Environmental Challenges in Urban Planning

Introduction

Modern society has changed drastically over the last couple of decades. The need for development has led to crucial changes in how urban land and its resources are used. Moreover, some of the land is being used mostly for business needs rather than social ones. In this essay, I would like to highlight the role of environmental conservation in urban planning.

The Impact of New Shopping Centers and Resort Complexes

In the era of globalization, people tend to invest more in the development of cities and towns,  focusing mostly on infrastructure and convenience, building up various facilities, commercial offices, and marketplaces. However, very few organizations, especially those involved in civil architecture and construction, pay attention to environmental issues related to these innovations. One of the chief examples of such urban planning is the construction of large shopping centers on the outskirts of towns and cities.

Erecting new shopping centers on the outskirts and constructing large resort complexes in wild parks and conservation areas may not always positively affect our lives. Although these premises have great potential to create more work and improve the local economy, this nonetheless endangers the environment with all the exhaust pollution that can be brought along with it, not to mention the parking space that will be required to accommodate all needs. Not only does this cause environmental issues like pollution, but the habitats of native species of animals are also disrupted and destroyed by the land being dug up.

The Impact of Urbanization on Green Spaces

When it comes to the controversy of urban planning and environmental conservation, one should not just focus on the wild sanctuaries and reservations. Some green areas are being affected by urbanization, even in the living settings of populated localities. City parks are poorly maintained, and some cities simply lack natural spaces. It is also worth mentioning that some of the poorer areas are deprived of green space in their neighborhood because the local government often funds only privileged and affluent areas rather than low-income ones. Besides many environmental and ecological services, urban nature provides important social and psychological benefits to human societies, which enrich human life with meanings and emotions (Chiesura, 2004). In this respect, bringing back to life and properly maintaining green space within the city living area is highly important for contributing to people’s emotional and physical well-being. The surroundings we live in define the way we see things and the way we experience life. Various studies have been conducted to prove that a park experience may reduce stress (Ulrich, 1981). Simply walking in the natural environment can give you a sense of oneness with nature, give you food for thought, and certainly enrich your aesthetic perception.

The general physical state of humans is also affected by their surroundings. The consequent loss and degradation of urban and peri-urban green space could adversely affect ecosystems as well as human health and well-being (Tyrvainen, Bon-nevier, Sipila, Klemettil, 2007). The challenges presented by modifying city green space by urbanizing can be life threatening. 

Conclusion

Taking into account all the factors mentioned above, it is worth emphasizing that urban planning has to be thoroughly analyzed in terms of keeping a balance between sustainable development and environmental conservation. By implementing relevant conservation development plans and performing necessary risk assessments, we can prevent the green areas from deterioration as well as protect future generations and existing ecosystems from potential loss.