SEMINAR PAPER: POVERTY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

My friend, Amalina and I had choose the topic of "Poverty and The Environment" for our seminar paper. Here the slide presentation of the our seminar paper:

GLOBAL WARMING

Global warming is the greatest challenge facing our planet. It is, in fact, the increase in the temperature of the earth’s neon- surface air. It is one of the most current and widely discussed factors. It has far-reaching impact on biodiversity and climatic conditions of the planet. Several current trends clearly demonstrate that global warming is directly impacting on rising sea levels, the melting of ice caps and significant worldwide climate changes. In short, global warming represents a fundamental threat to all living things on earth.

Global warming is primarily a problem of too much carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere—which acts as a blanket, trapping heat and warming the planet. As we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas for energy or cut down and burn forests to create pastures and plantations, carbon accumulates and overloads our atmosphere. Certain waste management and agricultural practices aggravate the problem by releasing other potent global warming gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide. See the pie chart for a breakdown of heat-trapping global warming emissions by economic sector.

Between 1970 and 2004, global greenhouse gases (GHGs) have increased 70 per cent due to human activities. 

POVERTY

In Malaysia, there are three type of poverty which is absolute poverty, hard core poverty and relative poverty. The level of poverty is measured by PLI.

Poverty in Malaysia is measured by the Poverty Line Index (PLI). A household is considered poor if its income falls below that line. The Poverty Line Index (PLI) for Malaysia was introduced in June 1977 using the 1973 Household Expenditure Survey (HES)

Poverty Line income in Malaysia:

Poverty eradication: The Malaysia way of organizing poor and landless people

In Malaysia, there are many parties/institutions involved in reducing poverty by improve the living standard in rural areas. One important and most successful example of institution that helps in poverty eradication was the new land and resource development strategy under Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA). This strategy was proposed by the World Bank in 1954 and was also implemented in the First Malaya Plan (1956-1960). It is an instrument designed to develop idle land, to provide the landless and the under-employed with better income, and make those in the villages in the backward areas feel a part of the centre. This new land development strategy was seen to be more important than the in-situ rural development strategy because it encouraged the movement of large numbers of the rural poor and landless population to the areas in which the land development schemes operated. The new land development strategy was mainly involved in the commodity products for export (rubber and oil palm).This institution (FELDA), not only play a major role as a main contributors to the production of Malaysian export commodities (rubber and palm oil) but also had successfully raised the average net monthly income of FELDA settlers to a level above the poverty line. The Malaysian way of organizing poor and landless people in commercial agricultural production was recognised internationally as an ideal model to deal with rural poverty.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

"Sustainable agriculture is the efficient production of safe, high quality agricultural products, in a way that protects and improves the natural environment, the social and economic conditions of farmers, their employees and local communities, and safeguards the health and welfare of all farmed species."

(source: Sustainable Agriculture Initiative)

Sustainable agriculture also defined as the act of farming using principles of ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. The phrase was reportedly coined by Australian agricultural scientist Gordon Mc Clymont. It has been defined as "an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will last over the long term" For Example:

• Satisfy human food and fibre needs
• Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends
• Make the most efficient use of non-renewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls
• Sustain the economic viability of farm operations
• Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole

Sustainable agriculture developed Principles and Practices for Sustainable Agriculture, articulated around four main pillars : sustainable farming systems, economy, social and environment

(source: Sustainable Agriculture Initiative)

Farming and natural resources

Sustainable agriculture can be understood as an ecosystem approach to agriculture. Practices that can cause long-term damage to soil include excessive tillage (leading to erosion) and irrigation without adequate drainage (leading to salinization).

The most important factors for an individual site are sun, air, soil, nutrients, and water. Of the five, water and soil quality and quantity are most amenable to human intervention through time and labor.

