Day 26: Urban City Planning

Today you will learn about urban city planning, why it may or may not help solve climate change, how it works and what needs to still be done for it to be an effective solution to climate change.

Summary

Explain succinctly what Urban City Planning is from first principles.

Urban City Planning is the process of designing and organizing the physical layout and development of urban areas to create functional, sustainable, and livable communities. It involves strategic decision-making about land use, transportation systems, infrastructure, housing, public spaces, and environmental considerations to promote the well-being of residents and enhance the overall urban environment.

Why does Urban City Planning help to solve climate change?

Urban City Planning plays a critical role in addressing climate change for several reasons:

• Reducing emissions: Effective urban planning can promote compact, mixed-use developments, reducing the need for long commutes and thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.
• Promoting sustainable transportation: City planning can prioritize public transit, cycling, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, encouraging more people to use sustainable transportation options, which in turn reduces carbon emissions.
• Energy efficiency: Thoughtful city planning can incorporate energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy systems, and smart urban design to minimize energy consumption and carbon emissions.
• Resilience and adaptation: Climate-responsive planning can enhance a city's resilience to climate impacts, such as extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and heatwaves.

Steel man the other side. Why would Urban City Planning NOT work to solve climate change?

Urban City Planning may face challenges in fully solving climate change due to:

• Existing infrastructure: Retrofitting established urban areas can be costly and logistically complex, making it challenging to implement significant changes.
• Political and economic interests: Decision-making processes may be influenced by political and economic interests that prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability goals.
• Population growth: Rapid urbanization and population growth in some areas might outpace planning efforts, leading to increased energy demand and carbon emissions.

Who benefits most by implementing Urban City Planning as a solution?

Various stakeholders benefit from effective Urban City Planning:

• Residents: Improved quality of life through better access to amenities, green spaces, and sustainable transportation options.
• Local businesses: Vibrant and well-planned urban areas attract more customers and create economic opportunities.
• Municipal governments: Enhanced city planning can lead to more efficient resource use, increased revenue from thriving communities, and improved overall governance.

Who is harmed most by implementing Urban City Planning as a solution?

• Certain industries: Traditional industries heavily dependent on car-centric urban development might experience challenges during a transition to sustainable urban planning.

How feasible is Urban City Planning to implement as a solution?

Urban City Planning is feasible and already being implemented in numerous cities worldwide. However, its success depends on political will, collaboration among stakeholders, financial resources, and effective governance.

How does Urban City Planning work as a solution to climate change?

• Data collection and analysis: Urban planners assess existing conditions, including population density, transportation patterns, infrastructure, and environmental factors, using data to identify areas for improvement.
• Sustainable development goals: Planners set specific targets and objectives for sustainable development, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing green spaces, and promoting active transportation.
• Land use zoning: Planning decisions prioritize mixed-use developments and reduce urban sprawl to create compact, walkable neighborhoods with access to public transit and amenities.
• Transportation planning: City planners design efficient transportation networks, prioritize public transit, and encourage cycling and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to reduce car dependence.
• Green infrastructure: Incorporating green infrastructure, such as parks, urban forests, and green roofs, helps absorb carbon dioxide, mitigate urban heat islands, and improve air quality.
• Energy-efficient buildings: Urban planning encourages the construction of energy-efficient buildings, incorporating renewable energy sources to lower energy consumption and carbon emissions.

What is a real-life example of the solution of Urban City Planning being implemented?

An example of Urban City Planning implementation is Copenhagen, Denmark. The city has prioritized cycling infrastructure, reduced car traffic, and promoted public transit, resulting in a significant decrease in carbon emissions and a thriving cycling culture.

For Urban City Planning as a solution to work, what innovation or policy needs created?

To support Urban City Planning as a climate solution, innovative policies and technologies are needed, such as:

• Smart city technologies: Integration of data-driven technologies to optimize resource use, monitor energy consumption, and enhance transportation efficiency.
• Sustainable financing models: Innovative financing mechanisms to fund sustainable infrastructure projects and incentivize private investment in climate-resilient developments.

‍

Additional Resources

Books:

• "The Death and Life of Great American Cities" by Jane Jacobs - While not solely focused on climate change, this classic book discusses urban planning principles that promote sustainable, vibrant, and resilient cities.
• "Cities for People" by Jan Gehl - This book explores urban planning strategies that prioritize human-scale cities, walkability, and sustainable urban development.
• "The Smart Growth Manual" by Andres Duany, Jeff Speck, and Mike Lydon - This resource outlines principles of smart growth, which emphasize compact, mixed-use development, and transit-oriented planning to reduce carbon emissions and enhance urban living.

Courses:

• "Greening the Economy: Sustainable Cities" by Lund University - This course covers sustainable urban development, green infrastructure, and climate-friendly city planning.
• "Sustainable Urban Development" by Delft University of Technology - This course focuses on sustainable urban development practices and the role of urban planning in mitigating climate change.

Scholars:

• Dr. Karen C. Seto - An expert in urbanization and climate change, Dr. Seto's research focuses on urban growth and its environmental implications.
• Dr. Michael B. Gerrard - A scholar in environmental law and urban planning, Dr. Gerrard has contributed to research on climate change adaptation and city resilience.
• Dr. Edward Glaeser - A renowned urban economist, Dr. Glaeser's work examines the relationship between urban development, sustainability, and climate change.

Podcasts:

• "The Infrastructure Show" - While not exclusively focused on climate change, this podcast covers infrastructure and urban planning topics, including sustainable city development.
• "Talking Cities" by Arup - This podcast delves into various urban issues, including climate change resilience, and features conversations with experts in urban planning.

‍

‍

Top Skills To Learn

The following skills are recommend to learn:

• Urban planning and design: Acquire knowledge and expertise in urban planning principles, design concepts, and sustainable development strategies.
• Policy analysis and advocacy: Study policy analysis to understand the regulatory and governance aspects of city planning, and develop advocacy skills to promote sustainable urban policies.
• Data analysis and technology: Gain proficiency in data analysis, geographical information systems (GIS), and smart city technologies to inform evidence-based planning decisions and harness innovative tools for urban development.

‍

Activity

Activity: Urban Climate Resilience Assessment

Description: Research the climate vulnerabilities of your local city. Identify areas susceptible to flooding, heatwaves, or other climate-related challenges. Propose potential solutions for enhancing urban resilience.

‍

Skill Lesson Mastered

Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson by applying it to the above activity. If, and only if, you have a full understanding and have mastered the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson, select the next lesson in the navigation.