Vapur Blog
How Climate Change Solutions Are Shaping Modern Infrastructure
Climate change is more than just a popular topic of discussion these days. It’s a huge environmental issue that’s already impacting our world and could have dire consequences in the future if strategies aren’t put in place to combat it.
Therefore, government organizations, businesses, individuals, and even cities are doing their part to fight back against climate change. Cities, in particular, are working to combat the effects of climate change via infrastructure changes and sustainable development.
There have been major changes and upgrades across the country in some of the most popular and populated cities, as well as smaller communities looking to do their part. Understanding how these solutions are shaping modern infrastructure can give us a better idea of what to look for in the future as more cities adopt these changes. Understanding these solutions can also provide hope for the next generation and beyond when it comes to the health of our planet.
Let’s take a look at some of the infrastructure changes fighting against climate change today.
Why Infrastructure Changes Are Important
Again, big businesses and government agencies are also joining the fight against climate change. Over the last few years, we’ve seen a rise in the popularity of electric vehicles and solar power, as well as efforts to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
However, these changes can’t be implemented properly if cities across the country aren’t ready for them. If everyone went out and purchased an electric vehicle today, most cities wouldn’t be able to handle it or provided the power necessary for all of them. The same goes for hydrogen-powered vehicles — there aren’t many hydrogen fuel stations across the country, limiting the number of people who can access these vehicles and drive them each day.
That being said, adjusting to these changes at a manageable pace will benefit entire communities, particularly those struggling with urban water shortages.
Without water conservation efforts with initiatives like aggressive leak detection, programs to install low-flow showerheads and toilets, and landscape water conservation programs, there will never be enough change to ensure everyone has clean drinking water.
What Is Sustainable Development?
Existing infrastructure changes are just the beginning. To effectively fight back against climate change, major cities will need to invest in sustainable development for the future. The word “development” doesn’t often go hand-in-hand with greener living, but that idea is starting to change as new efforts are being made for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Sustainable development is a way of meeting people’s needs today without depleting or damaging our existing resources. The key objectives of sustainable development are:
- Economic growth: Focuses on improving living standards, job creation, and new opportunities for business owners.
- Social inclusion: Investing in education, health, and other social programs to ensure everyone has the opportunity to benefit from economic growth.
- Environmental protection: Aims to reduce pollution and fight back against the effects of climate change by encouraging the use of renewable resources.
You probably see examples of sustainable development quite often without realizing it. Solar power, wind power, crop rotation, water-efficient fixtures, and even green spaces in communities are all considered sustainable development efforts. They add to an existing space with the above objectives in mind without depleting or destroying any surrounding resources.
What Are the Benefits of Green Spaces?
Green spaces are “popping up” all across the country as cities try to combat climate change and provide a cleaner, greener future for the next generation. Green spaces are designed to be highly-accessible areas within urban communities, consisting of things like:
- Riverbanks;
- Coastlines;
- Tree-lined streets;
- Urban forests;
- Parks.
In addition to the construction of solar panels, wind turbines, and other sustainable development options, green spaces are especially important for the overall well-being of those in urban areas. Not only do these spaces actively fight against climate change, but they provide opportunities for people to spend more time in nature.
That can lead to an improvement in both physical and mental health. Nature helps to improve energy levels, reduce stress, and can fight back against symptoms of anxiety or depression. You can experience even more of those benefits by exercising outside. These spaces offer room to play, run, cycle, and so much more. They also give today’s kids the opportunity to see why it’s so important to live sustainably.
While most people might not think of cities as climate change combatants, it’s clear that they’re already doing a lot to ensure a greener tomorrow. Do most cities have a long way to go? Absolutely. The reality is, we have the technology to make a lot of positive changes for our future. However, because so many major cities in this country are so heavily-populated, it’s hard to make infrastructure changes overnight.
There’s no denying that we’re working against the clock when it comes to climate change. So, more sustainable developments and infrastructure updates are likely to happen sooner, rather than later. Take note of what your city is doing, and don’t hesitate to jump in and do your part as often as possible.