The role our cities and metropolitan areas play is extremely important in the growth of our countries. Cities could very well be considered a dominant form of civilization, and many areas of the world are influenced by the dynamic of cities. A great deal of environmental degradation results from urbanization. For example, transportation is one of the primary factors that shapes urbanization, and is one of the leading causes of the emission of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants into the air. Gibbs’ (1997) study found that approximately 100 million Americans live in cities with high ozone levels caused by vehicle emissions. Sustainable cities have become a priority more than ever before, and I truly believe that there is hope for the future success of these urban areas. Cities force people to be more productive, and smarter in a way–we need them. According to The Human Scale: Planning Livable and Humanistic Cities, even though these areas cause differences in lifestyles, big cities are successful growth engines. Considering the innovations of urban mobility, the GDP growth rate, and horticulture in cities, more sustainable environments is very possible.
If we’re going to strive to change the course of our future for cities, we must first take heed to the innovation of urban mobility. According to Schleeter (2014), “More people in cities means we need mobility options that move beyond the personal car.” The primary objective is to move people, and not cars within an urban environment. One sustainable alternative is bus rapid transit (BRT), which is a city-based bus transit system. Not only does it reduce travel time, but it also reduces local air pollutant emissions. These buses can transport up to 160 passengers at one time resulting in less air pollution. Additionally, progress can definitely be made with other mobility innovations such as bike-sharing and ridesharing. Over three percent of commuting workers use a bike to get to their destination (G.F., 2017). This number is projected to rise due to the expansion of bike-sharing. Companies like Limebike provides an app that allows the user to find a bike, pay for the service, and use a specific code to gain access to the bike. This is very creative to me, and with endeavors arising like this, there is hope for our future. According to Ajmal (2018), “The aim of ridesharing is to reduce traffic congestion, automobile emissions, and vehicle trips.” The benefits of ridesharing can contribute to the change we need in our environment. This service is cost effective, which means more people are likely to be interested. Ridesharing helps conserve many non-renewable sources, and lessens the amount of air pollution.
Next, we’re going to examine the importance of our cities and why we need them by considering the GDP growth rate. GDP measures economic output by consumers, businesses, and governments. Cities are essential to the well-being of society, so if we begin to realize how important they are, change would not be so hard. From the start of 2018, until now, the United States GDP rate has increased by 4.1 percent. The worldbank’s (2018) study found that “By 2050, 68% of the world’s population will be urban.” This is significant to the fact that most of the world’s GDP is generated in cities. “In 2007, just 380 cities contributed half of global GDP.” (Nichols, 2018). We need our cities for the economic well-being of the world. If everyone strives for sustainable cities, it will have a positive impact on the people, which will have a positive impact on the growth of production which will, in turn, positively affect the growth of GDP.
Horticulture in cities also creates hope for a better future. Horticulture involves the cultivation and management of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Urban horticulture is the study of plants and the urban environment. This practice can contribute to a sustainable future for our cities. As one, we should focus on the results in order to have a better future. According to Nandwani (2018), “Urban horticultural technologies facilitate the efficient use of available land in urban and residential areas, helping meet the demand for fresh fruits and vegetables to feed ever-growing urban populations.” Horticulture not only improves how we utilize plants for many aesthetic purposes, but it also improves the environment. There are many benefits associated with urban horticulture. For example, according to Hall & Hodges, “the inclusion of green spaces in an urban landscape can offset the urban heat islands by absorbing heat and sunlight, thereby creating a much more enjoyable and inviting urban environment.”
Our cities and metropolitan areas play a significant role pertaining to the growth of our countries. The Human Scale: Planning Livable and Humanistic Cities examines urban life and its effects on human interaction. If we don’t strive to minimize the level of air pollution within our cities, it will eventually become harder for us to breathe. Also, higher levels of carbon dioxide will increase temperatures which can cause the polar ice caps to melt resulting in a raise in sea levels. Considering the assessment of the GDP growth rate, the innovation of alternatives relating to urban mobility, and the positive effects of urban horticulture, I believe that moving toward a future of more sustainable cities is very possible. With these conscious efforts, there is hope for the future.