Reflection on the Urban Center

            Upon completion of these blogs, my awareness of the urban has been heightened. This blog in particular focused on the negative impacts these urban areas have had on our environment.  However, through the inspection of several of my colleague's blogs it is apparent that the processes are much more dynamic than they seem. Hence, they cannot be simply seen as harmful activity, rather there are various angles that these actions may be understood.

            Several of my post highlighted the over consumption which is occurring in the urban hubs. This consumption is stimulated by the high concentration of commercial areas within the towns and cities we reside. The main point I made was that these activities are exploiting the natural resources of the environment and breaching the carrying capacities, both in the urban spaces and in those areas where these resources are derived. On inspection of my classmates Cherise Ali and Alea Ali blogs, I found alternative views on the commerce that is occurring.

            Alea's blog post "Nature's Green Delight" focuses on some of the advantages commercial zones offer. The main point that stood out to me was these trading centers are an open forum for social communication and culture dissemination. Hence, they allow the gathering of people who share different background to meet in common areas. When at these areas they share, some of the culture with one another. Therefore, it can be stated that commerce unifies the population of the city.

            On the other hand, Cherise's blog post "Fast pace, fast food" explained the adverse effect commerce of fast foods is having on the city. However, the points raise take a look the negatives from a different angle as compare to my posts. She identifies how the urban population's taste for fast foods is degrading their health. Due to time constraints of a busy city life people settle for the unhealthy fast foods sold by the common franchises. Therefore, proving that there is multiple implications to these activities; they are not defined.

            In addition to these two posts, the blog post, "The Final" by Maya Cameron also intrigued me. This post focused on the dynamism of cities, quoting Mumford's in expressing cities as the products of time. She also expressed that the city will change, while its internal working change alongside. It is for this reason that, definitive descriptions should not be used for the urban. We should understand that these human creations are very complex and ever changing. Hence, when analyzing anything in the urban areas we should take a holistic view of all the inner workings.

            Altogether urban centers are comprised of a series of internal processes. As a result, many adverse and positive effects have ensued. Some of the negatives were highlighted in my blog. However, by reading my fellow colleague's entries it can be said that urban areas are vastly complex. It is for this reason that, the issues associated with these districts be closely observed from all angles. Since the city is intertwined and is constantly growing.

Summation of the Urban-enviro problem

View as you enter Tunapuna

            Take a look and what do you see? Cars, buildings, signs, electric lines, paved road and people. Humans created urban zones, which in turn have served several purposes. One main outcome was the centralizing of human life in concentrated zone. However, it was impossible to predict how many processes and systems would have developed out of the growth of these areas. Hence, I believe the uncertainty associated with these zones is one, if not the most important factor which has lead to problems tied to the urban. My entire blog depicted and explained how Trinidad's urban hubs play a role in environmental degradation.

            On examination of this image of Tunapuna, several components, mentioned in this blog, that lead to degradation can be identified. However, it is difficult to escape this reality, as a significant deal of our urban activities is detrimental to the environment in some way. In addition, many of these components are quite useful in other ways. Hence, there is need for urban planning and sustainable methods of development, such that there is minimum harm done to our natural surroundings. Carrying capacity and social capital should also be key terms when defining these new plans.

Selling Degradation

Tunapuna Plaza one of the many commercial outlets located across Trinidad's urban centers.

            No matter which town or city you visit shopping remains one of the most important activity of that area. Commerce in general dictates a large chunk of urban life since it is the means by which people fulfill their wants and needs. Places like the Tunapuna Plaza groups a variety of stores making it convenient for consumers to come and buy. However, there is another side to the harmonious relationship between the urban and its commodities.

            As noted in previous entries overconsumption has lead to several environmental impacts. Commerce provides yet another means by which this trend can continue. The products offered in these stores and retail outlets are largely imported. Raw materials are being harnessed at unsustainable rates to produce the goods available. This brings back the ideas of appropriating the carrying capacity and natural capital mentioned by Rees (1992). Since we are importing our good from areas outside the urban space, we a drawing their resources to fulfill our commercial needs.

            In addition, commercial outlets such as the one depicted are one of the main reasons for the abundant amount of waste produced by urban centers. Solid wastes such as plastics are bought and discarded by the tonnes on a daily basis. As mentioned in a previous post, Trinidad has allocated these materials into landfill sites, which are quickly being filled.