1. Water
2. Soil
3. Phosphate
4. Land
5. Energy for Agriculture

CONCRETE JUNGLE

Source: fineartamerica

Concrete Jungle is defined as a city or area of a city that has a high density of large, unattractive, modern buildings and that is perceived as an unpleasant living environment. it also  defined as an urban or other populated area containing a high density of buildings constructed of concrete or similar materials, especially one which lacks greenery and which seems unattractive, harsh, or unsafe.

Penang a Concrete Jungle?

Over the past few years, hills in Penang have been slowly losing their green lustre and now blemished with concrete buildings. Houses and high-rise buildings have cropped up in the hill slopes in Paya Terubong, Sungai Ara, Tanjung Bungah, Bukit Gambier, Bukit Jambul, Batu Ferringhi, etc.

As we know, hills serve a variety of important ecological functions ranging from regulating the microclimate to maintaining the hydrological regime. Local communities in Penang also benefit from the hills as a source of water, for outdoor activities and some just enjoy its greenery and aesthetical value. However these benefits are slowly diminishing as some of the hills in Penang are threatened by development projects.

Hill lands are extremely sensitive to human-induced environmental changes. The majority of slope failures occurring on hills and highlands in Malaysia are due to disturbance of these fragile ecosystems, especially when man had altered the original terrain. 

The disasters involving landslides and slope failures in the past are testimony to the fact that some development have gone beyond the limits allowed by nature.

Illegal earthworks on Bukit Relau.

If the situation continues it is possible Penang will become fully concrete jungle. Further various problems that will arise as a result of the existence of concrete jungle. Among the potential problems is environmental pollution, heat island, and etc.

GREEN BUILDING INDEX (GBI)

What is Green Building Index (GBI)?

The Green Building Index (GBI) is Malaysia’s industry recognised green rating tool for buildings to promote sustainability in the built environment and raise awareness among Developers, Architects, Engineers, Planners, Designers, Contractors and the Public about environmental issues and our responsibility to the future generations.

GBI is developed specifically for the Malaysian-tropical climate, environmental and developmental context, cultural and social needs and is created to:

• Define green buildings by establishing a common language and standard of measurement;

• Promote integrated, whole-building designs that provides a better environment for all;

• Recognise and reward environmental leadership;

• Transform the built environment to reduce its negative environmental impact; and

• Ensure new buildings remain relevant in the future and existing buildings are refurbished and upgraded to improve the overall quality of our building stock.

GBI Rating System

www.greenbuildingindex.org

1) Energy Efficiency (EE)

Improve energy consumption by optimising building orientation, minimizing solar heat gain through the building envelope, harvesting natural lighting, adopting the best practices in building services including use of renewable energy, and ensuring proper testing, commissioning and regular maintenance.

2) Indoor Environment Quality (EQ)

Achieve good quality performance in indoor air quality, acoustics, visual and thermal comfort. These will involve the use of low volatile organic compound materials, application of quality air filtration, proper control of air temperature, movement and humidity.

3) Sustainable Site Planning & Management (SM)

Selecting appropriate sites with planned access to public transportation, community services, open spaces and landscaping. Avoiding and conserving environmentally sensitive areas through the redevelopment of existing sites and brownfields. Implementing proper construction management, storm water management and reducing the strain on existing infrastructure capacity.

4) Materials & Resources (MR)

Promote the use of environment-friendly materials sourced from sustainable sources and recycling. Implement proper construction waste management with storage, collection and re-use of recyclables and construction formwork and waste.

5) Water Efficiency (WE)

Rainwater harvesting, water recycling and water-saving fittings.

6) Innovation (IN)

Innovative design and initiatives that meet the objectives of the GBI.

Based on the table above, the classification of the building can be defined. It will give rating to the building either paltinum, gold,silver or certified.

TRAFFIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT

What is Traffic Impact Assessments?

