Urban Sustainability in the US

Cities are stepping forward to address the critical sustainability challenges of the 21st century. Meeting the demands of complex issues requires municipalities to evaluate problems and their solutions in more holistic, integrated, and collaborative ways. Drawn from plans and progress reports from more than fifty US cities, this book examines how urban leaders conceptualize sustainability, plan effective strategies, and take action. Chapters examine various topical themes including equity, the green economy, climate change, energy, transportation, water, green space, and waste. Throughout the text, the authors highlight best practices in innovative solutions, recognizing the multiple benefits of sustainability projects, environmental justice, governance, education and communication.

Discusses how cities conceptualize what they consider to be their most pressing problems Quantitatively assesses numerous sustainability plans in a way that allows for meaningful comparisons Suggests best practices and future directions in research

Autorentext

Melissa Keeley is Director of the Environmental Studies Program at George Washington University, USA. She studies the intersection of urban ecology, environmental engineering, public policy, and city planning. With sustainability expertise in green infrastructure and green building, she regularly advises officials and agencies from the municipal to the federal level. Lisa Benton-Short is Chair of the Geography Department at George Washington University, USA. She is an urban geographer with an interest in the dynamics of the urban environment from many angles, including: urban sustainability, planning and public space, monuments and memorials, urban national parks, globalization, and immigration.

Inhalt

1. Conceptualizing Sustainability.- 2. The Planning Process.- 3. Climate Adaptation.- 4. Transportation.- 5. Energy.- 6. Green Space.- 7. Water.- 8. Waste and Recycling.- 9. Economy and Green Jobs.- 10. Equity and Environmental Justice.- 11. Conclusion and Challenges to Sustainability Implementation.