas Williams receives funding from Hort Innovation, the City of Melbourne and Victorian Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning. He is affiliated with the Friends of Merri Creek. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Cathy Oke is a City of Melbourne Councillor. She receives funding from the European Climate Foundation. She is affiliated with The Victorian Greens party. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Leisa Sargent receives funding from Hort Innovation and the City of Melbourne.</span></em></p>
The release of a roadmap for green roofs, walls and facades in Australia can help our cities catch up with the world leaders in urban greening.
Nicholas Williams, Associate Professor in Urban Ecology and Urban Horticulture, The University of Melbourne
Cathy Oke, Melbourne Enterprise Senior Fellow in Informed Cities, Connected Cities Lab, The University of Melbourne
Leisa Sargent, Senior Deputy Dean, UNSW Business School, Co-DVC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, UNSW Sydney
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/110817
2020-03-19T18:54:32Z
2020-03-19T18:54:32Z
After another hot summer, here are 6 ways to cool our cities in future
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/317250/original/file-20200226-24690-16saofs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=573%2C34%2C5220%2C3483&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/kangaroo-sculpture-drinking-form-water-feature-1545920828">Nigel Jarvis/Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Australia is a “<a href="http://www.lowcarbonlivingcrc.com.au/sites/all/files/event_file_attachments/discussion_paper_cooling_cities_final.pdf">land of climate extremes</a>”. This is especially true for our cities, which have become <a href="https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/uploads/8e9c2b91ce3c3ebb7d97e403a6fdf38e.pdf">hubs of extreme summer temperatures</a>. This past summer was the <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/season/aus/summary.shtml">second-hottest on record</a> for Australia, following the 2018-19 record, with average maximum temperatures more than 2°C above the long-term average.</p>
<p>Frequent and long heatwaves are having <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00038628.2014.903568">serious impacts on energy consumption</a>, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462901114000999">public health</a>, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nclimate2623?dom=pscau&src=syn">labour productivity</a> and <a href="http://www.hume.vic.gov.au/files/46a4d08c-9a31-4c6d-bed0-9e1c00c093b3/Garnaut_Climate_Change_Review_Report.pdf">the economy</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/after-a-summer-of-extremes-heres-what-to-expect-this-autumn-132862">After a summer of extremes, here's what to expect this autumn</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Even without global warming, cities already face a problem — the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-are-cities-warmer-than-the-countryside-53160">urban heat island</a> effect, whereby inner urban areas are hotter than the surrounding rural areas. Urban heat islands are caused by factors such as pollution, energy consumption, industrial activities, large dark concrete buildings, asphalt roads and closely spaced structures. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.lowcarbonlivingcrc.com.au/sites/all/files/event_file_attachments/discussion_paper_cooling_cities_final.pdf">Evidence</a> from Australia’s major cities shows average temperatures are 2-10°C higher in highly urbanised areas than in their rural surroundings. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/urban-growth-heat-islands-humidity-climate-change-the-costs-multiply-in-tropical-cities-120825">Urban growth, heat islands, humidity, climate change: the costs multiply in tropical cities</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Governments and policymakers can use a variety of cooling strategies combined with community engagement, education and adaptation measures to cool Australian cities. </p>
<h2>1. Green infrastructure</h2>
<p>Green infrastructure includes parks, street trees, community gardens, green roofs and vertical gardens. In tropical and subtropical climate zones, like much of Australia, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0038092X16306004">green infrastructure is a cost-effective cooling strategy</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/requiem-or-renewal-this-is-how-a-tropical-city-like-darwin-can-regain-its-cool-102839">Requiem or renewal? This is how a tropical city like Darwin can regain its cool</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p><a href="http://www.lowcarbonlivingcrc.com.au/sites/all/files/event_file_attachments/discussion_paper_cooling_cities_final.pdf">Evidence</a> suggests a 10% increase in tree canopy cover can lower afternoon ambient temperatures by as much as 1-1.5C, as the chart below shows. Similarly, in parks with adequate irrigation ambient temperatures can be 1-1.5°C lower than nearby unvegetated or built-up areas. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269111/original/file-20190413-76827-mph4tu.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269111/original/file-20190413-76827-mph4tu.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269111/original/file-20190413-76827-mph4tu.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=386&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269111/original/file-20190413-76827-mph4tu.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=386&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269111/original/file-20190413-76827-mph4tu.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=386&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269111/original/file-20190413-76827-mph4tu.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=485&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269111/original/file-20190413-76827-mph4tu.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=485&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269111/original/file-20190413-76827-mph4tu.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=485&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Maximum (above) and average (below) temperature reduction potential of different urban greenery techniques.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://www.lowcarbonlivingcrc.com.au/sites/all/files/event_file_attachments/discussion_paper_cooling_cities_final.pdf">Komali Yenneti et al</a>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269110/original/file-20190413-76856-11jkd1r.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269110/original/file-20190413-76856-11jkd1r.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269110/original/file-20190413-76856-11jkd1r.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=332&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269110/original/file-20190413-76856-11jkd1r.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=332&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269110/original/file-20190413-76856-11jkd1r.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=332&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269110/original/file-20190413-76856-11jkd1r.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=417&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269110/original/file-20190413-76856-11jkd1r.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=417&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269110/original/file-20190413-76856-11jkd1r.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=417&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We can increase street tree canopy cover by planting more shade trees on footpaths, lanes and street medians. Where there is little space for parks and street trees, green roofs and walls may be viable options. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/heres-how-green-infrastructure-can-easily-be-added-to-the-urban-planning-toolkit-57277">Here’s how green infrastructure can easily be added to the urban planning toolkit</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>2. Water-sensitive urban design</h2>
<p>The use of water as a way to cool cities has been known for thousands of years. Water-based landscapes such as rivers, lakes, wetlands and bioswales can reduce urban ambient temperatures by 1-2°C. This is a result of water heat retention and evaporative cooling. </p>
<p>In addition to natural water bodies, various other water-based technologies are now available for both decorative and climatic reasons. Examples include passive water systems, like ponds, pools and fountains, and active or hybrid systems, such as evaporative wind towers and sprinklers. Active and passive systems can decrease ambient temperatures by 3-8°C, as the charts below show.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269112/original/file-20190413-76862-1ln6oeo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269112/original/file-20190413-76862-1ln6oeo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269112/original/file-20190413-76862-1ln6oeo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=374&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269112/original/file-20190413-76862-1ln6oeo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=374&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269112/original/file-20190413-76862-1ln6oeo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=374&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269112/original/file-20190413-76862-1ln6oeo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=470&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269112/original/file-20190413-76862-1ln6oeo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=470&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269112/original/file-20190413-76862-1ln6oeo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=470&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Maximum (above) and average (below) temperature reduction potential of different active and passive water systems.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://www.lowcarbonlivingcrc.com.au/sites/all/files/event_file_attachments/discussion_paper_cooling_cities_final.pdf">Komali Yenneti et al</a>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269113/original/file-20190413-76853-1mx6q9w.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269113/original/file-20190413-76853-1mx6q9w.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269113/original/file-20190413-76853-1mx6q9w.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=363&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269113/original/file-20190413-76853-1mx6q9w.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=363&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269113/original/file-20190413-76853-1mx6q9w.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=363&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269113/original/file-20190413-76853-1mx6q9w.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=456&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269113/original/file-20190413-76853-1mx6q9w.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=456&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269113/original/file-20190413-76853-1mx6q9w.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=456&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Water-based systems are usually combined with green infrastructure to enhance urban cooling, improve air quality, aid in flood management and provide attractive public spaces. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/when-the-heat-is-on-we-need-city-wide-plans-to-keep-cool-70738">When the heat is on, we need city-wide plans to keep cool</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>3. Cool materials</h2>
<p>Building materials are major contributors to the urban heat island effect. The use of cool materials on roofs, streets and pavements is an important cooling strategy. A cool surface material has low heat conductivity, low heat capacity, high solar reflectance and high permeability. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.lowcarbonlivingcrc.com.au/sites/all/files/event_file_attachments/discussion_paper_cooling_cities_final.pdf">Evidence suggests</a> that using cool materials for roofs and facades can reduce indoor temperature by 2-5°C, improve indoor comfort and cut energy use.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269115/original/file-20190413-76862-1229xmw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269115/original/file-20190413-76862-1229xmw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269115/original/file-20190413-76862-1229xmw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=382&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269115/original/file-20190413-76862-1229xmw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=382&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269115/original/file-20190413-76862-1229xmw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=382&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269115/original/file-20190413-76862-1229xmw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=480&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269115/original/file-20190413-76862-1229xmw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=480&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269115/original/file-20190413-76862-1229xmw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=480&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Maximum (above) and average (below) temperature reduction potential of different cool surfaces.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://www.lowcarbonlivingcrc.com.au/sites/all/files/event_file_attachments/discussion_paper_cooling_cities_final.pdf">Komali Yenneti et al</a>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269114/original/file-20190413-76856-1uc1p3m.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269114/original/file-20190413-76856-1uc1p3m.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269114/original/file-20190413-76856-1uc1p3m.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=379&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269114/original/file-20190413-76856-1uc1p3m.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=379&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269114/original/file-20190413-76856-1uc1p3m.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=379&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269114/original/file-20190413-76856-1uc1p3m.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=477&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269114/original/file-20190413-76856-1uc1p3m.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=477&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269114/original/file-20190413-76856-1uc1p3m.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=477&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Cool materials commonly applied to buildings include white paints, elastomeric, acrylic or polyurethane coating, ethylene propylenediene tetrolymer membrane, chlorinated polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic polyolefin, and chlorosulfonated polyethylene. </p>
<p>Lighter aggregates and binders in asphalt and concrete, permeable pavers made from foam concrete, permeable asphalt and resin concrete are standard cool pavement materials. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/building-cool-cities-for-a-hot-future-57489">Building cool cities for a hot future</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>4. Shading</h2>
<p>Shading can decrease radiant temperature and greatly improve outdoor thermal comfort. Providing shading on streets, building entries and public venues using greenery, artificial structures or a combination of both can block solar radiation and increase outdoor thermal comfort. Examples of artificial structures include temporary shades, sunshades and shades using solar panels. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/in-a-heatwave-the-leafy-suburbs-are-even-more-advantaged-53307">In a heatwave, the leafy suburbs are even more advantaged</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>5. Combined cooling strategies</h2>
<p>Performance analysis of various projects in Australia suggests the cooling potential of the combined use of the different strategies discussed above is much higher than the sum of the contributions of each individual technology, as the charts below show. The average maximum temperature reduction with just one technology is close to 1.5°C. When two or more technologies are used together the reduction exceeds 2.5°C. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269116/original/file-20190413-76859-vgcd7l.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269116/original/file-20190413-76859-vgcd7l.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269116/original/file-20190413-76859-vgcd7l.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=411&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269116/original/file-20190413-76859-vgcd7l.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=411&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269116/original/file-20190413-76859-vgcd7l.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=411&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269116/original/file-20190413-76859-vgcd7l.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=516&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269116/original/file-20190413-76859-vgcd7l.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=516&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269116/original/file-20190413-76859-vgcd7l.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=516&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Maximum (above) and average (below) temperature reduction potential for a combination of technologies.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://www.lowcarbonlivingcrc.com.au/sites/all/files/event_file_attachments/discussion_paper_cooling_cities_final.pdf">Komali Yenneti et al</a>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269117/original/file-20190413-76846-13553lg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269117/original/file-20190413-76846-13553lg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269117/original/file-20190413-76846-13553lg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=387&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269117/original/file-20190413-76846-13553lg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=387&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269117/original/file-20190413-76846-13553lg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=387&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269117/original/file-20190413-76846-13553lg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=486&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269117/original/file-20190413-76846-13553lg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=486&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269117/original/file-20190413-76846-13553lg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=486&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The chart below shows the peak temperature reduction for all cooling strategies. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269118/original/file-20190413-76850-13b4dv.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269118/original/file-20190413-76850-13b4dv.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/269118/original/file-20190413-76850-13b4dv.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=269&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269118/original/file-20190413-76850-13b4dv.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=269&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269118/original/file-20190413-76850-13b4dv.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=269&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269118/original/file-20190413-76850-13b4dv.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269118/original/file-20190413-76850-13b4dv.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/269118/original/file-20190413-76850-13b4dv.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://www.lowcarbonlivingcrc.com.au/sites/all/files/event_file_attachments/discussion_paper_cooling_cities_final.pdf">Komali Yenneti et al</a>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>6. Behaviour changes</h2>
<p>People are significant contributors to urban heat through their use of air conditioning. The waste heat from air conditioners heats up surrounding outdoor spaces. </p>
<p>Projections show cooling demand in Australian cities may increase by up to 275% by 2050. Such a trend will have a great impact on urban climate, as well as increasing electricity use. If this is powered by fossil fuels, it will add billions of tons of carbon pollution. </p>
<p>Climate-responsive building design and adaptive design techniques in existing buildings can minimise occupants’ demand for cooling energy by reducing indoor and outdoor temperatures.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/we-have-the-blueprint-for-liveable-low-carbon-cities-we-just-need-to-use-it-121615">We have the blueprint for liveable, low-carbon cities. We just need to use it</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Cities must take a holistic, long-term approach</h2>
<p>Local governments can prepare for and respond to heat events through emergency response plans. However, emergency responses alone cannot address other challenges of urban heat, including human vulnerability, energy disruptions and the economic costs of lower workplace productivity and infrastructure failures. </p>
<p>Long-term cooling strategies are needed to keep city residents, buildings and communities cool and save energy, health and economic costs.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/110817/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Komali Yenneti does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>
Half-a-dozen strategies are effective for cooling urban areas. Used in combination, these strategies can drop the temperature even more.
