Climatic Changes Urban and Regional Planning In Australia - Essay Example

Climatic Changes Urban and Regional Planning In Australia Introduction The urban and regional planning in Australia has a significant role that is meant to play in attempt to ensure that sustainability of the future cities in achieved. Australia is among the most urbanized societies in the world and therefore, its urban and regional planning has to work in line with the set strategies that will ensure that the future climatic changes will not affect the structures or the infrastructure in the entire cities (Bonyhady 2007p.45) The continued growth in population has made the government to continue expanding infrastructure in line with meeting the needs of the country. Urban planning has been undertaken under all levels of government of Australia ensuring that the cities are planned leaving a room for climatic changes that might take place any time (Nicole, 2011)The Australian federal government has been playing a key role in ensuring that polices and goals are set to ensure that effective and efficient climatic mitigation strategies are enhanced to ensure that the future of the cities and country are safe. In attempt to understand the concept clearly, the Australian government has embarked on strengthening the urban and regional planning to ensure that whatever they do will not affect the city in the future to changes in climate. A case study of Alice Springs town council will depict what the cities have been doing to ensure that they are well armed in case of climatic changes. Alice Springs town council is a member of the climatic protection program (CCP) which was started in 1998. The council has continued to exert the required effort and understanding ensuring that whatever needs to be done is accomplished in line with the set rules and guidelines (Emera, 2006) the program has been aiming to inform people that the rate of consumption and the laws of ecology will ultimately affect lives and the pinch will be felt. The program has been aiming to address the issue of air pollution that has increased highly leading to high concentration of the green houses gases. The advanced technology has reduced the pollution since there is usage of cheaper and less pollutants (Bonyhady 2007p.45). Green house gases Green house gases are such gases that normally trap the heat within the surface of the atmosphere within the same means the glass given garden would keep the plants warm and nice. The effect of green house gases tend to be a natural phenomenon and human behavior tend to enhance the level of the green house gasses in the atmosphere (Bonyhady 2007p.45) the gas continues to warm the planet in unprecedented rates hence causing excessive heat in the entire globe. Some negative scenarios are normally small though in some cases the pinch is felt when drought and typhoons are all over the world. The flood arising from the sea level rise and large-scale loss of biodiversity is among the great effects of greenhouse gases and thermal heating (Wilson, 2010) All levels of government and other environmental bodies have been called to ensure that the effects of greenhouse are mitigated hence providing a better world for the generations that are coming. Alice Springs town council has been part of the worldwide network that ensures sustainability is achieved through the (CCP) program of the ICLEI-local government for sustainability. Australian Greenhouse that is in Newzealand and Australia funds the program. Up to today, the council has gone ahead and accomplished the two milestones that are set by the CCP. The milestones that are involved in the inventory of greenhouse gases emissions as per the year 1996 and the expected emissions in the year 2010.The above mentioned activity was later I year 2001 and exact emissions were determined (Bonyhady 2007p.45) The second milestone under the CCP involved setting and reduction of goals that the council has managed to set as 20% as per 1996 to 2010 and by 2001 it was complete. The third milestone that the report represents require the council to come up with local action plans in attempt to reduce greenhouse emissions to the ultimate reduction level by year 2010. The report has managed to put together various council commitments that will enhance safety and sustainability in the end (Garnaut, & Garnaut 2011p.56). The council (CCP) under the regional and urban planning has embarked ensuring efficiency in energy and retrofit programs in lighting for all the buildings. The improvements in the energy efficiency of the council streetlights Researching in the technologies that are efficient and the alternative fuel to be used in the vehicles. Reduction of waste initiatives for all the council operations The town council has also embarked on investigating range of initiatives which tends to accommodate the issues of efficiency within the households, establishments in the industry and the energy efficiency seminars and the workshops. This has been a step give out relevant information on the supporting issues and the audits in relation to energy. Moreover, the cost benefits assessments for the high-energy businesses ( Anna, Hurlimann, 2012) it has promoting the alternatives for the vehicle transport such as the cycle way network and bus services with an aim to investigate how the public bus service has improved and also encouraging the private users to use the public transport (Bonyhady 2007 p.45)Moreover, the town council has been encouraging people to participate in cost effective assessment of the landfill management option (Nicole Gurran, 2011) Moreover, the town council has embarked on setting aside a special section in the library where information on climate change and the green houses gases will be publicly displayed in attempt to provide effective information the latter (Kilgariff 2006 p.23). Alice