Sustainable Suburbia?: Rethinking the North American Metropolis

Suburbanization of North America was a significant social, political, and cultural transformation of the twentieth century, seeking a healthy balance between urbanization and nature. However, in recent years, its promise has waned, with low-density development creating sprawling metropolitan areas characterized by traffic congestion, social and racial inequalities, and an assumption of an essentially limitless supply of energy. This book analyzes the various challenges facing suburbia in current times.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The suburbanization of North America has been a transformative force that has reshaped society, politics, and culture throughout the 20th century. Initially seen as a solution to the urban problems of the time, such as congestion, pollution, and social dysfunction, suburbs were envisioned as a harmonious blend of urbanization and nature. This vision was widely embraced and perpetuated through mass media representations, solidifying suburbanization as one of the most significant patterns of human settlement in history.

However, in recent years, the appeal of suburbs has begun to wane, accompanied by a range of challenges. One of the most significant issues is the low-density development that characterizes suburbs, leading to sprawling metropolitan areas characterized by a dispersion of shopping centers, residential neighborhoods, and workplaces. This dispersion has resulted in increased traffic congestion, as individuals spend more time commuting to and from their destinations, reducing the time available for work, leisure, and social interactions. Moreover, the spatial separation of different activities has exacerbated social and racial inequalities, as marginalized communities often face barriers to access to resources and opportunities.

At the heart of the North American suburban project is the assumption of an essentially limitless supply of energy. This assumption has driven the development of suburbs as energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives to urban centers. However, as concerns about climate change and the finite nature of fossil fuel resources grow, this assumption is being called into question. The high energy consumption associated with suburban lifestyles, including the use of private vehicles for transportation, has significant environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

Given these social, environmental, and economic transformations, many suburban residents, policymakers, and businesses are questioning the sustainability and viability of the suburban project. This book aims to analyze the various challenges facing suburbia in current times, exploring the potential for sustainable and inclusive suburban development that balances the needs of individuals, communities, and the environment.

One of the primary challenges facing suburbs is the need for sustainable transportation options. As traffic congestion increases, the reliance
reliance on private vehicles for transportation becomes unsustainable, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. To address this issue, there is a growing need for alternative transportation modes, such as public transportation, biking, and walking. However, the development of effective public transportation systems can be challenging, particularly in suburban areas where the infrastructure may not be well-developed. Additionally, promoting active transportation modes requires a shift in mindset
in mindset and behavior, as individuals are often accustomed to relying on private vehicles for their daily commute.

Another challenge facing suburbs is the need for sustainable land use planning. The low-density development that characterizes suburbs leads to a significant amount of land being consumed for residential and commercial purposes, which can have negative environmental impacts, such as habitat loss, biodiversity loss, and soil degradation. To address this issue, there is a need for sustainable land use planning practices that prioritize the conservation of natural resources and the preservation of open spaces. This can include the development of mixed-use neighborhoods that integrate residential, commercial, and recreational uses, as well as the implementation of green infrastructure, such as parks and green roofs, to improve air quality and reduce the urban heat island effect.

In addition to these challenges, suburbs also face challenges related to social and economic inequality. The spatial separation of different activities and the lack of access to resources and opportunities in marginalized communities can exacerbate social and economic disparities. To address this issue, there is a need for policies and initiatives that promote social inclusion and economic empowerment in suburbs. This can include investments in education and training programs, affordable housing initiatives, and community development programs that support the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, suburbs also face challenges related to climate change adaptation and resilience. As climate change impacts become more severe, there is a need for suburbs to adapt to changing conditions and become more resilient to the impacts of extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and heat waves. This can include the development of climate-smart infrastructure, such as green roofs and rain gardens, that help to mitigate the effects of climate change and improve the quality of life for residents.

In conclusion, the suburbanization of North America has been a transformative force that has reshaped society, politics, and culture throughout the 20th century. While initially seen as a solution to urban problems, the appeal of suburbs has started to wane, accompanied by a range of challenges. These challenges include low-density development, increased traffic congestion, social and racial inequalities, and the assumption of an essentially limitless supply of energy. To address these challenges, there is a need for sustainable and inclusive suburban development that balances the needs of individuals, communities, and the environment. This can include the development of sustainable transportation options, sustainable land use planning practices, policies and initiatives that promote social inclusion and economic empowerment, and climate change adaptation and resilience measures. By addressing these challenges, suburbs can continue to play an important role in shaping the future of our society and ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780415859448