Komali Yenneti, Honorary Academic Fellow, Australia India Institute, The University of Melbourne
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/124781
2019-10-15T18:59:44Z
2019-10-15T18:59:44Z
Our land abounds in nature strips – surely we can do more than mow a third of urban green space
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/296394/original/file-20191010-188797-1ds6sii.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C38%2C3651%2C2417&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Even the standard grassed nature strip has value for local wildlife.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/michelle658/5879656553/in/photolist-hj8dyc-skaU1u-dREut-eJsU1F-ffLmZK-indYV3-cLiW2J-vB2sc-7NsaK4-4VkF3d-yGjbRF-beH7sn-6Y5uUZ-rxC4mN-6LgaCq-8uZkP8-fFMrYB-fFMzz6-959BCc-fFMqN6-9XyM3R-8uZkQZ-fG59Eh-fG55kj-MdakbU-zKkV6-9A3mjp-2hgzR2Y-2gLLfma-2gLM1dK-2gjDcaq-fG56q1-V4CxJS-2EepMw-AJYA3h-8PLEFM-2Nnv4q-3HCckP-8LfDb6-F9XHNG-fG5dib-9hzViT-d5L2G-fG57A5-7tQdTT-vh8B5S-2d9eEDd-2gtBYEp-fFMxhv-6tVDoj">Michelle/Flickr</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">CC BY-NC-ND</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>You may mock the national anthem by singing “Our land abounds in nature strips” but what you might not know is how true that is. In Melbourne, for example, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1618866719300718">more than a third of all public green space is nature strips</a>. (That figure includes roundabouts, medians and other green bits of the street.) </p>
<p>That’s a remarkable amount. The nature strip is everywhere. A million small patches combine into a giant park spanning the city, making it a significant player in our urban ecosystems. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/reinventing-density-overcoming-the-suburban-setback-66411">Reinventing density: overcoming the suburban setback</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>A second remarkable thing is that the nature strip is <a href="https://apo.org.au/sites/default/files/resource-files/2007/11/apo-nid60258-1105966.pdf">public land that private citizens are required by law to maintain</a>. Councils manage the trees, but we residents mow the lawn. </p>
<h2>What are the rules on nature strips?</h2>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/296146/original/file-20191009-3872-1i673y4.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/296146/original/file-20191009-3872-1i673y4.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/296146/original/file-20191009-3872-1i673y4.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/296146/original/file-20191009-3872-1i673y4.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/296146/original/file-20191009-3872-1i673y4.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/296146/original/file-20191009-3872-1i673y4.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/296146/original/file-20191009-3872-1i673y4.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/296146/original/file-20191009-3872-1i673y4.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Succulents, Agapanthus and Gazanias are the most common plantings on nature strips.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Adrian Marshall CC BY 4.0</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Many residents go further and plant a street tree or some garden plants – succulents, Agapanthus and Gazanias are the most common. But the chances are that, whatever the garden on the nature strip, it’s against the rules. </p>
<p>The rules on nature strips vary from council to council. Some councils don’t allow any plantings. Others restrict plantings by height or allow only plants indigenous to the local area. In some areas, nature strips can only be planted to prevent erosion on steep slopes. </p>
<p>Some councils disallow food plants, for fear of historic lead contamination from leaded petrol. Others insist on no plants within a metre of the kerb and two metres of the footpath. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/farming-the-suburbs-why-cant-we-grow-food-wherever-we-want-80330">Farming the suburbs – why can’t we grow food wherever we want?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>These bylaws are inconsistent and illogical. For instance, councils that insist on indigenous species nevertheless plant exotic street trees. Councils that say plants must be less than 30cm high to ensure they don’t block drivers’ sight lines still allow vehicles to park on the street, blocking sight lines.</p>
<h2>Bylaws deny us many benefits</h2>
<p>To have council bylaws restrict or disallow gardening in the nature strip flies in the face of common sense. Street greenery, whether its trees, shrubs or lawn, provides many benefits. The science is in on this. </p>
<p>Urban wildlife uses street greenery for habitat and food and as green corridors for movement. </p>
<p>Even for those who mow, the lawns of nature strips are not just turf grass. They are home to over 150 species of plants, based on my yet-to-be-published survey data for nearly 50 neighbourhoods, confirming <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11252-009-0098-7">earlier studies</a>. Many of these, like the clovers, provide important resources for pollinators. </p>
<p>One <a href="https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/55816">US study</a> showed that changing from a weekly mow to every three weeks increased the number of flowers in a lawn by 250%. Less mowing is good news for bees and butterflies.</p>
<p>An unpublished recent survey by the author and colleagues found gardening in the nature strip adds native plants to the streetscape, increases biodiversity and add structural complexity (more layers of plants, more types of stuff), which is important for many species. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/296397/original/file-20191010-188823-3m94cd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/296397/original/file-20191010-188823-3m94cd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/296397/original/file-20191010-188823-3m94cd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/296397/original/file-20191010-188823-3m94cd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/296397/original/file-20191010-188823-3m94cd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/296397/original/file-20191010-188823-3m94cd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/296397/original/file-20191010-188823-3m94cd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/296397/original/file-20191010-188823-3m94cd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The greater the diversity of plantings, the greater the benefits a nature strip can provide.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tedxmelbourne/9642464172/in/photolist-hj8dyc-skaU1u-dREut-eJsU1F-ffLmZK-indYV3-cLiW2J-vB2sc-7NsaK4-4VkF3d-yGjbRF-beH7sn-6Y5uUZ-rxC4mN-6LgaCq-8uZkP8-fFMrYB-fFMzz6-959BCc-fFMqN6-9XyM3R-8uZkQZ-fG59Eh-fG55kj-MdakbU-zKkV6-9A3mjp-2hgzR2Y-2gLLfma-2gLM1dK-2gjDcaq-fG56q1-V4CxJS-2EepMw-AJYA3h-8PLEFM-2Nnv4q-3HCckP-8LfDb6-F9XHNG-fG5dib-9hzViT-d5L2G-fG57A5-7tQdTT-vh8B5S-2d9eEDd-2gtBYEp-fFMxhv-6tVDoj">TEDxMelbourne/Flickr</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">CC BY-NC-ND</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://pubag.nal.usda.gov/catalog/1135097">Street greenery helps</a> water <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27094440">soak into the ground</a>, filtering out pollutants, recharging aquifers and making rivers healthier. It <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26828172">cools streets</a> and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169204614002503">helps counter the urban heat island effect</a>. It also <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277953613003742">promotes a sense of community</a>, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214140518303281">encourages walking</a> and lowers the incidence of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214140518303281">heart disease</a>, <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2524191">diabetes</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/children-living-in-green-neighbourhoods-are-less-likely-to-develop-asthma-96190">asthma</a> and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169204614002941">depression</a>. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/increasing-tree-cover-may-be-like-a-superfood-for-community-mental-health-119930">Increasing tree cover may be like a 'superfood' for community mental health</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>But councils tend to be risk-averse. They worry they will be sued if someone trips on groundcover or stubs their toe on an out-of-place garden gnome.</p>
<p>Fortunately, this risk aversion isn’t universal. For instance, the <a href="https://www.vincent.wa.gov.au/residents/environment/environmental-sustainability/news-events/adopt-a-verge.aspx">City of Vincent</a> in Western Australia is so keen for residents to convert lawn to waterwise plantings that it will remove turf and provide native plants.</p>
<p>But, as climate change looms, stubbed toes are not the main risk we should be worrying about. Rather, we must urgently remake our cities and our culture for sustainability and resilience. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/if-planners-understand-its-cool-to-green-cities-whats-stopping-them-55753">If planners understand it's cool to green cities, what's stopping them?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Gardening becomes a neighbourly act</h2>
<p>One of the great things about gardening in the nature strip is that people are <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1618866719302535">more likely to do it if their neighbours do it</a>. It’s contagious, a positive-feedback loop creating a greener street. </p>
<p>Our recent survey found residents who garden in the nature strip have a greater <a href="http://www.communityscience.com/news-detail.php?news=114">sense of community</a> than those who don’t. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/296997/original/file-20191015-98653-wopjbq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/296997/original/file-20191015-98653-wopjbq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/296997/original/file-20191015-98653-wopjbq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/296997/original/file-20191015-98653-wopjbq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/296997/original/file-20191015-98653-wopjbq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/296997/original/file-20191015-98653-wopjbq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/296997/original/file-20191015-98653-wopjbq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/296997/original/file-20191015-98653-wopjbq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A well-designed street garden, fully covering the nature strip, allowing pedestrian access to cars and using indigenous plants.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Adrian Marshall CC BY 4.0</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Interestingly, the benefits nature strips provide are <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1618866719302535">not equally distributed across the city</a>. For instance, newer neighbourhoods have more nature strip than older neighbourhoods (though their trees are younger). People garden the nature strip more on minor roads than major roads, and in more socially advantaged neighbourhoods. </p>
<p>Almost a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1618866719302535">quarter of residential properties</a> in Melbourne have some sort of nature strip gardening. If councils were to encourage this activity we might achieve more street greening with little cost to our cash-strapped councils. Such encouragement would also free many residents of their sense of frustration at being required to maintain the nature strip but forbidden to do anything more than mow. </p>
<p>Given that more than a third of our public green space is nature strip, the many small actions of residents can add up to substantial positive change.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/124781/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Adrian Marshall does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>
When so much of the green space in our cities is in the form of nature strips, current restrictions on plantings are denying us the many social and environmental benefits of more diverse greenery.