spring city has adopted some of the most important measures to ensure that planning the city and the urban areas are in line with the changes in climate. The protection plan has adopted80percentage reduction of the green house gases by year 2050.the reduction of the green house gases highly influence the planning and organizing of the urban areas. The effect of the green house gases has caused significant changes in the environment and therefore, the planning that would take place in the city must ensure that it is reducing the production of the gas to a given percentage. The gases have caused significant rising of the sea level, severe storms and even droughts and therefore, it is inevitable to disregard changes in green house gases whenever planning is talking place (Wilson, 2010). The urban planners should be able to take into account these changes in attempt to successfully reduce the complications that may arise from such factors. The city is working hand in hand with other bodies that are entrusted with planning and organizing the cities in attempt to ensure that whatever they plan is acceptable at the international level. The European funded projects such as SUDPLAN (Sustainable Urban Development for Climate Change Adaptation) is also addressing the need through innovative web program s for the urban planners so that they can take into account the changes that may culminate from climatic changes. The SUDPLAN have managed to collaborate with foreign bodies such as Swedish hydrological and meteorological institute (SMHI) that normally helps in ensuring that buildings and other structures can withstand the test of time and drastic changes in climate. These reduce the chances of offices located in the city streets to flood in case of a storm or even lack sufficient water during the drought seasons (Wilson 2010p.56). Alice spring city council has started founding their planning in the historical evidence data. This means that the planners can predict how the rain may flood, how the sea may rise and therefore, they know the type of buildings that can withstand such occurrences (Nicole Gurran, 2011)They plan and build transport systems and other infrastructure services that will withstand extreme weather conditions. They should withstand extreme rainfall and withstand extreme temperatures. However, this is not possible if prior information is not available. However, at times it may be difficult to predict the changes that will take place in future and therefore, it is important for control measure of the green house gases to be enhanced since it will ultimately help in reducing the impact of the gases (Garnaut & Garnaut 2011p.48). Alice Springs town council has adopted the 3D modeling and simulation to the external environment and it combines the historical climatic data and the future climatic forecasts. It indicates the gridded information on the present and the future on the extremities of rainfall temperature amongst other factors. The above 3D has been very instrumental in planning and it has proved to be effective more especially in Alice Springs council. The possibility of predicting the future weather condition to an approximate of thirty years makes it possible for them to plan the city effectively hence preventing any future challenges may be attributed from such changes. The above program has been tested in some pilot projects in Stockholm, Germany Austria and it has proved to be very effective. Therefore, adopting it to the city council means effective urban planning and eventually achieving success (Emera 2006p.45). The city council of Alice spring council has considered the irregularities in the weather patterns and it has engaged the Australian government to start predicting future climatic conditions with the help of CSIRO (Commonwealth science and innovation Research Organization). The predictions include the following The annual temperatures will drastically within a range of 1-6 by 2070 in most parts of Australia The increase in the number of extreme days and a decrease in the average number of cold days Reduction in the annual rainfall average in Queensland, southwest and the southeast. General drying trend for Australia because of increased temperatures, changes in rainfall and finally evaporation and drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Escalated maximum speed of the tropical cyclones of about 5-10% in various parts of the globe by around 2100 and general increase in precipitation by around 20-30% (James J. McCarthy, 2001. p.637).The predictions are paramount in enhancing quality life amongst the city dwellers since the planners will take into account the factors that might affect their well being. Effective planning translates to a better life through efficient structure that will blend well with the environment. These predictions are paramount in planning of the regions and urban centers. For instance, some of the structures that were constructed twenty years ago are quite different with the structures that are being constructed today. Because of the increased temperatures, the structures that are being constructed are much heat proves and they can with stand heat. Therefore, this information has been suitable when it becomes to general architecture and deciding where such houses will be located (Bonyhady 2007,p.78)When it comes to beach construction and upgrading, the planners must v take into account the changes that have been taking place because of the increased heights of water in the sea. The increased heights will not allow close constructions since, such constructions are predisposed to floods that normally take place whenever the tides are high. Effects of Climatic changes Climatic changes have affected local and national levels and this has led declaration of areas being wetter while others are warmer. From around1900-2002, the northern territory