urban planning can save the earth

So says Adrienne Tissier, writing for The Examiner:

Her article is largely bay area-centric, but there are wise words we should heed in our own metropolis:

The solutions to global warming are found in modern urban planning and zoning and three little words: Transit Oriented Development (link mine -udc). Build well-designed, affordable housing within walking distance of efficient mass transit, and the air-fouling traffic jams will unclog themselves. Better yet, build well-designed, affordable housing within walking distance of jobs, schools and retail, and car use will plummet (link mine -udc).

...

The environmental effects of rising concentrations of greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere were first discussed in the early to mid-1800s. Proliferation of the internal combustion engine and ensuing Industrial Revolution have contributed tremendous amounts of greenhouse gasses for more than a century. We must slow or even reverse this or our grandchildren will suffer for our inaction.

...

Saving the Earth, or at least treating the Earth’s “severe case of the humans,” starts in our own communities, one TOD at a time. We have little choice but to embrace this evolution of our communities if we want to leave viable, livable, sustainable places for coming generations. Doing less is simply irresponsible toward ourselves and our Earth.

Are you an Filipino environmentalist? Are you concerned about the global climate crisis? Then pay attention to the land use plan and the transportation investments in our cities.

We can certainly do better than empty gestures to save the environment.

Image credit: Till Dusk (8), by Parc Cruz
(cc license, attribution)