Adrian Marshall, Lecturer, Landscape Architecture and Urban Ecology, The University of Melbourne
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/123420
2019-10-04T13:39:43Z
2019-10-04T13:39:43Z
Green roofs improve the urban environment – so why don’t all buildings have them?
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/295607/original/file-20191004-118252-50dnln.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C4256%2C2599&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/usepagov/3901008656">USEPA/Flickr. </a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Rooftops covered with grass, vegetable gardens and lush foliage are now a common sight in many cities around the world. More and more private companies and city authorities are investing in green roofs, drawn to their <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652619328264">wide-ranging benefits</a> which include savings on energy costs, mitigating the risk from floods, creating habitats for urban wildlife, tackling air pollution and urban heat and even producing food.</p>
<p>A recent report in the UK suggested that the green roof market there is expanding at <a href="https://www.hortweek.com/green-roof-market-growing-17-year-first-market-study-finds/landscape/article/1440697">a rate of 17% each year</a>. The world’s largest rooftop farm <a href="https://www.curbed.com/2019/8/15/20806540/paris-rooftop-urban-farm-opening">will open in Paris</a> in 2020, superseding similar schemes in <a href="https://theconversation.com/urban-farms-wont-feed-our-cities-but-theyre-still-a-great-idea-heres-why-66107">New York City and Chicago</a>. Stuttgart, in Germany, is thought of as <a href="http://www.organicroofs.co.uk/stuttgart-green-roof-capital-of-europe/">“the green roof capital of Europe”</a>, while Singapore is even installing <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/03/health/green-roofs-singapore-buses-intl/index.html">green roofs on buses</a>. </p>
<p>These increasingly radical urban designs can help cities adapt to the monumental challenges they face, such as access to resources and a lack of green space due to development. But buy-in from city authorities, businesses and other institutions is crucial to ensuring their success – as is research investigating different options to suit the variety of rooftop spaces found in cities. </p>
<h2>A growing trend</h2>
<p>The UK is relatively new to developing green roofs, and governments and institutions are playing a major role in spreading the practice. London is home to much of the UK’s green roof market, mainly due to forward-thinking policies such as <a href="https://livingroofs.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/LONDON-LIVING-ROOFS-WALLS-REPORT-2019.pdf">the 2008 London Plan</a>, which paved the way to more than double the area of green roofs in the capital. </p>
<p>Although London has led the way, there are now “living labs” at the Universities of <a href="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/landscape/phd-research/greenroof">Sheffield</a> and Salford which are helping to establish the precedent elsewhere. The <a href="https://www.uia-initiative.eu/en/uia-cities/greater-manchester">IGNITION project</a> – led by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority – involves the development of a living lab at the University of Salford, with the aim of uncovering ways to convince developers and investors to adopt green roofs. </p>
<p>Ongoing research is showcasing how green roofs can integrate with <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=547">living walls</a> and sustainable drainage systems on the ground, such as <a href="https://www.cityoftrees.org.uk/project/howard-street-salford">street trees</a>, to better manage water and make the built environment more sustainable. </p>
<p>Research is also demonstrating the <a href="https://www.ukgbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Social-Value.pdf">social value</a> of green roofs. Doctors are <a href="https://theconversation.com/anxiety-and-depression-why-doctors-are-prescribing-gardening-rather-than-drugs-121841">increasingly prescribing</a> time spent gardening outdoors for patients dealiong with anxiety and depression. And <a href="http://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/47230/">research has found</a> that access to even the most basic green spaces can provide a better quality of life for dementia sufferers and help prevent obesity. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/295587/original/file-20191004-118222-mtgr4y.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/295587/original/file-20191004-118222-mtgr4y.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=355&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/295587/original/file-20191004-118222-mtgr4y.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=355&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/295587/original/file-20191004-118222-mtgr4y.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=355&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/295587/original/file-20191004-118222-mtgr4y.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=446&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/295587/original/file-20191004-118222-mtgr4y.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=446&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/295587/original/file-20191004-118222-mtgr4y.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=446&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">An edible roof at Fenway Park, stadium of the Boston Red Sox.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Michael Hardman</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In North America, green roofs have become mainstream, with a wide array of expansive, accessible and food-producing roofs installed in buildings. Again, city leaders and authorities have helped push the movement forward – only recently, San Francisco <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2016/10/san-francisco-green-roof-law/">created a policy</a> requiring new buildings to have green roofs. Toronto has policies dating from the 1990s, encouraging the development of urban farms on rooftops. </p>
<p>These countries also benefit from having newer buildings, which make it easier to install green roofs. Being able to store and distribute water right across the rooftop is crucial to maintaining the plants on any green roof – especially on “edible roofs” which farm fruit and vegetables. And it’s much easier to create this capacity in newer buildings, which can typically hold greater weight, than retro-fit old ones. Having a stronger roof also makes it easier to grow a greater variety of plants, since the soil can be deeper. </p>
<h2>The new normal?</h2>
<p>For green roofs to become the norm for new developments, there needs to be buy-in from public authorities and private actors. Those responsible for maintaining buildings may have to acquire new skills, such as landscaping, and in some cases volunteers may be needed to help out. Other considerations include installing drainage paths, meeting health and safety requirements and perhaps allowing access for the public, as well as planning restrictions and disruption from regular ativities in and around the buildings during installation. </p>
<p>To convince investors and developers that installing green roofs is worthwhile, economic arguments are still the most important. The term <a href="https://naturalcapitalforum.com/about/">“natural capital”</a> has been developed to explain the economic value of nature; for example, measuring the money saved by installing natural solutions to protect against flood damage, adapt to climate change or help people lead healthier and happier lives. </p>
<p>As the expertise about green roofs grows, official standards have <a href="http://www.thegreenroofcentre.co.uk/Library/Default/Documents/GRO%20ONLINE.pdf">been developed</a> to ensure that they are designed, built and maintained properly, and function well. Improvements in the science and technology underpinning green roof development have also led to new variations on the concept. </p>
<p>For example, <a href="https://livingroofs.org/introduction-types-green-roof/blue-green-roof-cities-stormwater/">“blue roofs”</a> increase the capacity of buildings to hold water over longer periods of time, rather than drain away quickly – crucial in times of heavier rainfall. There are also combinations of green roofs with solar panels, and <a href="https://www.bauder.co.uk/green-roofs/extensive-green-roofs/biodiverse-or-brown-roofs">“brown roofs”</a> which are wilder in nature and maximise biodiversity. </p>
<p>If the trend continues, it could create new jobs and a more vibrant and sustainable local food economy – alongside many other benefits. There are still barriers to overcome, but the evidence so far indicates that green roofs have the potential to transform cities and help them function sustainably long into the future. The success stories need to be studied and replicated elsewhere, to make green, blue, brown and food-producing roofs the norm in cities around the world. </p>
<hr>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/263883/original/file-20190314-28475-1mzxjur.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/263883/original/file-20190314-28475-1mzxjur.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=140&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/263883/original/file-20190314-28475-1mzxjur.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=140&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/263883/original/file-20190314-28475-1mzxjur.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=140&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/263883/original/file-20190314-28475-1mzxjur.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=176&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/263883/original/file-20190314-28475-1mzxjur.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=176&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/263883/original/file-20190314-28475-1mzxjur.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=176&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/imagine-newsletter-researchers-think-of-a-world-with-climate-action-113443?utm_source=TCUK&utm_medium=linkback&utm_campaign=TCUKengagement&utm_content=Imagineheader1123420">Click here to subscribe to our climate action newsletter. Climate change is inevitable. Our response to it isn’t.</a></em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/123420/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Nick Davies is part of a team at the University of Salford that has received ERDF funding from Urban Innovation Actions for the IGNITION project. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michael Hardman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>
From happier and healthier residents to more resilient buildings – green roofs offer significant benefits to cities.
