How Town Planning Can Mitigate Environmental Hazards
Environmental sustainability is a major focal point of town planning which focuses on how we can build sustainable communities. A town or city is more than just buildings and infrastructure. Successful urban development facilitates culture, work, learning and recreation. However, environmental issues are disruptions in the usual function of ecosystems and biodiversity. These issues can be caused by humans, or they can be natural occurrences.
Africa may possibly be hit hardest by climate change. High levels of poverty and overcrowding in cities across the continent may leave many without the resources to buffer against rising sea levels, changing precipitation patterns and more extreme weather events. This includes natural habitat pollution. The award-winning urban developers at The Practice Group explain the important connection between town planning and the environment.
Environmental Town Planning
Environmental planning is part of sustainable development, which can include anything from using natural resources in a way that protects the environment to implementing town planning to help cities grow. As pioneers in environmental planning, we focus on designs that use natural resources responsibly. We work on how to create economic opportunities while mitigating contamination of the water, air and soil.
Importance of Air Quality
Poor air quality in urban areas is possibly one of the most significant environmental health risks in modern-day cities. Traffic in over-congested urbanised areas is one of the main causes of poor air quality. Mitigating the effect of poor air quality can be achieved through intelligent and progressive town planning.
Avoiding the construction of high-rise buildings that are too close together, which causes a “valley avenue” effect, will create sufficient airflow through these streets and reduce vehicular exhaust fumes significantly. Creating green infrastructure and utilising existing natural ecosystems would play a vital role in reducing carbon monoxide in the atmosphere and would bring many benefits to the population.
Combining Integrated Ecosystems with Spatial Planning
What may seem like a positive impact on urban development in terms of infrastructure growth can harm the surrounding ecosystems. Felling trees to build shopping malls or new roads will undoubtedly create job opportunities and economic growth. However, this increased urbanisation affects the functionality of the environment at large.
As much as the population relies on agriculture as a sustainable food source, the degree to which forests and hills are being deforested could result in increased soil erosion, landslides, and the reduction of natural water sources. By combining integrated ecosystems with proper town planning, spatial planners will be able to mitigate possible potential hazards.
Town Planning Done Correctly
Conveniently located in Pretoria, South Africa, the team of professionals at The Practice Group specialise in town planning, electronic mapping, environmentally conscious spatial planning and urban revitalisation. If you or your municipality needs our award-winning services, consult with us today. The Practice Group – for meaningful urban impacts and successful outcomes.