            On a minor note, products, which are readily sold in these places, may not be environmentally friendly. Chemical products and packaging also have their own effects including, ozone depletion and ecosystem degradation.

            So to be brief, commerce in Trinidad has significant importance thus places like the Tunapuna Plaza is prevalent in the urban hubs. However, they have promoted overconsumption in these centers. As a result, of this and other factors the environment has been subject to adverse effects. 

References

            Rees, William E. 1992."Ecological footprints and appropriated carrying capacity: what urban economics leaves out." Environment and urbanization 4, no. 2.

The Food for Degradation

Popular fast food outlet found in urban Trinidad.

            There is nothing better than a juicy burger. Or maybe some fried chicken and fries. Or a pizza with extra cheese. No matter the choice, you will find it in a city near you.

             Fast food restaurants like the one shown here is one of the many located all around Trinidad's urban zones. These along with other food places are increasingly popular to the urban population especially. The urban process has influenced what people eat and how much they eat. Since these areas are much more populated, increasing quantities of food are needed to satisfy urban hunger. This has lead to alternative means of producing this food, which, in turn has lead to degradation of the environment.

            It was found that the urban population consumes more meats, fruits and vegetables than the rural population whose primary diet comprises of cereals, tubers and roots. However, since the urban population vastly outnumbers that of the rural, food production is suited mainly to their needs (Regmi and Dyck 2001). Hence, there have been changes in what food is produced in order to meet the demand of the urban population.

For more information on the effect of urbanization on food demand, see:

Effects of Urbanization on Global Food Demand by Anita Regmi and John Dyck.

            As a result, intensive rearing of livestock and commercial agriculture is the chosen method of food production in contemporary society. This however has lead to severe environmental impacts. Large spaces of land are need to rear and cultivate the food needed by these cities; thereby deforestation is prevalent in order to create farmland. In addition, livestock production is one of the major emitters of green house gases. While at the same time, intensive use of fertilizers and build up of animal waste is contaminating the water table through infiltration into the soils (Fao.org 2006).

For more information on the effect of commercial farming on the environment, see: http://www.fao.org/ag/magazine/0612sp1.htm

            Given these points, it has been noted that the urban diet is greatly influencing what is produced as food. Places such as the one depicted have become major food outlets in the cities of Trinidad. This in turn has lead to intensive methods of farming required to satisfy the urban diet which have had severe implications on our environment.

References

            Fao.org. 2006. "Spotlight: Livestock impacts on the environment." http://www.fao.org/ag/magazine/0612sp1.htm (accessed 09 Apr 2014).

            Regmi, Anita, and John Dyck. "Effects of urbanization on global food demand."Changing Structure of Global Food Consumption and Trade (2001): 23-30.

Building Capital

New structure being built in urban Tunapuna

            What is it? Here is a common sight in several of Trinidad's urban areas. New developments within the city core such as malls, theaters, and restaurants all geared to modernizing the inner city and attracting the wealthier class. In urban philosophy, this is known as gentrification. However, we are more focus in how this urban process has disturbed our environment.

            Clearly, from the image a great deal of raw material has gone into building this structure. In addition, much more is still needed to complete it. However, think where all this material comes from. Iron and steel processed from mined iron ore. Cement casting acquired from limestone and other quarried material. Not to mention, the energy required to use the tools. These and several other inputs have been gathered from our natural environment.

            Incidentally, many of these methods of extraction are being done in an unsustainable manner. According to Rees (1992), we are depleting our "natural capital," which are, assets found in our environment that offers support for human functions. Processes such as deforestation, quarrying and drilling are quite apparent, with the intention of fueling economic development in the urban hub, such as the one depicted. If proper measures are not put in place these natural capital will eventually be depleted from our natural systems. Consequentially, this will lead to the disruption of both the environmental and human needs of the future.

            In summation, we always find the need to develop the urban. However, to fuel this need we must deplete our natural assets thereby, degrading our natural surroundings.

References

            Rees, William E. 1992."Ecological footprints and appropriated carrying capacity: what urban economics leaves out." Environment and urbanization 4, no. 2.

Energising Degradation

One of the several gas stations found in Trinidad's urban districts.