Michael Hardman, Senior Lecturer in Urban Geography, University of Salford
Nick Davies, Research Fellow, University of Salford
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/122710
2019-09-10T20:06:38Z
2019-09-10T20:06:38Z
Trees can add $50,000 value to a Sydney house, so you might want to put down that chainsaw
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/290807/original/file-20190903-175686-7m15gb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=696%2C303%2C4464%2C2768&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Allowing residents to remove trees within three metres of buildings or 'ancillary structures' could dramatically alter the green infrastructure of dense inner Sydney suburbs like Rozelle.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/aerial-view-iron-cove-bridge-rozelle-1278519220?src=-1-9">Tom Casey/Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Sydney’s Inner West Council has a <a href="https://innerwest.infocouncil.biz/Open/2019/08/C_27082019_MIN_3702_WEB.htm">new policy</a> that it is <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/tree-massacre-inner-west-councillors-warning-after-ambush-20190828-p52lk7.html">reported</a> means “residents will no longer need to seek council approval to prune or remove trees within three metres of an existing home or structure”. Hold on, don’t reach for that chainsaw yet, because <a href="http://www.aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Green-Infrastructure-vital-step-brilliant-Australian-cities.pdf">research</a> shows good green infrastructure – trees, green roofs and walls – can add value to your home. </p>
<p>Green infrastructure offers significant, economic, social and environmental benefits. Urban greening is particularly important in dense urban areas like Sydney’s Inner West. Among its benefits, green infrastructure:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://theconversation.com/how-urban-bushland-improves-our-health-and-why-planners-need-to-listen-72876">improves air quality</a></li>
<li>provides <a href="https://theconversation.com/many-people-feel-lonely-in-the-city-but-perhaps-third-places-can-help-with-that-92847">space for social interaction</a></li>
<li><a href="https://theconversation.com/more-than-just-drains-recreating-living-streams-through-the-suburbs-83345">manages stormwater</a></li>
<li><a href="https://theconversation.com/why-are-cities-warmer-than-the-countryside-53160">reduces the urban heat island effect</a></li>
<li>provides space for <a href="https://theconversation.com/three-ways-cities-can-help-feed-the-world-without-costing-the-earth-112186">urban food production</a></li>
<li><a href="https://theconversation.com/the-small-patch-of-bush-over-your-back-fence-might-be-key-to-a-species-survival-108672">improves biodiversity</a>. </li>
</ul>
<p>Some of these benefits accrue to owners/occupiers, whereas others provide wider societal benefits. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/higher-density-cities-need-greening-to-stay-healthy-and-liveable-75840">Higher-density cities need greening to stay healthy and liveable</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>A <a href="http://www.aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Green-Infrastructure-vital-step-brilliant-Australian-cities.pdf">2017 study</a> focusing on three Sydney suburbs found a 10% increase in street tree canopy could increase property values by A$50,000 on average. And the shading effect of trees can <a href="http://www.gallagherstudio.com.au/blacktown-cool-streets-pilot-project">reduce energy bills by up to A$800 a year in Sydney</a>. So retaining your green infrastructure – your trees, that is – can deliver direct financial gains. </p>
<p>On a larger scale, a <a href="https://opus.lib.uts.edu.au/bitstream/10453/121458/1/Ghosh_Yung-Full-paper-Ecocity-Summit-2017-Final.pdf">collaborative project</a> with Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited compared carbon and economic benefits from urban trees considering different landuses along sections of two roads in Sydney. Higher benefits were recorded for the Pacific Highway, with 106 trees per hectare and 58.6% residential land use, compared to Parramatta Road, with 70 trees per hectare and 15.8% residential. </p>
<p>For the Pacific Highway section, total carbon storage and the structural value of trees (the cost of replacing a tree with a similar tree) were estimated at A$1.64 million and A$640 million respectively. Trees were also valuable for carbon sequestration and removing air pollution. </p>
<p>Tree species, age, health and density, as well as land use, are key indicators for financial and wider ecosystem benefits. Specifically, urban trees in private yards in residential areas are vital in providing individual landowner and collective government/non-government benefits.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/290832/original/file-20190904-175710-thqcje.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/290832/original/file-20190904-175710-thqcje.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/290832/original/file-20190904-175710-thqcje.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=228&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290832/original/file-20190904-175710-thqcje.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=228&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290832/original/file-20190904-175710-thqcje.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=228&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290832/original/file-20190904-175710-thqcje.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=287&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290832/original/file-20190904-175710-thqcje.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=287&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290832/original/file-20190904-175710-thqcje.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=287&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Take away the trees close to these houses in Marrickville, in Sydney’s Inner West, and how much would be left?</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henson_Park">Graeme Bartlett/Wikipedia</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Challenges of growth</h2>
<p>As populations grow, cities increase density, with less green infrastructure. The loss of greenery affects the natural environment and both human and non-human well-being. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/were-investing-heavily-in-urban-greening-so-how-are-our-cities-doing-83354">We're investing heavily in urban greening, so how are our cities doing?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/290809/original/file-20190904-175682-j6pcza.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/290809/original/file-20190904-175682-j6pcza.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/290809/original/file-20190904-175682-j6pcza.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=816&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290809/original/file-20190904-175682-j6pcza.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=816&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290809/original/file-20190904-175682-j6pcza.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=816&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290809/original/file-20190904-175682-j6pcza.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1026&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290809/original/file-20190904-175682-j6pcza.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1026&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290809/original/file-20190904-175682-j6pcza.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1026&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Tree canopy cover across Greater Sydney plummets closer to the city centre.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.greater.sydney/metropolis-of-three-cities/sustainability/city-its-landscape/urban-tree-canopy-cover-increased">© State of New South Wales through the Greater Sydney Commission. Data: SPOT5 Woody Extent and Foliage Projective Cover (FPH) 5-10m, 2011, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Trees and other green infrastructure reduce some impacts of urban density. However, policies, government incentives and national priorities can produce progress in urban greening or lead to setbacks. In the case of the Inner West Council, for instance, the inability to fund monitoring of changes in tree cover could lead to reductions at the very time when we <a href="https://www.greater.sydney/metropolis-of-three-cities/sustainability/city-its-landscape/urban-tree-canopy-cover-increased">need more canopy cover</a>. </p>
<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/if-planners-understand-its-cool-to-green-cities-whats-stopping-them-55753">Key concerns</a> include installation and maintenance costs of green infrastructure (trees, green roofs and walls) in property development, and tree root damage. Knowledge and skills are needed to maintain green infrastructure. As a result, developers often consider other options more feasible. </p>
<p>In the short and long term, multiple performance benefits and economic and environmental values are needed to establish the viability of green infrastructure. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-cities-are-lagging-behind-in-greening-up-their-buildings-97088">Australian cities are lagging behind in greening up their buildings</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Learning from Stockholm</h2>
<p>Stockholm shares many issues found in Australian cities. Stockholm houses over 20% of Sweden’s inhabitants, is increasing in density and redeveloping land to house a growing population. Aiming to be fossil-free by 2050, Stockholm acknowledges the built environment’s role in limiting climate change and its impacts.</p>
<p>In a research project we intend to use <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/virtual-reality-5439">virtual reality</a> (VR) and <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/electroencephalogram-eeg">electroencephalogram</a> (EEG) technology to assess perceptions of green infrastructure and reactions to it in various spaces.</p>
<p>Our project combines VR with EEG hardware, which measures human reactions to stimuli, to learn how people perceive and value green infrastructure in residential development. </p>
<h2>Identifying all the value of green infrastructure</h2>
<p>The many benefits of green infrastructure are both tangible and non-tangible. Economic benefits include:</p>
<ul>
<li>those that directly benefit owners, occupants or investors – stormwater, increased property values and energy savings</li>
<li>other financial impacts – greenhouse gas savings, market-based savings and community benefits.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/if-planners-understand-its-cool-to-green-cities-whats-stopping-them-55753">If planners understand it's cool to green cities, what's stopping them?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The various approaches to evaluating net value present a challenge in quantifying the value of green infrastructure. The most common – cost-benefit analysis, triple bottom line, life cycle assessment and life cycle costing – are all inadequate for evaluating trade-offs between economic and environmental performance. Conventional cost-benefit analysis is insufficient for investment analysis, as it doesn’t include environmental costs and benefits. </p>
<p>This is salient for green infrastructure, as owners/investors incur substantial direct costs, whereas various shareholders share the value. Perhaps, in recognition of the shared value, a range of subsidies could be adopted to compensate investors. Discounted rates anyone? </p>
<p>Recent efforts to evaluate the business case for green infrastructure include attempts to identify and quantify the creation of economic, environment and community/social value. However, an approach that includes a more comprehensive set of value drivers is needed to do this. This is the gap we aim to fill. </p>
<p>The results of experiments using VR and EEG technology and semi-structured interviews will provide a comprehensive understanding of green infrastructure. This will be correlated with capital and rental values to determine various degrees of willingness to pay. </p>
<p>With this knowledge, property developers in Sweden and Australia will be able to make a more informed and holistic business case for increasing green infrastructure for more liveable, healthy cities. </p>
<p>Maybe we can then persuade more people, including those in the Inner West, to hang onto their trees and leave the chainsaws in the garage.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/122710/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Sara Wilkinson has received/receives funding from: City of Sydney, Horticulture Innovation Australia, City of Melbourne, RICS Reseach Trust, KtH Stockholm.
</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span> Agnieszka Zalejska-Jonsson has received funding from Kamprad Family Foundation to conduct research on the value of green infrastructure in developing sustainable cities.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Sumita Ghosh received funding from Horticulture Innovation Australia and Shoalhaven City Council. </span></em></p>
Greater urban density is making it harder to preserve, let alone increase, tree cover. It’s vital, then, to demonstrate the full value of green infrastructure for healthy liveable cities.