average rainfall has raised to above14.2mm per decade especially during the November to around April. On the other season from May to October, the amount of rainfall has been about2.5mm. however, during the 1950s, the ranger territory rainfall has accumulatively risen to around35.7mm per decade during November to April and 0.4 per decade during the May to October season (James J. McCarthy, 2001. p.637)This has been attributed to extreme wet conditions during themid1970s and from 1999-2000.From early 1910, the intensity of rainfall in the heavy daily rainfall events has continued to rise by approximately 10% mainly due to increases that take place after 1970 during march to august period (Emera 2006,p.56). The Northern territory is expected to continue being warm from approximately 0.2 degrees centigrade to around 2.2 degrees centigrade by year 2030. Moreover, an increase from0.8 degree centigrade to around 7.2 degrees centigrade is expected by year 2070. The wet season that is normally experienced in Nov to April and dry season that is experienced in May to October have been both expected to continue decreasing by year 2030 (Garnaut & Garnaut 2011, p.56).The springs dubbed as Alice is expected to continue being and getting dry in the future and more especially from July to October and also small decline in rainfall during the November and December hence suggesting that slight delays in starting of the wet season. It is noteworthy, that this information will be very essential in planning of the city and determining which storey to be erected in a particular given area. The changes in average temperature will continue to affect the climatic changes in the extremes. on average the warming of around 0.8 degrees centigrade in the entire Australia have highly been associated with increased hot days and not nights and subsequent decrease in the hot nights and days. The escalated growth of the hot days is likely to increase the cases of fire and also the demand to buy air condition on constructed houses and also in houses that are still under construction. The extra case of construction and maintenance should be taken into account by the Alice spring city. Infrastructure will continue to be affected because of buckling of the railway lines hence causing accidents of trains (Nicole, 2011) Repair or maintenance will also be expensive proving that prior management and planning is fundamental. Moreover, tar used in making the roads will continue to melt hence making it impossible to use the road network conveniently (Crabtree, 2005)The tropical cyclones are likely to continue increasing due to the effect of the greenhouse gases hence warming but the changes in the frequency of the anticyclone are always uncertain. Significant sea rise level due excessive heating in the Polar Regions will subsequently lead to the rising of the sea level .coupled with stronger winds and heavy it is possible for havoc to happen in the coastal regions. Therefore, when planning its paramount to into account such cases (Kilgariff 2006, p.45). Honoring the Kyoto 1997 protocol As part of honoring the Kyoto 1997 protocol, the Australian government has embarked on ensuring that the greenhouse gases that are attributed to human activities are reduced by half proportion and this will work towards reducing global warming. The rules meant to implement the protocol had some positive elements and though it does not provide comprehensive and environmentally effective in the end.the northern territory has responded by sending a strategy for Green house action in 2006 (James J. McCarthy, 2001. p.637) The strategy normally contains comprehensive actions meant to minimize greenhouse emissions of gasses that is emitted within the territory and the same time respond to the impacts of the climatic changes .The following are some of the initiatives that the northern region has embarked on to ensure that everything is running according to the formulated strategies; Leading by example through government projects Managing the burning of the savannah, which is the main contributor of the greenhouse gasses? Reducing the carbon emissions that emanates from carbon related activities Improving the use of transport in line with reducing the carbon emissions Minimizing emissions that are generated from the industrial waste Minimizing the emissions that are contributed by users of electricity (Freestone, 1993) The strategies have been very pivotal in realization of the Kyoto protocol 1997, and Alice Springs Town council have been left behind in implementing of the strategies. The above mentioned town governments decided to combine with the CCP program during the year of 1998 and it is committed to address the issue of global warming and strategically handle the issues that do contribute to the green houses in the Alice springs (Australian Greenhouse Office, 2002).After merging with the CCP program, the town has decided to form certain strategies in line with the Kyoto protocol. The council has opted to look at the following structures in attempt to reduce pollution that may come from the pollution. Buildings, streetlights, fleets of vehicles, water pump and wastes. In the council buildings the council manages and owns buildings such as the library, the civic centre, council depot , administration the toilet blocks among other major buildings that are owned by the company (Crabtree, 2005)The building operations are mainly represented by around 42% of the total emissions and they are mainly from electricity and its consumption. The 42% was recorded as at 1996 and with time has continued to escalate day v in day out. In attempt to predict the energy that is used for the forecast by the year 2010, The Alice spring town council will try and ensure that all the houses that will be constructed will have efficient consumption of energy in attempt to ensure that