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.