Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 1.2
Elevated Railway
, 1915
(Indian ink and chalk), George
Grosz. How will cities adapt
their transport infrastructure to
help reduce transport CO2
emissions?
Source
: Grosz, George
(1893-1959)/Private collection/
The Bridgeman Art Library. Estate
of George Grosz, Princeton,
N.J./DACS, 2013.
climate change and 'peak oil', economic growth, social equity and wider quality of life issues.
Because of the greater transparency brought about by Internet-based transactions, there is a
much greater flexibility in decision-making and potentially a strong movement against large
government. Normative frameworks within city planning are likely to become much more
important: to avoid the prophecy of Woody Allen we can seek to develop futures that we
think are 'right' and attractive to live within. Most conflicting values of course have validity,
often related to the support they gain; universal positions may become more difficult to
maintain. Though it is often difficult to see beyond the vested and vocal interests, it is critical
that attractive and consensual futures are developed and worked towards in a consistent manner
- with the emphasis on improving the social good. It is unclear how many of these potential
conflicts of interest between different lobby positions, from government, multinational
companies and society in general, will actually be resolved. An uneasy tension may continue.
This is an evolving landscape of change. As cities restructure themselves to the new set of
challenges brought about by the latest technological revolution, it is clear that social and
environmental issues will demand careful attention. Cities are dependent on all people engaging
in the opportunities that are presented, but there will still be exclusion, homelessness, crime
and poverty, so social priorities are important to success, as are the needs to address energy
constraints, pollution, clean water, waste management and climate change.