everything is running according to the Kyoto protocol . When little energy is used, it means that the amount of carbon IV oxide that will be released to the atmosphere will be minimal hence helping in conservation of the environment (James J. McCarthy, 2001. p.637) Moreover, the town council has ensured that houses that are under construction will be efficiently ventilated due to the increased temperatures this will not only lead to effective ventilation but it will also promote effective ventilation in the long run. Moreover, the cement combination will also ensure that it is rigid and thermal proof in ways that can be able to moderate and bear with the high temperatures that result from the global warming (Nicole, 2011).The Alice spring city have come up with a strategy of coming up with compact cities in such a way that less space will be used and also cities that have sufficient fresh air and water. In attempt to achieve that, the council have come up with strategies where they plant trees within the city and urban surroundings which will in turn purify the air and finally make the city a habitable place (Garnaut, R., & Garnaut, 2011)cleaning the water systems and planting vegetation along the river will not make the city clean , it will also ensure that it has enough clean water for all the dwellers. Through such initiative the city is ensuring mitigation strategies in line with the kyoto1997 which is rule that must be fulfilled. Urban greening ensures the city against the ravages of climatic change that are caused by excessive heating due to the green house gases. When the city is green and vegetation is hefty, it will ultimately translate to increased free and safe circulation of air despite the changes in climate (Australian Greenhouse Office, 2002). In line with planning due to the climate changes, the Alice town council has started a strategy of adopting public lighting that will cause minimal hurt and destruction to the environment. The council is normally responsible for the energy costs that are incurred during lighting and at times, they are some lights that are unaccounted for. There are some lights in the non-sport parks and their cost is invoiced to the council rather than the lot number. Through that, the council has not been able to monitor the energy that is consumed hence making the entire lightning system expensive and inefficient (Australian Greenhouse Office, 2002). The excessive consumption of energy continues to deplete the energy resources taking into account that climatic changes are influencing the sources of energy. Moreover, unnecessary lighting systems will also add the volumes of greenhouses hence failing the Kyoto protocol 1997 and the environment conservationists. This initiative has been proved workable and many people are known to be benefiting from the initiative (Garnaut & Garnaut 2011, p.49). The vehicles are other agents that contribute to increased pollution hence climatic changes. The Alice spring city council has embarked on ensuring that they minimize their vehicles and more specially those that consume diesel. It is advisable to change them with less pollutant cars which have been fixed with carbon filters and hence reducing the latter. The initiative has been taken by the council in attempt to influence the other people to take similar steps and ultimately overcome the challenge once and for all(Garnaut & Garnaut 2011,p52). Conclusion In conclusion, it is evident that climatic changes have been a major challenge in the world today. The weather pattern has drastically changed and this has contributed to changes in planning of urban and regional areas. The Alice spring city council is among the councils that have taken the initiative of changing as the weather patterns are changing hence ma king the cities and the surrounding regions habitable. Starting all the way from cars, houses, lighting systems and even the sewerage system, the city council has ensured that minimal pollution is taking place and the structures that are built are able to withstand the changes in climate. The initiatives have not only helped the local dwellers but it has been a lesson to the people. References Australian Greenhouse Office, A. G. (2002.). Greenhouse Gas Emissions “An Overview: State and Territory',. Australian Government Department of Environment and Heritage. Retrieved July 16, 2014, from http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/inventory/stateinv/pubs/stateoverview.pdf\ Anna C. Hurlimann (2012) The role of spatial planning in adapting to climate change, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Bonyhady, T. (2007). Climate law in Australia. Annandale, N.S.W.: Federation Press. Crabtree L 2005. Sustainable Housing Development in Urban Australia: Australian Geographer, 36:3, p. 333-350. Amazon publishers; New York City. Emera, M. K. (2006) Climatic Changes, Oxford, U.K.: Oxford Univ. Press. Freestone R (1993) urban planning, Australian Geographer Publications, 24:1, 17–24. Garnaut, R., & Garnaut, R. (2011). The Garnaut review 2011: Australia in the global response to climate change. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. James J. McCarthy, ‎(2001)Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability: Cambridge University Jason Byrne, Neil Sipe, Jago Dodson 2014) )Australian Environmental Planning: Challenges and Future Prospects Amazon Publishers New York City. Kilgariff, F. (n.d.). ALICE SPRINGS TOWN COUNCIL. ALICE SPRINGS TOWN COUNCIL. Retrieved July 19, 2014, from http://www.alicesprings.nt.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/Local_Action_Plan_to_R educe_ Greenhouse_Gas_in_Alice_Springs_0.pdf Nicole Gurran, (2011) Australian Urban Land Use Planning: Principles, Systems Amazon Publishers New York City Wilson, E, (2010) Piper, J. Spatial Planning and Climate Change. London: Routledge Read More