            "Fill me up," a quote you would hear several times a day in this spot. This gas station in Tunapuna is one of many located in the urban centers of Trinidad. Its purpose is to provide the fuel needed by hundreds of commuters on a daily basis. Towns and cities have served to increase the use of energy not only by the means depicted here but also by all other aspects of urban life. This has lead to environmental harm due to the way this energy is obtained and how much is used.

            Automobiles, buildings, neon lights advertisements and people all use energy, and one thing is common between all these, they are highly centered in urban zones. The means of the majority of energy production comes from burning fossil fuels. In Trinidad, this is not different, especially since it is a producer of natural gas. This point is particularly important, as energy cost in the country is quite cheap due to subsidies. Hence, wasting of energy is quite prevalent and has thereby lent to increased degradation.

            Overall, the main impact of the overconsumption of energy is the emission of greenhouse gases, which lead to global warming and subsequently climate change. Urban areas have been found to perpetuate this trend due to the number of activities that require energy. Apart from this, automobile use and industrial processes also produces other harm air pollutants when burning fuel for energy. These gases are emitted into the atmosphere leading to urban smog (Dodman 2009).

            Trinidad's inefficient use of energy has been well documented. In an Express article, the country's energy intensity index, which indicates how much energy is used to produce $1 of GDP, was found to be 4.8. Consequentially proving how wasteful Trinidad really is especially when compared to Barbados's index that is five times less at 0.9 (Renwick 2012). Therefore, the effects noted would be very substantial especially in the urban hubs where most of these moneymaking processes occur.

For more on this article see:

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/business-magazine/T_T_s_wasted_energy-162821396.html

            Overall, urban growth has lead to increased energy consumption in the country. Therefore, there is quite an apparent need for service stations such as the one depicted. However, such overuse of energy is adversely affecting the environment.

                                                                     References

           Dodman, David. 2009."Urban density and climate change." Analytical Review of the Interaction between Urban Growth Trends and Environmental Changes Paper 1.

            Renwick, David. 2012."T&T's wasted energy." Trinidad Express, 17 July. Accessed 22 March 2014. http://www.trinidadexpress.com/business-magazine/T_T_s_wasted_energy-162821396.html.

The City Grows

Landscape cleared on the outskirts of Princes Town for urban sprawl.

            Here lies a vast space of nothingness, cleared, such that in a few years it can be cultivated with urban infrastructure. This is the urban process and this is how it is degrading our environment. Located just on the outskirts of the commercial of Princes Town this area has been cleared to facilitate urban growth. It has become an all too common trend in all of Trinidad. Urbanization's urban sprawl is taking away our natural surroundings.

            Urban areas draw the population into them since they concentrate numerous amounts of useful services and activities within their boundaries. However, with increasing population there is always the need to expand to accommodate such growth. Hence urban sprawl is usually inevitable as seen here in Princes Towns attempt to expand. This sprawl includes the building of new urban infrastructure or suburban development in order to reduce the clutter of the central town or city.

            Be this as it may sprawl is quite harmful to our environment. As seen, large plots of land need to be stripped of their natural vegetation for this growth to proceed. This removes our natural carbon sinks, the plants, allowing carbon dioxide to build in the atmosphere. Hence, it promotes the greenhouse effect and climate change (Chiotti 2004).

            In addition clearing the land also affects our water supply, where runoff of rainfall increase while at the same time infiltration of water into the soil decreases. This reduces the speed at which our underground aquifers are restored. While at the same time, water running of this land erodes materials into our natural waterways, thereby increasing pollution in those systems.

There effects of urban sprawl:

            Apart from this, more urban space only promotes more of the negatives originally related to the city. Therefore, more cars, consumption and pollution are allowed to perpetuate on a greater percentage of our environment (Chiotti 2004).

            In the end, urban sprawl is a necessary output of the urban process. However, it promotes degradation in multiple ways. Therefore, in places like Prices Town and other urban areas in both Trinidad and elsewhere, urban sprawl should be controlled and planned to reduce its environmental impact.

References

            Chiotti, Quentin. 2004. "Toronto's Environment: A Discussion on Urban Sprawl and Atmospheric impacts." Pollution Probe.

City Folk are Bad

A view along Tunapuna showing the evidence of high population.

            People, without them urban areas would be non-existent. Urban hubs are man's creation which has one main commonality no matter where they were developed, and that is to gather people. Nothing is more evident here than the influence of people. They cluster, either on foot or in cars, in the streets of Tunapuna all with their own agenda. However, this clustering is degrading our environment.

