Sociology of Urbanization

 Sustainable development and sustainability have

become important concepts in today's urban planning
field, with the recognition that current consumption
and living habits may be leading to problems such as
the overuse of natural resources, ecosystem
destruction, urban heat islands, pollution, growing
social inequality and large-scale climate change.
 Many urban planners have, as a result, begun to
advocate for the development of sustainable cities.
 A sustainable city follows a development path that
allows for a long-term development without
compromising future generations.
 Cities become healthy and livable communities for
citizens.
what a 'sustainable' city might look
like?
 This include compact, efficient land use; less
automobile use yet with better access; efficient
resource use, less pollution and waste; the restoration
of natural systems; good housing and living
environments; a healthy social ecology; sustainable
economics; community participation and involvement;
and preservation of local culture and wisdom.
 The challenge facing today's urban planners lies in the
implementation of targeted policies and programs,
and the need to modify existing urban and regional
institutions to achieve the goals of sustainability.
More Sustainable Less Sustainable

Compact forms of residential Low-density, spread-out

Development. residential development..
Mixed land use; homes, jobs Segregation of land uses:
and Shopping in close homes, jobs and shopping
proximity/TD. separated into uniform tracts
or concentrations
Employment based primarily Employment based primarily
on education and skills. on environment polluting or
non-renewable resource
based industry.
Movement on foot and by Heavy dependence on
bicycle and transit. private cars.
More Sustainable Less Sustainable

Wind and solar energy. Thermal and nuclear

energy.
Tertiary treatment of sewage; use Discharge of sewage into water
of natural means of sewage bodies or water-courses untreated
treatment. or with low level of treatment.

Natural open space; protection of Destruction of natural landscape;

wetlands, woodlands, stream "manicured" parkland with exotic
valleys, habitat, etc.; use of species; heavy use of chemical
manure, compost, integrated pest fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides.
management, etc.
More Sustainable Less Sustainable

Reduction of waste; Landfills, incinerators.

recovery, re-use and
recycling of waste
materials
Barriers
 The public sector has neither the financial nor the
institutional resources to solve all the development
challenges that countries face
 Initially physical and financial capital was seen as
constraints to development, now human and social
capital is seen as the limiting factor.
 The path towards sustainable cities often requires changes
in our current practices and actions.
 It requires different social attitudes, long-term thinking, a
different decision-making process etc.
 Implementing sustainable change can be a
complex task with numerous organizations and
competing issues involved.
 Some research has explored why sustainable urban
development is difficult to achieve. However, it
should be noted that different communities face
different challenges as a result of different
population structures, regulations, degrees of
government stability, financial resources, human
resources, and developmental stages.
Types of Barriers
1. Perceptual and Behavioral Barriers
2. Institutional and Structural Barriers
Perceptual and Behavioral Barriers

1. Lack of understanding about the issues

2. Overwhelming complexity of the issue.
3. Lack of knowledge/information: "We don't know
enough" or "we're not really sure" are too often (as in
the case of global climate change) convenient excuses
for inaction.
4. Competing issues.
6. Differences in perception.
7. Acceptance of the status quo.
8. Perceived lack of empowerment.
9. Perceived inequity.
 Citizens disunited/not supportive e.g. political alliance
 Media's presentation of information. The selection
of media content can create tremendous barriers
to the implementation of policies.
Institutional/Structural Barriers to Creating
Sustainable Cities
 Lack of information sharing.
 Weak linkages between government departments.
 Inappropriate structural framework of government
(vertical).
 Inappropriate structural framework of government
(political term). The relatively short term in office allowed
between election periods "tends to encourage decision-
makers to approve quick gain initiatives while shelving
longer-term less results-oriented projects".
 Regulatory barriers/ lack of legal requirements for
Sustainable Real Estate Development
 Unequal balance of power and resources among
community organizations.
 Fear of losing constituent support.

 Inflexibility escalation of development standards and their

orientation towards the automobile.