Sara Wilkinson, Professor, School of the Built Environment, University of Technology Sydney
Agnieszka Zalejska-Jonsson, Researcher, Division of Building and Real Estate Economics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Sumita Ghosh, Associate Professor in Planning, School of the Built Environment, University of Technology Sydney
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/120714
2019-07-30T11:36:13Z
2019-07-30T11:36:13Z
London becomes the world’s first national park city, committed to giving people access to nature
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286234/original/file-20190730-186801-wac3qr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=641%2C360%2C4488%2C2942&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/beautiful-aerial-panoramic-view-hyde-park-1446551804?src=_P3JONEdDnh8F3X8rTFFIw-1-52&studio=1">Shutterstock.</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>London has been officially designated the world’s first national park city, with a week-long festival of free outdoor events and a ceremony at City Hall to mark the occasion. What started as a grassroots movement, with support from hundreds of <a href="http://www.nationalparkcity.london/press-media-mob/24-media/58-london-27th-april-2016-experts-call-for-london-to-be-declared-a-national-park-city">local community groups and experts</a> in and around London, has inspired authorities to commit to ensuring that more than half the area of London remains green, that the natural environment is protected and that all residents have access to nature. </p>
<p>During the ceremony, London Mayor Sadiq Khan recalled how he took a break from his intensive mayoral election campaign in 2016 to walk along the banks of the River Wandle in south London with <a href="https://ravenellison.com/">Daniel Raven-Ellison</a>, self-styled “guerrilla geographer” and journalist with the National Geographic, who expounded on his vision of creating a national park city – a vision shared by community development and conservation groups around London. Khan was so taken by the idea that he incorporated it in his successful election manifesto.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/london-wants-to-become-a-national-park-city-is-that-a-contradiction-in-terms-99909">London wants to become a 'national park city' – is that a contradiction in terms?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Some <a href="https://theconversation.com/london-wants-to-become-a-national-park-city-is-that-a-contradiction-in-terms-99909">have questioned</a> whether a city can really resemble a national park, while others have opposed the idea altogether, suggesting that it will detract from the special status of national parks. But as an academic interested in the governance of national and urban parks, as well as an adviser to the National Park City Foundation, I feel that the values of a national park can be translated into an urban context, benefiting local people, as well as the environment. </p>
<h2>A world first</h2>
<p>The world’s first national park – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellowstone_National_Park">Yellowstone National Park</a> – was established in the US in 1872 as a “public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people”. The UK lagged behind somewhat, but by 1951 its first ten national parks had been designated as protected areas, following <a href="https://nationalparks.uk/students/whatisanationalpark/history">a lengthy campaign</a> to preserve the natural beauty of the countryside and provide recreational opportunities for the public. </p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</figure>
<p>Today, national parks are still treasured assets – though <a href="https://theconversation.com/national-parks-are-beautiful-but-austerity-and-inequality-prevent-many-from-enjoying-them-111768">austerity and inequality</a> prevent many from enjoying them. Yet with <a href="https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/news/population/2018-revision-of-world-urbanization-prospects.html">more and more people</a> moving to cities, there are clear benefits for urban communities to embrace the values of national parks, and to experience and preserve natural landscapes. Creating national park cities – in addition to traditional national parks – is one way to do this. </p>
<p>Alison Barnes, chief executive of the <a href="https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/about-us/our-purpose-and-value/">New Forest National Park</a> and a trustee of the National Park City Foundation, holds that the UK’s national parks serve three purposes: to protect nature and cultural heritage, to help people enjoy and understand it, and to underpin the prosperity of communities.</p>
<p>Barnes thinks all this can be done in an urban setting as well. As she told me during an interview at the opening ceremony: “the national park city movement is … not undermining the protected landscapes that we have today – we need something on top of that to reconnect people with what national parks are all about.” </p>
<h2>A city-wide strategy</h2>
<p>As well as helping residents to reconnect with nature to benefit their health and well-being, authorities are turning London into a national park city as part of <a href="https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/environment/london-environment-strategy">a city-wide environmental strategy</a>, aimed at tackling urgent issues such as social exclusion, air quality and climate change. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286235/original/file-20190730-186801-1fv4ma2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286235/original/file-20190730-186801-1fv4ma2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286235/original/file-20190730-186801-1fv4ma2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286235/original/file-20190730-186801-1fv4ma2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286235/original/file-20190730-186801-1fv4ma2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286235/original/file-20190730-186801-1fv4ma2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286235/original/file-20190730-186801-1fv4ma2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A couple wander through Highgate Wood.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/tow-figures-walking-highgate-wood-north-1391770619?src=paXTgSdgMSOpeimzL935QQ-1-20&studio=1">Shutterstock.</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The strategy outlines how London’s network of parks, green spaces, gardens, woodlands, rivers and wetlands will be planned, protected and managed to benefit all Londoners. It aims for at least half of the city’s area to remain green – currently, <a href="https://www.gigl.org.uk/keyfigures/">around 47%</a> is, with “urban forests” such as Hampstead Heath and Highgate cemetery absorbing <a href="https://theconversation.com/urban-forests-can-store-almost-as-much-carbon-as-tropical-rainforests-98885">significant amounts</a> of carbon dioxide. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/urban-forests-can-store-almost-as-much-carbon-as-tropical-rainforests-98885">Urban 'forests' can store almost as much carbon as tropical rainforests</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The National Park City Foundation was created in 2017, to formalise the steering group of the movement, drive the ongoing development of London as a national park city and to inspire other cities around the world to follow suit. Practical steps already taken by the foundation include creating the London National Park City <a href="http://www.nationalparkcity.london/get-more-involved/get-more-involved-2/makerpaper">Maker Paper</a>, which highlights examples of local community projects and aims to inspire the creation of many more. </p>
<p>Another practical initiative is the creation of a new <a href="http://www.nationalparkcity.london/map">London National Park City map</a>, with the support of Ordnance Survey. This should help raise awareness among Londoners of the natural areas close to where they live, and inspire more walking trails and outdoor recreational activities. </p>
<p>In the UK, similar campaigns have been started in <a href="https://www.glasgownationalparkcity.org/">Glasgow</a> and <a href="http://www.bqlive.co.uk/leisure-tourism-hospitality/2019/07/26/news/newcastle-launches-campaign-to-be-uks-next-national-park-city-35916/">Newcastle</a>. Abroad, other cities are watching closely. I listened on as the environment minister for South Australia declared, at the opening ceremony in London, that Adelaide is aiming to follow in London’s footsteps.</p>
<p>The launch of London as a national park city shows how a grassroots campaign with strong leadership can tap into the enormous energy and enthusiasm of citizens to make a difference. When local leaders listen and collaborate with citizens, amazing results can be achieved.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/120714/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Edward Truch does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>
The values of a national park, translated to an urban context, to make life better for local people.
Edward Truch, Professor in Information Systems, Lancaster University
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/119933
2019-07-08T20:09:47Z
2019-07-08T20:09:47Z
For green cities to become mainstream, we need to learn from local success stories and scale up
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/283001/original/file-20190708-51305-1musbhk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=9%2C0%2C6342%2C4238&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Melbourne has a rich legacy of urban parks thanks to planning decisions made when the city was first established. </span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Greening our cities has become one of the great <a href="https://newclimateeconomy.report/2018/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2018/09/NCE_2018_FULL-REPORT.pdf">global imperatives</a> of the 21st century including to tackle climate change. And Australia’s sprawling car-based cities are gradually changing to embrace green or living infrastructure.</p>
<p>Green cities bring together elements of architectural design and urban planning, often combining plants and built infrastructure to meet the needs of humans, such as our <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biophilia_hypothesis">love of nature</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-cities-are-lagging-behind-in-greening-up-their-buildings-97088">Australian cities are lagging behind in greening up their buildings</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Trees, plants, waterways and wetlands can deliver climate conditioning, cooling cities by reducing the urban heat island effect. They also absorb carbon dioxide, filter wastewater and create habitats. </p>
<p>Living elements can be incorporated with built infrastructure at a range of scales, from individual buildings with green walls and roofs, through to citywide strategies. And there are a <a href="http://www.curf.com.au/files/view/?id=633">suite of strategies</a> to guide more widespread integration of biological elements and ecological processes in cities. </p>
<p>In recent months, we <a href="https://mainstreaminggreeninfrastructure.com/reports/Barbara%20Norman%20mainstreaming%20GI%20in%20Australia.pdf">profiled Australian examples of living infrastructure</a> that show some of Australia’s approaches to developing green infrastructure, from greening Melbourne’s laneways to Canberra’s urban forest. These cities are already redesigning their water systems and implementing urban forest strategies to create green belts and protect and restore waterways.</p>
<p>Melbourne and Canberra provide some useful examples of the green cities movement, but to make it mainstream, these techniques need to be adopted widely through policies supporting more holistic and better integrated urban planning.</p>
<h2>Why we need urban forests</h2>
<p>Percival Alfred Yeoman was one of the first Australian pioneers of urban forestry. In 1971, <a href="https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/8870297?q&versionId=12235056">he articulated</a> a clear vision for enhancing cities with trees.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-green-cities-need-to-become-a-deeply-lived-experience-65566">Why ‘green cities’ need to become a deeply lived experience</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Local governments in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, are implementing his ideas, committing to <a href="https://202020vision.com.au/about-the-vision/">ambitious increases in urban canopy cover</a>. Their targets range from 25% to 40%.</p>
<p>This <a href="https://202020vision.com.au/the-network/">revived interest in urban forestry</a> comes from its well documented potential for accelerating the transition to more climate adaptive cities. </p>
<p>The social, environmental and economic benefits of urban trees, or “ecosystem services”, are becoming better recognised, including for their recreational and cultural values.</p>
<h2>Melbourne and Canberra are leading Australia’s green cities movement</h2>
<h3>Melbourne</h3>
<p>Melbourne has a rich legacy of urban parks and green belts thanks to planning decisions made in the city’s early years. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/urban-greening-can-save-species-cool-warming-cities-and-make-us-happy-116000">Urban greening can save species, cool warming cities, and make us happy</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>These parks underpin a new wave of urban greening, with projects that aim to deliver action on climate change, biodiversity and the health and well-being of communities.</p>
<p>The Melbourne green infrastructure <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/greening-the-city/green-infrastructure/Pages/green-infrastructure.aspx">plan</a> includes: </p>
<ul>
<li><p>a “<a href="http://www.growinggreenguide.org/">growing green guide</a>” that provides practical advice to community and business groups on planning, design and maintenance of green infrastructure</p></li>
<li><p>the <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/%20greening-the-city/green-infrastructure/Pages/greeninglaneways.%20aspx">greening laneways strategy</a>, which builds on the commercial revitalisation of Melbourne’s laneways over three decades. Laneways with greening potential were mapped and demonstration project developed to display techniques for making them more vibrant green spaces for business, tourists and locals to enjoy</p></li>
<li><p>an <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/parks-openspaces/%20urban-forest/Pages/urban-forest-strategy.aspx">urban forest strategy</a>, with an overall target of 40% canopy cover by 2040. And 5 to 8 million trees will be planted over coming decades for the greater Melbourne metropolis.</p></li>
</ul>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RBtAUUzH7Uo?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</figure>
<h3>Canberra</h3>
<p>Canberra is often described as “a city within a landscape” and the “bush capital”. But its higher altitude, hot dry summers and cold winters bring a set of challenges for green infrastructure. </p>
<p>With more than 800,000 planted trees, Canberra is an urban forest. But these trees require special care and attention given they are ageing and suffering from a hotter, drier climate. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-do-we-save-ageing-australians-from-the-heat-greening-our-cities-is-a-good-start-112613">How do we save ageing Australians from the heat? Greening our cities is a good start</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Wildfire also represents a significant risk where urban and rural areas connect. This means Canberra needs urban forests that will cool the city in warmer months without also escalating wildfire risks. </p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.environment.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/%200011/1170965/Canberra-Living-Infrastructure-%20Information-paper-2018.pdf">ACT Government</a> has committed to action on climate change, legislating targets for 100% renewable electricity by 2020 and carbon neutrality (no net carbon emissions) by 2045. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/283002/original/file-20190708-51262-w9ffhk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/283002/original/file-20190708-51262-w9ffhk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/283002/original/file-20190708-51262-w9ffhk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283002/original/file-20190708-51262-w9ffhk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283002/original/file-20190708-51262-w9ffhk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283002/original/file-20190708-51262-w9ffhk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283002/original/file-20190708-51262-w9ffhk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283002/original/file-20190708-51262-w9ffhk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">With more than 800,000 trees, Canberra is an urban forest.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Integrated approach needed to expand green cities</h2>
<p>Greening cities requires a holistic approach – for instance, not leaving the health of waterways entirely to water engineers.</p>
<p>Greening cities is more than just a <a href="https://www.academia.edu/38053856/The_city_as_nature_and_the_nature_of_the_city_-_climate_adaptation_using_living_infrastructure_governance_and_integration_challenges">technical challenge</a>. Transforming the form and functions of urban systems, through urban forests and other living infrastructure, <a href="http://www.curf.com.au/files/view/?id=633">requires</a> greater leadership and political commitment, integrated planning and community participation, and long-term thinking. </p>
<p>An integrated approach to greening cities involves mapping diverse opportunities and mobilising support for change in the community. As an example, urban storm water can be a productive resource when used in constructed wetlands or to irrigate urban forests. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/283005/original/file-20190708-51297-19kpdgw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/283005/original/file-20190708-51297-19kpdgw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/283005/original/file-20190708-51297-19kpdgw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283005/original/file-20190708-51297-19kpdgw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283005/original/file-20190708-51297-19kpdgw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283005/original/file-20190708-51297-19kpdgw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=425&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283005/original/file-20190708-51297-19kpdgw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=425&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/283005/original/file-20190708-51297-19kpdgw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=425&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The vertical gardens in One Central Park in Sydney are globally renowned for their green infrastructure.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>And often urban drainage lines and wastelands can be transformed into green spaces, but it’s worth recognising there is intense competition for space for housing.</p>
<p>But for more widespread adoption of integration, institutional support within local governments and metropolitan water and planning agencies is needed. </p>
<p>So to scale up living infrastructure in our urban landscapes, we must learn from local success stories, conduct more research, and better understand how to deal with climate adaptation and mitigation challenges. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/if-planners-understand-its-cool-to-green-cities-whats-stopping-them-55753">If planners understand it's cool to green cities, what's stopping them?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p><em>Jason Alexandra would like to gratefully acknowledge the contributions of Barbara Norman to this article.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/119933/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jason Alexandra received research funds from University of Canberra to review international examples of green infrastructure, including urban forestry and water sensitive urban design, suited to Canberra as part of a Canberra Urban and Regional Futures Project that was supported by the ACT Government</span></em></p>
Expanding green cities needs a holistic approach, and learning from Melbourne and Canberra is a good place to start.