            Urban centers like Tunapuna attract people into and around its central district. They provide numerous human needs including services, jobs and resources in a centered zone. They are also the location key activity such as commerce. Hence, it is no wonder why people readily flock to these places. Consequentially, this trend has caused congestion and several environmental concerns.

            As people gather, more and more resources are needed to maintain the rising population. Hence, the idea of carrying capacity can be highlighted, where an area can only manage a certain amount of individuals given its resources. Population increases in these urban centers drains the resources of the environment. Food, energy and raw materials are extracted readily to sustain the mass of people. The removal of these resources not only occurs in the urban center but in is taken from places outside these areas as well, thus according to Rees (1992) "urban areas appropriate the carrying capacities of distant "elsewheres"." Hence, issues such as habitat destruction, greenhouse gas emissions and depleted landscapes are prevalent due to the increase of urban densities (Verbrugge and Taylor 1980).

            Altogether, the urban population of Trinidad as depicted is causing harm to our environment. However, there is no easy solution, since these zones readily invite people. Therefore, the need for sustainable growth is always a key matter.

References

            Rees, William E. 1992."Ecological footprints and appropriated carrying capacity: what urban economics leaves out." Environment and urbanization 4, no. 2.

            Verbrugge, Lois M and Ralph B Taylor. 1980."Consequences of population density and size." Urban Affairs Review 16, no. 2.

Urban Geography Field Trip: Place Check The Water Front Center and Belmont

                On the 22nd of March, a place check was carried out by us the University of the West Indies students of Urban Geography on two sites, the Water Front Center and Belmont both located in our city capital. In both instances we were to determine what we appreciated about the areas and what we disapproved. Also what needed to be change and how fast. In addition to what problems were evident and how we could improve on it.

Water Front Center Place Check

            The Water Front Center offers a relaxing open space for all individuals. However it was designed as a tourist attraction for those staying in the HYATT Regency Hotel located directly to the front of it. What is aesthetically pleasing about the area is it combines the beauty of nature into a more modern scene. Palm trees and other beauty plants are planted on the walkways of the Water Front (see picture 1). this in addition to the cool view of the ocean provides city folk with a breath of fresh air from the concrete jungle they occupy.

Picture 1: The combination of nature into the Water Front's open space.

            In addition the water front allows for the generation of third places which allows for social interaction. The nearby Breakfast Shed is a hotspot food outlet for all individuals which uses the scenic view of the Water Front as part of the selling point to attract customers. This has been very successful in bringing people from the city and those who use the transport services like the bus and water taxi into one general area where socializing can occur. There is also a open lobby to the back of the HYATT Regency Hotel which allows guests and the public a place to sit, converse and enjoy the beauty of the front in a cool relaxed ambiance (see picture 2).

Picture 2: Open lobby viewing the Water Front.

             Aside from these positive there are some improvements that can be made. Firstly being an open place the Water Front allows anyone of the public to access it. This provides security issues which appear to be inadequately met. On our visitation we were previewed to a homeless man who partially disrobed himself in the open space. Therefore, at current time it should be a priority in setting up security posts along the front which can prevent such occurrences and allow for peace of mind by the users of the space.

            Furthermore there was a lack of warning notices along the Water Front. For such a long stretch of space that attracts people of all ages, one sign denouncing the use of caution due to proximity to the deep ocean, located to the left end of the front, seems highly inadequate (see picture 3). This is especially concerning when there are no personnel on hand to offer assistance if one were to have an accident. Therefore, there should be more caution signs placed along the stretch immediately. In addition at least one post for emergency personnel should be available at the site.

Picture 3: Single sign on the Water Front highlighting the caution which must be exhibited.

Belmont Place Check

            Belmont is a residential zone housing people who fall mainly in the lower middle class bracket. It is however, an area with extensive history, with the existence of cultural places such as mas camps. Its urban design tells the story of its beginning from as far back as the plantations during colonial times. Its communities are quite interactive with one another since the buildings in this area is so tightly grouped. In addition there exists a wonderful spiritual background in the area such as Radaism practiced by the Rada community. Although with all these bright features, Belmont has many issues which need to be resolved.