Honoring the Kyoto 1997 protocol As part of honoring the Kyoto 1997 protocol, the Australian government has embarked on ensuring that the greenhouse gases that are attributed to human activities are reduced by half proportion and this will work towards reducing global warming. The rules meant to implement the protocol had some positive elements and though it does not provide comprehensive and environmentally effective in the end.the northern territory has responded by sending a strategy for Green house action in 2006 (James J.

McCarthy, 2001. p.637) The strategy normally contains comprehensive actions meant to minimize greenhouse emissions of gasses that is emitted within the territory and the same time respond to the impacts of the climatic changes .The following are some of the initiatives that the northern region has embarked on to ensure that everything is running according to the formulated strategies; Leading by example through government projects Managing the burning of the savannah, which is the main contributor of the greenhouse gasses?

Reducing the carbon emissions that emanates from carbon related activities Improving the use of transport in line with reducing the carbon emissions Minimizing emissions that are generated from the industrial waste Minimizing the emissions that are contributed by users of electricity (Freestone, 1993) The strategies have been very pivotal in realization of the Kyoto protocol 1997, and Alice Springs Town council have been left behind in implementing of the strategies. The above mentioned town governments decided to combine with the CCP program during the year of 1998 and it is committed to address the issue of global warming and strategically handle the issues that do contribute to the green houses in the Alice springs (Australian Greenhouse Office, 2002).

After merging with the CCP program, the town has decided to form certain strategies in line with the Kyoto protocol. The council has opted to look at the following structures in attempt to reduce pollution that may come from the pollution. Buildings, streetlights, fleets of vehicles, water pump and wastes. In the council buildings the council manages and owns buildings such as the library, the civic centre, council depot , administration the toilet blocks among other major buildings that are owned by the company (Crabtree, 2005)The building operations are mainly represented by around 42% of the total emissions and they are mainly from electricity and its consumption.

The 42% was recorded as at 1996 and with time has continued to escalate day v in day out. In attempt to predict the energy that is used for the forecast by the year 2010, The Alice spring town council will try and ensure that all the houses that will be constructed will have efficient consumption of energy in attempt to ensure that everything is running according to the Kyoto protocol . When little energy is used, it means that the amount of carbon IV oxide that will be released to the atmosphere will be minimal hence helping in conservation of the environment (James J.

McCarthy, 2001. p.637) Moreover, the town council has ensured that houses that are under construction will be efficiently ventilated due to the increased temperatures this will not only lead to effective ventilation but it will also promote effective ventilation in the long run. Moreover, the cement combination will also ensure that it is rigid and thermal proof in ways that can be able to moderate and bear with the high temperatures that result from the global warming (Nicole, 2011).The Alice spring city have come up with a strategy of coming up with compact cities in such a way that less space will be used and also cities that have sufficient fresh air and water.

In attempt to achieve that, the council have come up with strategies where they plant trees within the city and urban surroundings which will in turn purify the air and finally make the city a habitable place (Garnaut, R.

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