Jason Alexandra, PhD candidate, RMIT University
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/119273
2019-06-24T20:43:35Z
2019-06-24T20:43:35Z
Circular cities of the world: what can green infrastructure do?
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/280765/original/file-20190621-61747-12t6wh9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C3980%2C2545&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://unsplash.com/photos/uqxe2L1Aq0g">chuttersnap/Unsplash</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>More than half of the world’s population currently lives in cities while <a href="https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/news/population/2018-revision-of-world-urbanization-prospects.html">projections</a> show an increase to two thirds by 2050. Many people living in small areas means large amounts of waste, high resource consumption and loads of energy use. We can combat these issues with the ideas behind the circular economy.</p>
<p>If we were to envision our cities as circular cities, how would they look? Green. And why? Because achieving a circular economy means using <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-circular-economy-building-an-economy-on-the-template-of-nature-115663">nature as a template</a>. With the help of green infrastructure, we can take nature as the example and transform our cities into circular cities.</p>
<p><a href="http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ecosystems/">Green infrastructure</a> is a planned network of natural and semi-natural areas in urban areas strategically designed to solve problems with storm water management, heat stress, air quality and biodiversity, to name just a few examples. Urban trees, green roofs and facades and constructed wetlands are some common examples.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/280766/original/file-20190621-61729-1eek66y.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/280766/original/file-20190621-61729-1eek66y.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/280766/original/file-20190621-61729-1eek66y.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/280766/original/file-20190621-61729-1eek66y.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/280766/original/file-20190621-61729-1eek66y.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/280766/original/file-20190621-61729-1eek66y.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=565&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/280766/original/file-20190621-61729-1eek66y.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=565&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/280766/original/file-20190621-61729-1eek66y.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=565&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Unsplash</span></span>
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<h2>Greening roofs, mitigating waste</h2>
<p>Achieving a circular city means ensuring the mitigation of waste. Green infrastructure reduces waste in the construction industry by increasing the longevity of exterior surfaces. With greening, roofs survive longer against harmful weathering and intense sunlight. The lifespan of conventional flat roofs can even be doubled with greening. As one city with a long tradition of greening roofs, Berlin even has green roofs reaching approximately <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925857410000078">100 years in age</a>.</p>
<p>Green facades also play a similar role by reducing the maintenance requirements of conventional facades due to the protective layer against sunlight and high temperatures. By using these nature-inspired measures in green infrastructure, cities reduce waste in the construction industry and become more circular. Making our buildings last longer means less waste and helps us approach the idea of circular cities.</p>
<h2>Seeing storm water as a resource</h2>
<p>One of the key roles that green infrastructure plays for cities is in the management of storm water. When it rains, storm water runs off sealed surfaces and is conveyed to wastewater treatment plants. During heavy rainfall events, the treatment plant’s capacity may be exceeded. This can cause combined sewer water and storm water to flow directly into rivers, severely degrading the quality of the water.</p>
<p>Although newer sewer systems allow for the separate conveyance of storm water directly into the rivers, the runoff from streets and sealed surfaces still washes pollutants down to the rivers as well. Green infrastructure reduces the amount of runoff to rivers by acting like a sponge. In Brooklyn, New York, a <a href="https://www.metropolismag.com/cities/the-sponge-park-cleaning-one-of-americas-most-polluted-waterways/">“sponge park”</a> will help clean up the long-polluted Gowanus Canal. In China, the <a href="https://theconversation.com/chinas-sponge-cities-aim-to-re-use-70-of-rainwater-heres-how-83327">“sponge city initiative”</a> focuses on helping cities to absorb more rainwater to mitigate flooding, increase the water supply and reduce pressures on the municipal treatment systems. Reducing and reusing runoff not only mimics nature’s own circular way of dealing with rainwater, but also reduces energy consumption at the wastewater treatment plants.</p>
<p>Many cities have already taken great strides in addressing storm water in a circular fashion. In Berlin, for example, one section of <a href="https://www.urbangreenbluegrids.com/projects/potsdamer-platz-berlin-germany/">Potsdamer Platz</a> with 30,000 square meters features an entire system of connected green roofs, urban spaces, and a constructed treatment pond for handling storm water. By naturally treating water in the pond, very little energy is needed to clean the water, which is then reused for irrigation and flushing toilets. <a href="https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/municode/1184_492.pdf">Toronto</a> has even made green roofs obligatory since 2009 in order to manage storm water, and Malmö’s <a href="https://www.urbangreenbluegrids.com/projects/bo01-city-of-tomorrow-malmo-sweden/">Bo01 Development</a> even incorporates 100% renewable energy while also handling and treating all the storm water sustainably.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/280767/original/file-20190621-61771-4fcikq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/280767/original/file-20190621-61771-4fcikq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=449&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/280767/original/file-20190621-61771-4fcikq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=449&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/280767/original/file-20190621-61771-4fcikq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=449&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/280767/original/file-20190621-61771-4fcikq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=565&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/280767/original/file-20190621-61771-4fcikq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=565&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/280767/original/file-20190621-61771-4fcikq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=565&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Filtration ponds.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://unsplash.com/photos/Ac97OqAWDvg">Ivan Bandura/Unsplash</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Energy consumption</h2>
<p>Reducing energy consumption at treatment plants is just one way in which green infrastructure can aid in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Green roofs and facades act as an extra source of insulation and protection against temperature extremes: reducing indoor temperatures in the summer and increasing temperatures in the winter. As <a href="https://energies2050.org/sustainable-buildings-and-climate-initiative-unep-sbci/?lang=en">40% of the total energy consumption</a> in the EU can be attributed to the building sector and over a third of greenhouse gas emissions originate from buildings, reducing the heating and air conditioning could play a large role in cities’ efforts to mitigate climate change.</p>
<p>Besides reducing energy consumption and subsequent greenhouse gases, green roofs and facades also sequester carbon dioxide and assist in the uptake of air pollutants such as <a href="https://www.epa.gov/heat-islands/heat-island-compendium">nitrous oxide, sulphur oxide and particulate matter</a>, the pollutants for which the guidelines from the <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/02-05-2018-9-out-of-10-people-worldwide-breathe-polluted-air-but-more-countries-are-taking-action">World Health Organization</a> are often not reached in cities.</p>
<h2>Even more benefits?</h2>
<p>To top it all off, greened surfaces are appealing. People enjoy seeing more green in their direct environment, which is crucial for those primarily residing and working in built-up urban environments. Studies have shown that looking out over greened surfaces <a href="http://aiph.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Green%20City%20-%20Guidelines.pdf">reduces recovery time</a> of patients in hospitals and reduces psychological stress and depression of workers in urban environments.</p>
<p>Furthermore, increasing the green in cities combats the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-are-cities-warmer-than-the-countryside-53160">urban heat island effect</a> and protects human health. For example, at Potsdamer Platz, the summer temperatures are kept <a href="https://youtu.be/a3fDWsj24qs">2°C cooler</a> than other surrounding areas.</p>
<p>Considering the numerous benefits, it is clear that cities investing in green infrastructure become more circular and tackle several issues at once. Studies have already shown how economically <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921800918309753">the benefits</a> do outweigh the costs of such systems, and it is obvious that there is much to gain in mimicking nature and transitioning to circular cities of the world.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/119273/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Daniel Johnson ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d'une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n'a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.</span></em></p>
As the population of the world’s cities grows, so too does resource and energy use as well as waste generation. We can combat these issues with a circular economy that uses nature as a template.