A traffic impact assessments is a study which assesses the effects that a particular development’s traffic will have on the transportation network in the community. These studies vary in their range of detail and complexity depending on the type, size and location of the development. Traffic impact assessment should accompany developments which have the potential to impact the transportation network. They are important in assisting public agencies in making land use decisions. These studies can be used to help evaluate whether the development is appropriate for a site and what type of transportation improvements may be necessary. 

Traffic Impact Assessment help communities to: 

• Forecast additional traffic associated with new development, based on accepted practices. 
• Determine the improvements that are necessary to accommodate the new development. 
• Assist communities in land use decision making. 
• Assist in allocating scarce resources to areas which need improvements 
• Identify potential problems with the proposed development which may influence the developer’s decision to pursue it. 
• Allow the community to assess the impacts that a proposed development may have. 
• Help to ensure safe and reasonable traffic conditions on streets after the development is complete. 
• Reduce the negative impacts created by developments by helping to ensure that the transportation network can accommodate the development. 
• Provide direction to community decision makers and developers of expected impacts. 
• Protect the substantial community investment in the street system.

What should be included in a traffic impact Assessments?

I. BACKGROUND:  Description of proposed development  Identification of peak hours and whether weekends will be used in the impact analysis Description of study area Location of proposed Access points  II. BASE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS:  Description of road network and intersections adjacent to site and at access points Counts during peak-impact hours  III. SITE TRAFFIC GENERATION: Trip generation rates used and the source of these rates Traffic generated during peak impact hours  IV. SITE TRAFFIC DISTRIBUTION: Method used to distribute traffic Table showing estimated traffic movements by direction Discussion of method used for traffic assignment and assumptions for assignment of traffic to network V. NON-SITE TRAFFIC PROJECTIONS: Definition of design year—opening of proposed development Identification of development in study area whose traffic is to be included in calculations Adjustments of off-site through traffic volumes Assembling of off-site traffic forecast for design year VI. TRAFFIC ASSIGNMENTS: Assignment of peak-period traffic to intersections and access points Figures for existing peak impact traffic hours, site traffic and total traffic Recommended access design improvements VII. REVIEW OF SITE PLAN: Internal Reservoir at access points Parking layout Loading dock locations and access, including design truck used Recommended changes  VIII. DISCUSSION OF FUTURE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS: Other developments in area

(Community Guide to Development Impact Analysis by Mary Edwards)

GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

Governance is not synonymous with government. This confusion of terms can haveunfortunate consequences. A public policy issue where the heart of the matter is a problem of "governance” becomes defined implicitly as a problem of “government”, with the corollarythat the onus for “fixing” it necessarily rests with government. Since governance is not aboutgovernment, what is it about? Partly it is about how governments and other socialorganizations interact, how they relate to citizens, and how decisions are taken in a complexworld. Thus governance is a process whereby societies or organizations make their importantdecisions, determine whom they involve in the process and how they render account. Since a process is hard to observe, students of governance tend to focus our attention on the

The United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) 1997 defines governance as the exercise of economic, political and administrativeauthority to manage a county’s affairs at all level. It comprises the mechanisms, processesand institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interest, exercise their legalrights, meet their obligations and mediate their differences. Governance opens newintellectual space. It provides a concept that allows us to discuss the role of government incoping with public issues and the contribution that other players may make. However, andtable 1 shows a summary of definition of governance from a various scholars.

SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Nowadays, we heard more about the sustainable neighbourhood. There has been much discussion about the need for sustainable neighbourhoods. But, what is sustainable neighbourhood? Why are neighbourhoods important?
A sustainable neighbourhood is a mixed used area with a feeling of community. It is a place where people want to live and work, now and in the future. Sustainable neighbourhoods meet the diverse needs of existing and future residents, are sensitive to their environment, and contribute to a high quality of life. They are safe and inclusive, well planned, built and run, and offer equality of opportunity and good services to all. (Bristol Accord, 6-7 December 2005).

