Sustainability

Question 1

Ecological footprint

Answer 1

How much space do we need for our way of life?

Question 2

Sustainable development

Answer 2

The process in order to keep in the limits of the earth

• environmental
• economical
• social

Question 3

What are the main challenges for the Netherlands?

Answer 3

• compact city
• health and hygiene
• energy transition
• climate change

Question 4

What are the effects of sprawl?

Answer 4

• nature and open spaces (loss of biodiversity, loss of open (recreational) space)
• build-up areas (water permeability, heat generation)
• lower density (more expensive utilities, more car-dependency)

Question 5

Compact cities

Answer 5

• less car-dependency
• low emissions
• reduced energy consumption
• better public transport services
• increased overall accessibility
• re-use of infrastructure and previously developed land
• rejuvenation of existing urban areas and urban vitality
• high quality of life
• preservation of green space
• milieu for enhancing business and trading activities

Question 6

Limits to compact cities

Answer 6

• too dense = less liveable

- concentrate people and pollution in the same place

Question 7

Environmental planning

Answer 7

Use spatial planning to aid the environment:

• compact cities
• zoning: tapering effects (further away from the action = less influence)
• reduce/prevent pollution (compact city, transit oriented development, sewage and waste management, protected areas, prohibit/; control activities, nitrogen)
• redevelop nature

Question 8

Energy transition

Answer 8

Go from fossil fuels to renewables

Question 9

Fossil fuel system

Answer 9

• mostly underground
• higher energy density
• easy to transport

Question 10

Renewable energy system

Answer 10

• above ground and visible
• need more space
• You have to change the existing physical structure

Question 11

Challenges for the energy transition

Answer 11

• spatial constraints (more space and change the physical structure)
• citizen engagement (who will pay, who will benefit, how fast)

Question 12

Climate adaptation

Answer 12

• urban actions (green roofs, water buffers, get rid of stond surfaces, living on water)
• room for the river (increase discharge capacity, remove barriers, overflow areas)
• coastal defense (raise dikes, dams, sand replenishments, nature based solutions)

Question 13

Uncertainties

Answer 13

• global CO2 policies
• scientific knowledge
• climate system
• engineering capacities
• capacity to act

Question 14

Certainties

Answer 14

• spatial planners should keep this in mind
• cities and landscapes will change
• people will respond to policies

Question 15

Threats to the environment

Answer 15

• population change (age, expanding, shrinking)

- change in land-use (urbanisation

Question 16

Equity

Answer 16

Concept of fairness in economics

Question 17

Precautionary principle

Answer 17

If there’s a possible environmental threat then the decision should be made with caution