Daniel Johnson, PhD Candidate--Chair of Environment and Economics, Coordinator of Research Center SustBusy, ESCP Business School
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/112613
2019-03-01T01:48:18Z
2019-03-01T01:48:18Z
How do we save ageing Australians from the heat? Greening our cities is a good start
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/261168/original/file-20190227-150698-rrobo4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">A shade tree makes a big difference to the comfort of this couple.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/mature-couple-sitting-on-ornate-iron-1151663459">Nancie Lee/Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Heatwaves have killed more Australians than <a href="https://ama.com.au/ausmed/heatwave-health-warning">road accidents</a>, fires, floods and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462901114000999">all other natural disasters combined</a>. Although <a href="https://theconversation.com/forget-heatwaves-our-cold-houses-are-much-more-likely-to-kill-us-83030">recent research</a> shows extreme cold is a worry in some parts of Australia, <a href="https://theconversation.com/2018-19-was-australias-hottest-summer-on-record-with-a-warm-autumn-likely-too-112616">our hottest summer on record</a> points to more heat-related deaths to come. The <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-stubborn-high-pressure-system-behind-australias-record-heatwaves-110442">record heatwaves</a> have highlighted the damaging effects of heat stress. Understandably, it’s becoming a major <a href="https://ama.com.au/ausmed/heatwaves-nation%E2%80%99s-deadliest-natural-disaster-0">public health challenge</a>.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/2018-19-was-australias-hottest-summer-on-record-with-a-warm-autumn-likely-too-112616">2018-19 was Australia's hottest summer on record, with a warm autumn likely too</a>
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</p>
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<p>The risk of extreme heat events and the adverse impacts on older people has been extensively <a href="https://jech.bmj.com/content/64/9/753.short">discussed in research</a>. Remarkably, very little attention has been paid to the role of urban greenery in reducing heat stress for seniors.</p>
<p>Older people are particularly at risk of heat stress. Pre-existing medical conditions and limited mobility increase their vulnerability. <a href="http://www.cmaj.ca/content/182/10/1053.short">Deaths of older people increase</a> during extreme heat events.</p>
<p>The physical features of urban areas shape the capacity of older adults to engage in many activities when it’s hot. These include vegetation volume and coverage, <a href="https://theconversation.com/building-cool-cities-for-a-hot-future-57489">thermal design</a>, and the extent of shading in public areas and walkways. Increasing urban greenery may offer a way to improve older people’s comfort and social experience.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/building-cool-cities-for-a-hot-future-57489">Building cool cities for a hot future</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Ageing adds urgency to greening</h2>
<p>It is expected <a href="http://www.un.org/en/sections/issues-depth/ageing/">20% of the global population</a> will be older than 60 by 2050. The figure for Australia <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mediareleasesbyTopic/2CA2134677EF9D03CA257C2E0017283B?OpenDocument">is even higher</a>, at 23%. This means that by 2050 around one in four Australians will be more vulnerable to extreme heat. </p>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/261175/original/file-20190227-150721-rxcqdl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/261175/original/file-20190227-150721-rxcqdl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/261175/original/file-20190227-150721-rxcqdl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=746&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/261175/original/file-20190227-150721-rxcqdl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=746&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/261175/original/file-20190227-150721-rxcqdl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=746&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/261175/original/file-20190227-150721-rxcqdl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=937&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/261175/original/file-20190227-150721-rxcqdl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=937&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/261175/original/file-20190227-150721-rxcqdl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=937&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Older people are more vulnerable to heat stress.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/elderly-sweating-fainting-1189479757">PorporLing/Shutterstock</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Climate change may make the problem worse by <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749379708006867">fuelling even more extreme heat</a> events.</p>
<p>Planning our urban centres to meet the needs of a <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/older-people/older-australia-at-a-glance/contents/demographics-of-older-australians">rapidly ageing population</a> is a matter of urgency. Urban greening to reduce their vulnerability to heat stress should be central to this agenda. It can also improve people’s quality of life, reduce <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1353829208001172">social isolation and loneliness</a>, and ease the burden on health systems.</p>
<p>An important task is matching the design of communities with the needs of an ageing population. Where older adults live and the quality of their local areas strongly influence their lived experiences. Yet <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0885412217704649">recent research</a> found the experiences of seniors were often not accounted for in research on neighbourhood design.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/eight-simple-changes-to-our-neighbourhoods-can-help-us-age-well-83962">Eight simple changes to our neighbourhoods can help us age well</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>What about aged care?</h2>
<p>People face choices about where they live as they age. The common choices are to “<a href="https://theconversation.com/for-australians-to-have-the-choice-of-growing-old-at-home-here-is-what-needs-to-change-91488">age in place</a>” or to move into aged care. </p>
<p>Ageing in place includes living in one’s own home or <a href="https://theconversation.com/co-housing-works-well-for-older-people-once-they-get-past-the-image-problem-79907">co-habiting with relatives or friends</a>. Around 90% of Australian seniors <a href="https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/housing-decisions-older-australians/housing-decisions-older-australians.pdf">choose this option</a>, with the remainder opting for aged-care facilities.</p>
<p>If one in ten Australian seniors live in aged-care facilities, it is clear these should be designed to minimise heat stress. This isn’t just good for residents; it may also benefit operators by lowering health-care and electricity costs.</p>
<p>While these facilities are purpose-built for older people, many in Australia were built well over a decade ago, when heat stress was not such a large concern. Many more facilities are being built now and will be into the future. Yet it is uncertain whether they are being actively designed to reduce the impacts of heat.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-cities-are-lagging-behind-in-greening-up-their-buildings-97088">Australian cities are lagging behind in greening up their buildings</a>
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</em>
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<h2>What has our research found?</h2>
<p>We recently conducted a focus group to investigate this issue. Participants were senior managers from four large corporate providers of aged care in Australia. We investigated if and how providers try to minimise heat stress through design. We also sought to understand the rationales used to support these design approaches.</p>
<p>Several participants reported on refurbishments that they expect will have cooling effects. Cited design approaches included green roofs and walls, as well as sensory gardens. Other expected benefits included reducing anxiety and improving the mental health of residents.</p>
<p>The fact that single design interventions could produce multiple benefits improved the potential for corporate buy-in. Participants expected that increasing green space and green cover would give their facilities a competitive advantage by attracting more clients and providing a better working environment for staff.</p>
<p>Participants also reported on challenges of including greening in their projects. For example, the benefits of trees were weighed against concerns about roots disrupting footpaths and becoming trip hazards. Species selection was another concern, with fears that inappropriate plants could die and undermine support for greening programs.</p>
<p>Our research suggests that more can be done to make cities hospitable for older people, especially during extreme heat. Urban greening is a start. Encouraging aged-care providers to adopt green infrastructure will have benefits. But we should also consider reforms to planning systems and urban design to better protect older people who choose to age in place.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/if-planners-understand-its-cool-to-green-cities-whats-stopping-them-55753">If planners understand it's cool to green cities, what's stopping them?</a>
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</em>
</p>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/112613/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Claudia Baldwin has received research funding from Churches of Christ Care regarding senior living. She is a member of the Planning Institute of Australia and the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jason Byrne receives funding from the Australian Research Council for research on (i) climate change and social innovation and (ii) green space and health. He is a member of the Planning Institute Australia, Institute of Australian Geographers and Association of American Geographers. Jason donates to environmental groups (e.g. Australian Conservation Foundation). He also provides research consultancy services to state and local government.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Tony Matthews receives funding from the Australian Research Council. He is affiliated with the Royal Town Planning Institute and the Planning Institute of Australia. He is an Ambassador for Planet Ark and a spokesperson for 202020 Vision.</span></em></p>
Two trends in Australia, an ageing population and warming climate, are increasing the threat that heatwaves pose to our health. Increasing vegetation cover is one way every city can reduce the risk.
Claudia Baldwin, Associate Professor, Urban Design and Town Planning, Sustainability Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast
Jason Byrne, Professor of Human Geography and Planning, University of Tasmania
Tony Matthews, Senior Lecturer in Urban and Environmental Planning, Griffith University
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/109074
2018-12-31T10:33:53Z
2018-12-31T10:33:53Z
Singapore ‘smoking ban’ sounds radical, but it’s an odd way to reduce air pollution
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/251501/original/file-20181219-45388-vuhixq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=18%2C27%2C5988%2C3980&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Orchard Road, Singapore.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/singaporejune-26aerial-view-sidewalk-orchard-road-207908968?src=32Rz4iMkYGHjX-yZUQA1Rg-1-21">Stockforlife/Shutterstock.</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>On January 1 2019, <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/orchard-road-smoking-ban-to-kick-in-on-jan-1-2019">Singapore will introduce a “no smoking zone”</a> along a three kilometre stretch of Orchard Road – one of the city’s busiest shopping districts. It sounds controversial – restricting people’s right to smoke in public spaces, as a way of tackling air pollution and improving public health. But smoking is not actually banned down the length of Orchard Road: instead, smokers will be concentrated in 40 designated smoking areas, spaced 100-200 metres apart. </p>
<p>Air pollution is a major challenge for cities around the world, as it’s a significant <a href="https://theconversation.com/take-a-deep-breath-heres-what-2016-revealed-about-the-deadly-dangers-of-air-pollution-70375">cause of death and ill-health</a>. City dwellers have a hard time avoiding the impacts of poor air quality, and children, the elderly and people with preexisting medical conditions are most vulnerable. </p>
<p>Air pollution directly affects business productivity and education, through sickness and loss of working days, and it can discourage inward investment and economic growth. So cities face a substantial penalty for poor air quality, before even accounting for additional public health costs. </p>
<p>Clearly, any attempt to develop solutions should be welcomed. But Singapore’s no smoking zone is an odd intervention, because it doesn’t seem to respond to <a href="https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/a-research-agenda-for-regeneration-economies">the nature of urban growth</a>, which requires an integrated approach across many different systems – from transport, to industry, to healthcare – to avoid its more perverse consequences. </p>
<h2>The root of the problem</h2>
<p>Cities are hubs of creativity and economic activity, but every act of consumption and transportation contributes to environmental pollution. One of the <a href="http://epapers.bham.ac.uk/3069/">basic strategies</a> for dealing with air pollution involves diluting and dispersing pollutants. </p>
<p>The no smoking zone simultaneously displaces smoking and concentrates it within small smoking areas. The level of pollution caused by each of these areas will be influenced by the environment around it, so ideally these environments will help to dilute and disperse smoke. For example, the density and height of buildings affects wind flows, which can help disperse pollution. Street canyons – consisting of similar rows of mid and high-rise buildings – inhibit dispersal. </p>
<p>Structures of different heights create a rough surface, encouraging more air mixing and leading to increased dispersion and dilution. <a href="https://new.devon.gov.uk/greeninfrastructure/">Green infrastructure</a> – that is, the network of natural features and spaces in a given area – can also act as a barrier between sources of pollution, roads and designated smoking areas and people. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/251503/original/file-20181219-45388-98grcy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/251503/original/file-20181219-45388-98grcy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251503/original/file-20181219-45388-98grcy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251503/original/file-20181219-45388-98grcy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251503/original/file-20181219-45388-98grcy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251503/original/file-20181219-45388-98grcy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251503/original/file-20181219-45388-98grcy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The bigger picture.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/road-singapore-downtown-1095602291?src=32Rz4iMkYGHjX-yZUQA1Rg-2-58">Shutterstock.</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>But none of this will address the root of the problem. Most air pollution comes from the industrial and domestic burning of fuel for heating and cooling, electricity and transportation. Road transport emissions are the most important sources of urban air pollution, as petrol and diesel engines emit reactive oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and microscopic particulate matter (PM). The wear and tear of brakes and tyres, as well as road dust, are also important sources of PM. In strong sunlight, <a href="http://epapers.bham.ac.uk/3069/9/TDAG_FSAQ_2017_BW_v2.pdf">NOx reacts with other compounds</a> to form ozone, a highly toxic pollutant at ground level.</p>
<p>Secondhand cigarette smoke significantly affects air quality in areas frequented by pedestrians, but this is only one ingredient in a very potent cocktail of pollutants. The World Health Organisation <a href="https://www.who.int/tobacco/global_report/en/">recommends that</a> a no smoking policy be introduced for areas suffering from secondhand smoke. Long-term exposure to the micro-plumes of smoke which come from people who smoke a cigarettes may result in the inhalation of cancer-causing chemicals from tobacco, including <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/m_features/background-nitrosamines">nitrosamines</a>. </p>
<p>For Singapore, the challenge is that herding smokers into the 40 designated areas might result in a concentration of micro-plumes. City leaders will urgently need to conduct detailed analysis of the localised impacts on air quality linked with each of these designated areas. This research could then inform any changes to the location and design of the designated areas, including enhancing green infrastructure.</p>
<h2>Redesigning the streetscape</h2>
<p>But the no smoking zone can’t be the only thing Singapore’s authorities do to tackle air pollution. There needs to be an integrated approach, which reconfigures the entire design of each streetscape across the city, to encourage the mixing, dispersion and dilution of pollutants and maximise the quality of the local environment, with an emphasis on green infrastructure and separating people from pollutant sources. Any effective air quality policy must also encourage the use of environmentally friendly public transport, and the shift towards electric vehicles.</p>
<p>The problem with Singapore’s no smoking zone will not be enforcement, but in ensuring that this is part of an integrated approach intended to minimise atmospheric pollution. The danger for Orchard Road is that the policy may intensify the problem and the health results through concentration rather than dispersion.</p>
<p>All cities must develop effective solutions to air pollution. For many cities air quality policy enforcement is a major problem. For all cities the primary challenge is to avoid isolated policy interventions intended to address one air quality problem. The critical issue is to develop a much more politically challenging integrated or holistic approach to enhancing the quality of city living.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/109074/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>John Bryson receives funding from DFID and NERC to research air quality in urban areas. First, a project funded by DFID on air quality management in three East African cities: Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Kampala (Uganda) and Nairobi (Kenya). Second, a project funded by NERC that commences on 1 January 2019. The West Midlands Air Quality Improvement Programme (WM-Air) - is a new initiative to support the improvement of air quality, and associated health, environmental and economic benefits, in the West Midlands. </span></em></p>
There are other things which cause air pollution – cars, for example – which will have a much bigger impact.
