Urban Planning is fascinating as it involves elements of sustainability that for me did not connect right away. I have been following this field more closely in the past while I realize it's a critical element for creating a sustainable society.
This talk by Vishaan Chakrabarti discussing cities and how the way the Americans have designed cities in the past and how they need to be designed to make cities more livable.
Interesting publication about Livable Streets
The Wellesley Institute has a couple publications on building healthier cities:
Part of the issue is that more than half the world's population lives in cities. If we do not design our cities in a sustainable fashion then we are dooming ourselves. Elements such as social activities, green space, transit and having a walkable city are important. Planners play an important role in ensuring that cities include these elements but is also important that individuals understand the importance of these elements.
As civic elections are coming this year to the Metro Vancouver region make sure you carefully research the candidates to see who supports making your city more livable. Allowing further developments with cul-de-sacs far away from transit or other amenities such as stores, schools, and medical offices isn't livable. Developments that require someone to drive should be highly discouraged if we want to be able to have a region that isn't clogged with traffic 12 hours a day, every day of the week.
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