Exercise #3: Connecting Past and Present
May 3, 2024 By: Britnie Hearsey
Urbanization: I chose this article because I reside on Vancouver Island, where we face many of the same problems as Vancouver. The island is becoming populated at a rate our structures and resources cannot keep up with. My local municipality placed us on water restrictions at the beginning of May. This article discusses the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in Vancouver, British Columbia, due to climate change. It highlights the challenges urban areas face in managing extreme heat events and the need for proactive urban planning and adaptation strategies to mitigate their impact on public health and infrastructure. This emphasizes the importance of incorporating resilience measures into urban planning to address the growing risks associated with heat waves in cities like Vancouver.
Urbanization: The following article complements The Narwhal article by highlighting the tangible effects of urbanization on environmental degradation, particularly in urban areas like Vancouver, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive urban planning and adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change-induced urbanization and preserve green spaces for biodiversity and community well-being. A Statistics Canada survey using satellite imagery reveals a decline in greenery in urban areas over the past two decades, with cities like Kelowna, B.C., and Milton, Ont. experiencing substantial losses in green space. This loss of green spaces is incredibly impactful as it can mitigate urban heat islands, improve air quality, and enhance public health and well-being. This trend underscores the challenges of balancing urban development with conservation efforts to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/climate-and-environment/long-term-statistics-canada-research-shows-cities-across-country-losing-green-space-1.5763081
What an interesting post! I’m a bit envious that you live on Vancouver Island – it must be beautiful there. It’s fascinating to hear about your firsthand experience with urbanization in such a natural setting. Water restrictions starting in May sounds challenging!
The articles you chose are so relevant. The issues of urban heat islands and loss of green spaces are really crucial. Those statistics about declining greenery in cities are quite disheartening. I love how deeply you’re thinking about these issues. It’s clear you care a lot about your community and the environment. It’s got me wondering.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and these great articles.
Great choice of articles! The one about BC’s extreme heat connects well with the issues on Vancouver Island, climate change and urban growth are putting pressure on resources like water and its very concerning. Hopefully BC comes up with a better strategy as planning ahead is key to avoid bigger heat related problems in the future.