John Bryson, Professor of Enterprise and Competitiveness, University of Birmingham
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.
tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/107263
2018-12-10T18:55:42Z
2018-12-10T18:55:42Z
Cities can grow without wrecking reefs and oceans. Here’s how
<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/248335/original/file-20181203-194953-1yx65zo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Cairns has lots of hard grey infrastructure but much less green infrastructure that would reduce the impacts of the city's growth.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Karine Dupré</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>“<a href="https://www.iyor2018.org/">What happens if the water temperature rises by a few degrees?</a>” is the 2018 <a href="https://www.icriforum.org/about-icri/iyor">International Year of the Reef</a> leading question. While the ocean is the focus, <a href="https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/news/population/2018-revision-of-world-urbanization-prospects.html">urbanisation</a> is the main reason for the rising temperatures and water pollution. Yet it receives little attention in this discussion. </p>
<p>In turn, rising temperatures <a href="https://theconversation.com/urban-floods-we-can-pay-now-or-later-96160">increase downpours and urban floods</a>, adding to the pressures on urban infrastructure. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/design-for-flooding-how-cities-can-make-room-for-water-105844">Design for flooding: how cities can make room for water</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Protecting the reef as Cairns grows</h2>
<p>Cairns is an expanding Queensland city located between two World Heritage sites – the <a href="http://www.greatbarrierreef.org/about-the-reef">Great Barrier Reef</a> and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daintree_Rainforest">Daintree Rainforest</a>. While important research focuses on these sites themselves, not much is known about how the surrounding urban areas influence these natural environments. Similarly, little is known about how urban planning and design contribute to the health of the inner city and surrounding water bodies, including the ocean. </p>
<p>Cairns is a major Australian tourism destination with a unique coastal setting of rainforest and reef. This attracts growing numbers of visitors. One effect of this success is increased urbanisation to accommodate these tourists. </p>
<p>There are many opportunities to promote sustainable and socially acceptable growth in Cairns. Yet this growth is not without challenges. These include:</p>
<ul>
<li>impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise and ocean warming</li>
<li>lack of comprehensive urban infrastructure strategy</li>
<li>lack of comprehensive assessment of the benefits of integrated urban design to maximise coastal resilience and the health of streams and oceans. </li>
</ul>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/249156/original/file-20181206-186055-r0mm58.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/249156/original/file-20181206-186055-r0mm58.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/249156/original/file-20181206-186055-r0mm58.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=900&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/249156/original/file-20181206-186055-r0mm58.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=900&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/249156/original/file-20181206-186055-r0mm58.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=900&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/249156/original/file-20181206-186055-r0mm58.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1131&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/249156/original/file-20181206-186055-r0mm58.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1131&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/249156/original/file-20181206-186055-r0mm58.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1131&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Rain gardens are common in Singapore.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rogersoh/4742030401/in/photolist-8e39qR-8cTrF9-5ZVakG-6SD8Xr-dYNhd-5ZVULb-5ZVkTj-9WFvAV-d39rTQ-9WFtHH-9WJmQ1-9WFvgn-ojCd4B-8e3c2R-ojCdzB-5ZVUtA-5ZV7BU-8ur9JW-9SnZ4W-ov8N8x-9WFwY6-5ZV8Nf-c5y1kE-uLxdpo-o1nqXY-9WFwaa-ohFgoE-ot6Rgd-55jr8c-7jH9xY-2mMoCW-fVdLWn-6zSj5d-94ndL2-omyHjz-fzRSHi-oBpfnr-6dnEtg-m79GPr-FVFE9-eKdaHR-oi6UuW-einXy8-mKHUHk-5cFXGA-omswap-oV1kxp-oChdwV-oudGjB-9WFumT">Roger Soh/Flickr</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As with most Australian cities, Cairns has an urban layout based on wide streets, mostly with little or no greenery. <a href="https://www.melbournewater.com.au/community-and-education/help-protect-environment/raingardens">Rain gardens</a>, for instance, are rare. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioswale">Bioswales</a> that slow and filter stormwater are present along highways, but seldom within the city. </p>
<p>The arguments for not adding greenery to the urban environment are familiar. These typically relate to costs of implementation and maintenance, but also to the speed with which water is taken out of streets during the tropical rainy season. This is because green stormwater solutions, if not well planned, can slow down the water flow, thus increasing floods.</p>
<p>However, cities can be designed in a way to <a href="https://theconversation.com/stormwater-innovations-mean-cities-dont-just-flush-rainwater-down-the-drain-40129">imitate nature</a> with solutions that are an integral part of the urban system. This can include dedicated areas of larger wetlands and parks, which capture water and filter pollution and undesired nutrients more efficiently, reducing polluted runoff to the reef.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/if-planners-understand-its-cool-to-green-cities-whats-stopping-them-55753">If planners understand it's cool to green cities, what's stopping them?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Integrated urban design</h2>
<p>Integrated urban design is an aspect of city planning and design that could be further developed to ensure the whole system works more efficiently. This involves integrating the three elements that make up urban infrastructure: </p>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://theconversation.com/our-cities-need-more-trees-and-water-not-less-to-stay-liveable-22166">the green</a> – parks, residential gardens, rain gardens, green roofs and walls, bioswales, etc</li>
<li>the grey – built drains, footpaths, buildings, <a href="http://www.envacgroup.com/products/our_products/envac-stationary-vacuum-system">underground vacuum
system</a>, etc</li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Urbanism-Exploring-Connections-Between/dp/1610914058">the blue</a> – streams, stormwater systems, etc.</li>
</ol>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/248338/original/file-20181203-194953-1cjc3uf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/248338/original/file-20181203-194953-1cjc3uf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/248338/original/file-20181203-194953-1cjc3uf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/248338/original/file-20181203-194953-1cjc3uf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/248338/original/file-20181203-194953-1cjc3uf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/248338/original/file-20181203-194953-1cjc3uf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/248338/original/file-20181203-194953-1cjc3uf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A rain garden, which absorbs rain and stores water to help control run-off from impervious hard surfaces, in Wellington, New Zealand.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Karine Dupré</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Urban infrastructure, therefore, can and should be planned and designed to provide <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11355-017-0346-6">multiple services</a>, including coastal resilience and healthier water streams and oceans. To achieve this, a neighbourhood or city-wide strategy needs to be implemented, instead of intermittent and ad hoc urban design solutions. Importantly, <a href="http://webpages.uidaho.edu/larc380/new380/assets/images/StormwaterFiles/images/HighPtSect.jpg">each element should coordinate with the others</a> to avoid overlaps, gaps and pitfalls. </p>
<p>This is what integrated urban design is about. So why don’t we implement it more often?</p>
<h2>Challenges and opportunities</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935117317115?via%3Dihub">Research has shown</a> that planning, designing and creating climate-resilient cities that are energy-optimised, revitalise urban landscapes and restore and support <a href="http://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/natural-resources/ecosystem-services">ecosystem services</a> is a major challenge at the planning scale. To generate an urban environment that promotes urban protection and resilience while minimising urbanisation impacts and restoring natural systems, we need to better anticipate the risks and have the means to take actions. In other words, it is a two-way system: well planned and designed green and blue infrastructures not only deliver better urbanised areas but will also protect the ocean from pollution. Additionally, it helps to manage future risks of severe weather. </p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462901117305282?via%3Dihub">uncertainties of green infrastructure capacity and costs of maintenance, combined with inflexible finance schemes</a>, are obstacles to integrated urban solutions. Furthermore, the lack of <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01426397.2017.1353069">inter- and transdisciplinary approaches</a> results in <a href="http://www.arj.no/2012/03/12/disciplinarities-2/">disciplinary barriers</a> in research and policymaking to long-term planning of the sort that generates urban green infrastructure and its desired outcomes.</p>
<p>On the bright side, there is also strong evidence to suggest sound policy can <a href="http://sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1618866716305027?via%3Dihub">help overcome these barriers</a> through technical guides based on scientific research, standards and financial incentives. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/heres-how-green-infrastructure-can-easily-be-added-to-the-urban-planning-toolkit-57277">Here’s how green infrastructure can easily be added to the urban planning toolkit</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1877343514001110">Collaborative partnerships</a> are promising, too. Partnerships between academia and industry tend to be more powerful than streamlined industry project developments. </p>
<p>Finally, and very promisingly, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935117316778?via%3Dihub">Australia has its own successful green infrastructure examples</a>. <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/parks-open-spaces/urban-forest/Pages/urban-forest-strategy.aspx">Melbourne’s urban forest strategy</a> has been <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935117316778?via%3Dihub">internationally acclaimed</a>. Examples like these provide valuable insights into local green infrastructure governance. </p>
<p>Cairns has stepped up with some stunning blue <a href="http://www.qldbeaches.com/cairns-esplanade.html">infrastructure on the Esplanade</a> which raises awareness of both locals and visitors about the protection of our oceans. </p>
<p>This is only the start. Together academics, local authorities, industry stakeholders and communities can lead the way to resilient cities and healthier oceans.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/249195/original/file-20181206-128208-ixjv4.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/249195/original/file-20181206-128208-ixjv4.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/249195/original/file-20181206-128208-ixjv4.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=266&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/249195/original/file-20181206-128208-ixjv4.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=266&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/249195/original/file-20181206-128208-ixjv4.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=266&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/249195/original/file-20181206-128208-ixjv4.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=335&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/249195/original/file-20181206-128208-ixjv4.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=335&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/249195/original/file-20181206-128208-ixjv4.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=335&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Cairns Esplanade Lagoon helps raise awareness of the need to protect the ocean as the city grows.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Karine Dupré</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-green-is-our-infrastructure-helping-cities-assess-its-value-for-long-term-liveability-50528">How green is our infrastructure? Helping cities assess its value for long-term liveability</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/107263/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>
Urbanisation is the main reason for rising temperatures and water pollution, but receives little attention in discussions about the health of water streams, reefs and oceans.
Silvia Tavares, Lecturer in Urban Design, James Cook University
Karine Dupré, Associate Professor in Architecture, Griffith University
Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.