The ecological footprint of a city

                                                   

“One thing is sure. The earth is now more cultivated and developed than ever before. There is more farming with pure force, swamps are drying up, and cities are springing up on unprecedented scale. We’ve become a burden to our planet. Resources are becoming scarce, and soon nature will no longer be able to satisfy our needs.” Quintus Septimus Florens Tertullianus, Roman theologian, 200 AD

  Studies recorded in the journal Psychological Science has shown that living in greener spaces possess significant positive effects. According to BBC News, Dr Mathew White and his research team at the European Centre for the Environment and Human Health examined data from a national survey that followed more than 5,000 UK households and 10,000 adults between 1991 and 2008 as they moved house around the country. It was found that the individuals reported less mental distress and higher life satisfaction when they were living in greener spaces. These findings could aid in informing urban planners and have an overall impact on society.

In the paper “Ecological footprints and appropriated carrying capacity: what urban economics leaves out” by William E. Rees, Rees uses the concepts of human carrying capacity and natural capital to debate that prevailing economic assumptions in regards to urbanization and the sustainability of cities must be reviewed in light of global ecological change. 

The picture above shows a green space within the Central Business District of Arima. This park connects small retail shops, a sporting centre and market to each other. in the background the market can be seen to the left and the well-known Arima Velodrome is situated at the right. Green spaces like this are beneficial to our environment as they act as an air filter, purifying the air around us whilst providing shade and lowering temperatures in urbanized areas. 

References

"Green Spaces Boosts Wellbeing of Urban Dwellers - Study." BBC News. BBC, 22 Apr. 2013. “Date Retrieved” 16 Mar. 2016.

Rees, W. E. "Ecological Footprints and Appropriated Carrying Capacity: What Urban Economics Leaves out." Environment and Urbanization 4.2 (1992): 121-30. “Date Retrieved” 16 Mar. 2016.

"Twenty-five of the Best Urbanism Quotes." This Big City Twentyfive of the Best Urbanism Quotes Comments. N.p., 19 July 2011. “Date Retrieved” 16 Mar. 2016.