Challenges of Urban Sustainability

Introduction

• Focus on challenges of urban sustainability.
• Final topic review video for Unit 6.
• Encouragement to explore additional resources: ultimate review packet.

Definitions and Concepts

• Sustainability: Ability of a society to meet current needs without compromising future generations.
• Urban Sprawl: Expansion of urban areas into surrounding countryside, leading to:
  • Destruction of countryside
  • Increased infrastructure costs
  • De facto segregation

Impacts of Urban Sprawl

• Economic Impacts:
  • Increased debt, taxes, and burdens on businesses/residents.
• Environmental Impacts:
  • Destruction of arable land
  • Increased air pollution from automobile reliance
  • Larger ecological footprints
  • Contribution to greenhouse gas emissions

Ecological and Environmental Concerns

• Biodiversity Loss: Urban expansion leads to habitat destruction.
• Climate Change Challenges:
  • Strain on electrical grids during extreme weather.
  • Example: California (2022) heatwave
  • Example: Texas (2021) polar vortex

Sanitation and Health Challenges

• Increased Waste Management Needs:
  • Sewage systems under pressure
  • Risk of water contamination
• Inadequate Infrastructure Risks:
  • Informal settlements and high-density poverty areas
  • Example: 2010 Haiti cholera outbreak

Solutions and Responses

• Smart Growth Policies:
  • Promote sustainable urban development
• Urban Growth Boundaries:
  • Limit urban sprawl (e.g., Portland, Oregon)
  • Encourage infill development
  • Maintain ecological balance
• Farmland Protection Policies:
  • Preserve agricultural land

Examples of Urban Sustainability Efforts

• Brownfield Redevelopment:
  • Hunter Point Shipyard, San Francisco
• Urban Growth Boundary:
  • Portland, Oregon

Conclusion

• Collaboration between cities, regional governments, and stakeholders is essential.
• Cities can overcome sustainability challenges for vibrant communities.

Next Steps

• Explore the ultimate review packet for a summary video and additional practice materials.
• Practice quizzes and review materials available for class and national exam preparation.

Prepared by Mr. Sin, a resource for AP Human Geography and sustainability studies.