Environmental Considerations

Definition

Environmental considerations refer to the factors related to the natural environment that need to be taken into account during urban planning, policy making, and economic decision-making. These factors can include air and water quality, land use, waste management, and the impacts of urban development on ecosystems. Recognizing these aspects is essential for creating sustainable cities that balance economic growth with environmental health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Environmental considerations play a crucial role in shaping urban policies that aim to reduce pollution and promote green spaces.
2. Cities that effectively integrate environmental considerations can enhance public health outcomes by improving air quality and access to nature.
3. Incorporating environmental considerations can lead to better fiscal outcomes by reducing costs associated with pollution-related health issues.
4. Urban planners often use zoning laws and land use regulations to enforce environmental considerations in development projects.
5. The monocentric city model illustrates how centralized urban development can affect transportation emissions and resource consumption, making environmental considerations vital for sustainable growth.

Review Questions

• How do environmental considerations influence urban planning and policy decisions?
  • Environmental considerations significantly influence urban planning by ensuring that developments do not harm natural ecosystems or degrade air and water quality. When planners take these factors into account, they are better equipped to create policies that promote sustainability and resilience against climate change. This approach helps balance economic growth with ecological health, ensuring cities remain livable and prosperous over time.
• Discuss the impact of fiscal competition among jurisdictions on environmental considerations in urban development.
  • Fiscal competition among jurisdictions can lead to a race to the bottom where cities may lower environmental standards to attract businesses or residents. This undermines efforts to implement robust environmental considerations in urban policy, as local governments may prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability. Such competition can result in increased pollution and degradation of local ecosystems, highlighting the need for cooperative approaches that establish minimum environmental standards across jurisdictions.
• Evaluate the implications of neglecting environmental considerations in the monocentric city model on urban sustainability.
  • Neglecting environmental considerations within the monocentric city model can lead to unsustainable urban growth characterized by increased congestion, higher emissions, and resource depletion. As cities expand outward from a central point without regard for ecological impact, they risk compromising their ability to provide clean air and water, as well as recreational spaces for residents. This disregard not only threatens public health but also places future economic stability at risk by creating costly challenges in managing urban sprawl and its associated environmental degradation.

Related terms

Sustainability: The ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often focusing on environmental preservation.

Urban Sprawl:

The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into rural land, which can lead to increased pollution, habitat loss, and other negative environmental impacts.

Ecosystem Services: The benefits that humans receive from natural ecosystems, including clean air and water, pollination of crops, and climate regulation.