Reactions to December 5th Presentations:

I found the second round of presentations to be very interesting. When considering the topics in relation to my case study, I find that Chapter 13 regarding Coalitions between cities and suburbs to be relevant. I especially find the discussion on brownfield to be interesting and relatable to my city of Paterson. Paterson has a bunch of areas deemed as brownfields so it would be interesting to further look into that. My presentation on Chapter 11 regarding diesel may also be beneficial to consider for the case study. I never previously considered the true effects of diesel and the relationship to smog. I will definitely look into the health of Paterson residents and even see if I could find regulation enforced by Paterson to combat with the issue diesel. 

Reflections on Group Presentations:

The group presentations provided interesting topics to consider when writing my case study on my city. My city was not directly mentioned in the chapters presented. The topics of Latinos in urban communities and food injustice would be great topics to discuss during my case study. 57% of Paterson's population is hispanic so it would be interesting to see their role in this urban community. Furthermore, when thinking about food injustice, there are several food pantries currently present in Paterson, NJ serving those in need. When I have visited Paterson, from experience, I never came across many supermarkets in the area. I noticed more smaller grocery stores present on the main street. This is a topic that could be expanded upon to see a first hand example of food insecurity in an urban community like Paterson for example. 

Chapters 3 and 7 of the text. 

Transportation Program in Paterson, NJ

Master Plan Link: http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/works/njchoices/pdf/paterson.pdf

In terms of understanding transportation, there are many major highways that lead to Paterson including the Garden State Parkway, Route 80, and Route 46 being the largest among others. There is also NJ transit that runs through Paterson serving about almost 400 passengers on an average weekday. You can reach Paterson by taking the train from Hoboken or from the newly opened Secaucus station which makes connections much easier for those taking public transportation. The train comes every 30 minutes weekdays and every 60 minutes weekends. NJ Transit also operates 18 bus routes throughout the Paterson. Data shows there was an increase in riders by about 8% during the 2000 to 2005 time period. In 2002, there was shuttle service created to provide the public access to two Preakness Healthcare Centers in Wayne. This Preakness Shuttle operates seven days a week as ridership on this shuttle doubled from 2002 to 2005. As it is noticeable, there is much means of public transportation for those living in Paterson. Even if you don't have a car in a congested area like Paterson where parking can be limiting (I don't too far away and have seen it first hand), you are still able to get around through other means developed by either the state or county. 

Advocacy in Paterson NJ

Advocacy is the public support for a cause or policy. Advocacy can take many forms like on the individual level, group level, or advocacy through an organization. Ways to maximize advocacy could include getting the word out through advertisements to the public, dialogue, and other means. Additionally, organizations can develop projects that enact change through campaigning. The U.S City I chose to focus my final paper on is Paterson, NJ. One non-profit organization found in Paterson is Paterson Alliance. This organization aims to "to advance the quality of life in the City of Paterson through the creation of community partnerships and collaborations." They work closely with other sectors especially the non profit community to improve the city for all taking into account the vast diversity. They are located in the heart of Paterson right on Main Street. 

What is Environmental Justice?

Environmental Justice is a very interdisciplinary issue addresses the fact that our most vulnerable populations (based on low income, socioeconomic status, or race) are living in environmental hazards. Environmental hazards can include pollution like in rivers, exposures to hazardous waste sites, and much more. Environmental Justice advocates support for environmental injustices to be addressed being that everyone should not have to extremely burdened by their environmental conditions while others are fortunate to be living in a community that is more environmentally protected. Usually those who live in poorer communities don't have much say in environmental policy. This environmental inequality continues to set back those with a lower income or minorities compared to the wealthy that have access to better environmental conditions. If the health of minorities deteriorates, how are they expected to live a productive life? These already vulnerable individuals are not safe. To begin to address environmental justice, one must first bring awareness to the issue. Other means can include advocating for ways to improve living conditions in these communities which can include cleanups.

 

Reactions to an Inconvenient Truth:

As we began to watch this film, I found myself to be very engaged in all that was being shown and stated. The graphs showing carbon dioxide emissions and the connection to an increase in temperature was very interesting. I knew that global warming was very problematic but I don't think I ever realized the extent. When he used that ladder to increase his height to reach the predicted global temperature and carbon dioxide concentrations, I was truly taken aback. I also liked how he connected what he was saying to tangible things or what we can physically see like the glaciers melting or the rising sea levels. Or even how coral reefs are becoming bleached and we are losing our valuable biodiversity. He definitely put it all into perspective giving reasons why we should care and believe in the existence of global warming. I admire how he incorporated scientific data and his arguments were incredibly compelling. I would honestly love to finish watching the film in my free time. I thought the film represented the urgently to act now before it is all too late. I just wish more people could watch this film and truly understand the importance of doing our part so that future generations can appreciate what we all have.


Source:

David, L., Bender, L., & Burns, S. Z. (Producers), & Guggenheim, D. (Director).

(2006). An Inconvenient Truth [Motion Picture]. United States: Paramount Classics.

Urbanization and Sustainability: New Zealand

The largest city in New Zealand is Auckland with a population of 1.4 million people. The population living in this city is expected to continue growing within the next decade. One of the negative effects of many people moving into the citizens has an effect on the exports and ability of New Zealand to sustain itself. New Zealand economy is based on its farming and production of dairy products in the rural areas. If all of New Zealand's residents more to the cities, there will be no farmers. The farmers help keep New Zealand afloat and if they all move away, New Zealand as a whole will greatly suffer. New Zealand has also been working to make it's city more sustainable. They have recently incorporated a metro rail system to help transport people to deter the use of motor vehicles. This rail system is still a work in progress but helps those in Auckland get around with its minimal routes. They are also planning to incorporate more cycle lanes and room for pedestrians to walk being that that is also environmentally friendly. With all the people living in one city, it is great to see New Zealand making attempts at trying to find ways to make it better for everyone including our environment. 

Image on top is of city of Auckland and Image on the bottom is of metro rail found in Auckland

Source:

http://www.mercatornet.com/demography/view/increasing_urbanisation_in_new_zealand1/12943

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff-nation/assignments/is-the-rural-dream-dead/12470499/Urbanisation-is-good-lets-make-it-sustainable