            Firstly there has been minimum urban planning in the area. Houses are packed in extremely close proximity which demotes privacy in the area. Roadways are very narrow which causes transport issues to the furthest parts of the community. There is very little room for sidewalks hence, pedestrians are forced to walk on the roads in most areas providing a hazard risk for accidents (see picture 4). Therefore, new infrastructural development and planning is needed in the medium to long term. This planning should seek to solve all these issues while at the same time minimizing the impact on people's lives.

Picture 4: View of a street in Belmont showing several issues mentioned about infrastructural development.

            In addition to this it is the view that Belmont needs more activities for their younger generation. There is very little spaces for activities such as sports due to the lack of planning. This has been a factor in the increased crime levels faced in the area. Hence new facilities offering children positive things to do in their free time is needed in the short term. Places live community centers and parks should be made available in the near future.

            Finally Belmont's history and culture needs to be highlighted and preserved. Some work is being done by organizations such as the Free Town Foundation. However the culture of this area goes unnoticed and is quickly dying due to the lack of promotion. Hence there is immediate need for more organizations and community activities which promote the local culture. Also better tours should be given in the area as to highlight its history and bring more nationwide interest to the area.

Urban 'Trashing' of the Environment

Filled garbage disposal bins in the heart of Princes Towns urban center.

            Disposal bins filled to the brim, a sight seen daily as you walk along Princes Town Proper. We as citizens see this as a norm and really do not take time to appreciate the severity of this occurrence. So think now, where does all this waste go? Doesn't it add up? What exactly are we doing to the environment when we dispose so much?

            Princes Town Proper is an urban commercial hotspot in south Trinidad. Day to day its streets are packed with people on their way to work, shopping and commuting. The effect is significant amounts of municipal solid waste being generated, as recognized in the depiction. This waste is borne out of our consumption patterns in the town center, and has became a serious problem to our natural environment as this trend is evident in all of Trinidad's urban hubs.

            Currently Trinidad handles the volumes of waste produced in its urban centers is by dumping into landfill sites. The Beetham Landfill is the country's largest site accommodating 65 percent of the waste produced. However, this landfill will reach its capacity in a few years, since an average of 1000 tonnes of waste being generated per day which is faster than the rate of decomposition (Swmcol.co.tt 2014). By that time a new site will be needed and this means another part of the natural environment would need to be cleared in order to store urban waste.

For more information on waste management in Trinidad visit: 

http://www.swmcol.co.tt/education/112-waste-mgmt-topics.html

            Incidentally these landfills although meant to minimize the impact of waste into a confined zone, still has environmental impacts which are widespread. While solid waste is being broken down in these sites it goes through several biophysical processes to produce both leachate and emissions. Leachate is liquid in nature and thus infiltrates the soil. If improper drainage control is applied this can contaminate ground water which eventually drains and pollutes our river systems. Emissions in the form of methane and carbon dioxide is also produced, of which both are greenhouse gases that lead to global warming (Aljaradin and Persson 2012). In addition methane is flammable and can cause fires if the landfill is not properly managed. This was witness in the Beetham Landfill where a breakout of fires lead to excessive airborne particulate matter affecting the surrounding environs of the landfill (Boodram 2014).

For more information on the effects of landfills on the environment see: http://benthamscience.com/open/towmj/articles/V005/28TOWMJ.pdf

To read more on the Beetham Landfill fire see:         

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Landfill-closed-242676951.html

            Aside from managed municipal solid waste there is also those that are mismanaged which, also affect the environment. As seen in the picture not all of the solid waste is in the disposal bins. Improper disposal like this can lead to adverse effects such as flooding, habitat degradation and promotion of disease ridden organisms, such as rats, in our cities.

            On a whole Trinidad's urban centers like those around the world produce alarming amounts of municipal solid waste daily. This waste whether managed in landfills or improperly disposed of, is causing harm to our environment.

References

            Aljaradin, Mohammad and Kenneth M Persson. 2012. "Environmental Impact of Municipal Solid Waste Landfills in Semi-Arid Climates-Case Study--Jordan." The Open Waste Management Journal 5, no. 1: 28-39.

            Boodram, Kim. 2014."Landfill closed Fire burning since last Sunday...." Trinidad Express, January 30. Accessed 22 February 2014. http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Landfill-closed-242676951.html.

            Swmcol.co.tt. 2014."The Trinidad and Tobago Solid Waste Management Company (SWMCOL) - Waste Management Topics." http://www.swmcol.co.tt/education/112-waste-mgmt-topics.html (accessed 22 Feb 2014).