Course Connection to Conservation and Urbanization

July 27, 2023 By: Rosie Chandi

Course Connection to Conservation

Conversation refers to preventing wasteful uses of natural resources that are available and often is mentioned in terms of wildlife, water, or exploitation. All three terms can be examined when researching Canada’s conversation movements, but I will talk about forest exploitation that we experience here. Forest exploitation in Canada can be described as destruction of forests for accrual of financial gain. Canada’s boreal forests represent the largest carbon storehouses and habitats for migration bird populations [1]. “Forests are an integral part of Canada’s geography, identity, and economy, [however], forests in southern Canada have experienced significant loss and degradation, impacting both nature and people [1]. Land-use change, invasive species, and deforestation is what leads to a crisis in forest exploitation, but by conserving forests and increasing protected areas, Canada can become the global leader in biodiversity goals and continuous protection of natural resources [1]. The constant degradation of forests will negatively affect people, wildlife, and the planet, so urgent action and collective efforts are required from governments, landowners, and corporations. As stated in the textbook, conversation is often viewed as battles about nature versus ideas about nature and often little is mentioned about the measure’s conversation has on our ecosystems [2]. There is an aim to conserve establishments such as national parks, forests, and wildlife often without exploring the complexity of ecological forests, which is not fully understood [2].

[1] https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/october-2017/canadians-can-lead-world-forest-conservation/

[2] Down to Earth, Nature’s Role in American History Textbook. Page 138.

Course Connection to Urbanization

Urbanization refers to an increase of development and people living a particular area. It is evident that Canada is increasing in urbanization and decreasing in existing green spaces. The destruction of green spaces is the result of the demand for housing which derives from a continuous yearly increase in urban population within Canada. When I think about urbanization and what is happening today, I think about Surrey and the increase in housing and development. Between 2001 and 2020, there has been a five percent of decline of green spaces in urban areas and even more in larger cities [1]. Ultimately, this has many negative consequences such as, flooding, heating, and damages to the ecosystems [1]. Due to increases in urbanization, Canada declared a climate emergency in 2022 stating a need for implementation of sustainable communities and conversation of natural ecosystems [1]. But with the development of urbanization in Canada there has been a 78% decline in tree canopy due to limited green spacing being conserved in the development process of cities. A lack of effort is beyond our control as citizens and requires greater determination and collaboration from Municipal governments, demonstrating how green spaces are important for future communities. Connecting this to unit three challenged me to think about how development of cities is doing more harm than good for its people. Reflecting on Panorama Ridge, where I currently reside, I’ve noticed more developments and less green spaces. Over the course of five years, there has been five townhouse complexes that have been developed, land that is cleared for future development, numerous houses that have been built, and green spaces? Cleared. A balance of housing requirements and preservation of biodiversity are becoming more crucial if we desire to see a liveable future.

[1] https://theconversation.com/residential-green-spaces-protect-growing-cities-against-climate-change-183513