Module4Worksheet(1)

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University Of Connecticut *

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2400

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Geography

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Feb 20, 2024

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3

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GEOG2400: INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLE CITIES MODULE 4 WORKSHEET TOTAL POINTS = 25 INTRODUCTION: The book chapter, written by Abel Wolman more than fifty years ago, is a seminal piece of literature because it introduced the concept of “Urban Metabolism”. Many studies have been produced in the last half-century that use this basic concept. I have assigned this reading because it provides some historical background on environmental issues in the United States, and also because the concept itself is a durable notion that is useful for considering contemporary initiatives. SECTION 1. QUESTIONS FOCUSED ON THE READING 1. What constitutes the metabolic requirements of a city? (3 points) The metabolic requirement of a city is defined as all the materials and commodities needed to sustain the city’s inhabitants at home, at work, and at play. The reading also introduces construction as a requirement so the city can build and rebuild itself. Finally, the reading states that the metabolic cycle isn’t complete until the wastes and residues of daily life have been removed and disposed of with minimum nuisance and hazard. 2. Do you think this is a good analogy? Why/why not? (2 points). I do think the analogy of metabolic requirements of a city is a good one. When I think of the word metabolic, I automatically relate it to an organism and when the reading talks about the metabolic cycle not fully complete until wastes and residues have been removed. I think of the lymphatic system or kidneys in our body responsible for eliminating toxins. This is a good representation of how cities should work to maintain health and wealth. 3. What three aspects of urban metabolism does Wolman focus on in this book chapter? (3 points, 1 point for each) The three aspects of urban metabolism Wolman focuses on is water, food, and fuel. These are the three inputs common to all cities. The outputs of these are sewage, solid refuse, and air pollutants. 1 | P a g e
4. What is the practical policy significance of bringing up the example of water pollution in Lake Erie? (2 points) The example of water pollution in Lake Erie serves the practical policy because five states along with the Public Health Service came to an agreement in reducing pollution. Since Late Erie is the main water supply to 10 million U.S. Citizens as well as industrial complex extending 300 miles along Detroit-Buffalo, it is important to prevent this water supply from becoming further contaminated because it serves this many people across different states. SECTION 2: BACKGROUND RESEARCH Do some background research to understand the basic terms of the 1963 Clean Air Act and Water Pollution Control Act that Wolman mentions. 5. When was the WPCA enacted? (1 points) The WPCA was enacted in 1948. 6. When was the Clean Water Act passed in the US? (1 points) The Clean Water Act was expanded in 1972. 7. When was the EPA founded, by whom, and what was its mission? (2 points) The EPA was founded by President Richard Nixon, December 2, 1970. The mission is to protect human health and the environment. 2 | P a g e
SECTION 3: CONNECTION TO CURRENT EVENTS 8. Which two people have headed the EPA under President Trump, what are their backgrounds, and why did the first one leave his post? (2 points) Under President Trump Scott Pruitt and Andrew Wheeler are the two people who headed the EPA. Scott Pruitt is a republican from Oklahoma and was also the Attorney General. Andrew Wheeler was a former coal industry lobbyist. Scott Pruitt had left his position because of misuse of spending habits and taxpayer money as a result that caused controversy leading to his resignation. 9. What plans does the current Administration appear to have for the EPA? (2 points) The current administration appears to be committed to protecting human health and environment for all people, emphasizing overburdened and underserved communities. The EPA’s strategic plan addresses climate change, environmental justice, and civil rights. 10. What are the potential implications for Sustainable Cities? (7 points) Sustainable cities can reimagine, redesign, remake, and rebuild current communities transforming the employment, education, entertainment, and cultural interactions. They also can deter the current rate of climate change. In an effort to reduce greenhouse gases sustainable cities could reuse and recycle waste transforming them into new materials. 3 | P a g e
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