There are some components that will be focusing to make sure the aim of concept sustainable neighbourhoods is achieved:

Governance Well managed neighbourhoods with effective and inclusive participation, representation and leadership.  Transport and Mobility Well connected communities with good transport services and communication linking residents to their work places and services (health, education, recreation, commercial areas etc). Residents should be able to assure as many of their needs as possible within walking distance from their homes. A street pattern should take the form of a continuous web with paths linking one place to another. Good public transport infrastructure is essential in order to limit car use.  Environment Providing the opportunity for people to live in an environmental friendly way (low energy consumption or passive buildings, minimised waste generation, recycling, use of natural and environmental friendly materials, minimising water consumption etc) and enjoying clean, safe surroundings.  Economy  A flourishing and lively local economy. Services  Availability of public, private, community and voluntary services which are accessible to all residents. Equity  Fair for each resident and for both present and future generations (decent homes at prices people can afford, services reasonably priced for all, public open spaces accessible to all). Diversity  Create socially cohesive and diverse communities through a mix of social categories (mix of housing types and employment opportunities, shared community activities by all) and mix of generations.  Mixed used  As a crucial difference to existing suburbia areas which are often zoned (keeping separately residential areas from industrial and commercial quarters), a sustainable neighbourhood offers mix of functions (living, working, making use of recreational and commercial areas).  Identity  Active, inclusive and safe with a strong local culture and other shared community activities; provide the sense of community and belonging that many residents seek. Therefore, each neighbourhood needs a clear centre (a place where residents can find shops, social and cultural activities etc).  Citizens and residents participation, cooperation and involvement  Residents need to interact and be involved in the co-creation of their neighbourhood and they need to have a say on the way their community is managed. Neighbourhoods do more than house people; they form a support for wider activities, providing many of the social services that link individuals with each other, giving rise to a sense of community. http://www.energy-cities.eu/ Here, I attached the link that related to the topic of sustainable communities and neighbourhoods.  http://www.infed.org/community/sustainable_communities_and_neighbourhoods.htm

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

What is a Sustainable Community?

Sustainable development is one of the important thing that we should care. This is because we must make sure everything we do in our life is right and to make sure that we are sustain for the future generation. Based on the Egan Review in publication of  Skills for Sustainable Communities, "Sustainable communities meet the diverse needs of existing and future residents, their children and other users, contribute to a high quality of life and provide opportunity and choice. They achieve this in ways that make effective use of natural resources, enhance the environment, promote social cohesion and inclusion and strengthen economic prosperity". From the other perspective, sustainable communities are communities planned, built, or modified to promote sustainable living. This may include sustainability aspects relating to social and cultural, governance, transport and connectivity, services, environment, inclusive, housing and the built environment and also economy.

Components of Sustainable Communities 

by North East Lincolnshire

Sustainable communities are diverse, reflecting their local circumstances. There is no standard template to fit them all. But they should be:

1.     Active, inclusive and safe – fair, tolerant and cohesive with a strong local culture and   other shared community activities

Sustainable communities offer:

• a sense of community identity and belonging
• tolerance, respect and engagement with people from different cultures, background and beliefs
• friendly, co-operative and helpful behaviour in neighbourhoods
• opportunities for cultural, leisure, community, sport and other activities, including for children and young people
• low levels of crime, drugs and anti-social behaviour with visible, effective and community-friendly policing
• social inclusion and good life chances for all

2.     Well run – with effective and inclusive participation, representation and leadership

Sustainable communities enjoy:

• representative, accountable governance systems which both facilitate strategic, visionary leadership and enable inclusive, active and effective participation by individuals and organisations
• effective engagement with the community at neighbourhood level, including capacity building to develop the community’s skills, knowledge and confidence
• strong, informed and effective partnerships that lead by example (e.g. government, business, community)
• a strong, inclusive, community and voluntary sector
• a sense of civic values, responsibility and pride

3.     Environmentally sensitive – providing places for people to live that are considerate of the environment

Sustainable communities:

• actively seek to minimise climate change, including through energy efficiency and the use of renewable
• Protect the environment, by minimising pollution on land, in water and in the air.
• minimise waste and dispose of it in accordance with current good practice
• make efficient use of natural resources, encouraging sustainable production and consumption
• protect and improve bio-diversity (e.g. wildlife habitats)
• enable a lifestyle that minimises negative environmental impact and enhances positive impacts (e.g. by creating opportunities for walking and cycling, and reducing noise pollution and dependence on cars)
• create cleaner, safer and greener neighbourhoods (e.g. by reducing litter and graffiti, and maintaining pleasant public spaces)

4.     Well designed and built – featuring a quality built and natural environment

Sustainable communities offer:

• a sense of place (e.g. a place with a positive ‘feeling’ for people and local distinctiveness)
• user-friendly public and green spaces with facilities for everyone including children and older people
• sufficient range, diversity, affordability and accessibility of housing within a balanced housing market
• appropriate size, scale, density, design and layout, including mixed-use development, that complement the distinctive local character of the community and that use modern low cost building methods
• high quality, mixed-use, durable, flexible and adaptable buildings, using materials which minimise negative environmental impacts
• buildings and public spaces which promote health and are designed to reduce crime and make people feel safe
• accessibility of jobs, key services and facilities by public transport, walking and cycling

5.     Well connected – with good transport services and communication linking people to jobs, schools, health and other services

Sustainable communities offer:

• transport facilities, including public transport, that help people travel within and between communities and reduce dependence on cars
• facilities to encourage safe local walking and cycling
• an appropriate level of local parking facilities in line with local plans to manage road traffic demand
• widely available and effective telecommunications and Internet access good access to regional, national and international communications networks

6.     Thriving – with a flourishing and diverse local economy

Sustainable communities feature:

• a wide range of jobs and training opportunities
• sufficient suitable land and buildings to support economic prosperity and change
• dynamic job and business creation, with benefits for the local community
• a strong business community with links into the wider economy economically viable and attractive town centres

7.     Well served – with public, private, community and voluntary services that are appropriate to people's needs and accessible to all

Sustainable communities have:

• well-performing local schools, further and higher education institutions, and other opportunities for life-long learning
• high quality local health care and social services, integrated where possible with other services
• high quality services for families and children (including early years child care)
• a good range of affordable public, community, voluntary and private services (e.g. retail, fresh food, commercial, utilities, information and advice) which are accessible to the whole community
• service providers who think and act long term and beyond their own immediate geographical and interest boundaries, and who involve users and local residents in shaping their policy and practice

8.     Fair for everyone – including those in other communities, now and in the future.

Sustainable communities:

                      

• recognise individuals’ rights and responsibilities
• respect the rights and aspirations of others (both neighbouring communities, and across the wider world) also to be sustainable
• have due regard for the needs of future generations in current decisions and actions

S

sources: Sustainable Communities; People, Places and Prosperity (2005)

UNIVERSAL DESIGN

Universal Design = "the design of products & environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design." 

The Center for Universal Design www.design.ncsu.edu/cud

Universal Design = "The concept of designing products and the built environment to be aesthetic and usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, regardless of their age, ability/status in life without the need for adaption/specialized design."

Ron mace, FAIA

UNIVERSAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES

By the Center for Universal Design (CUD) at North Carolina State University, established 7 principles of UD to provide guidance in the design of products and environments. Following are the CUD principles of UD, each followed with an example of its application:

1. Equitable use. The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities. For example, a website that is designed to be accessible to everyone, including people who are blind, employs this principle.
2. Flexibility in Use. The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. An example is a museum that allows visitors to choose to read or listen to the description of the contents of a display case.
3. Simple and intuitive. Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level. Science lab equipment with clear and intuitive control buttons is an example of an application of this principle.
4. Perceptible information. The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities. An example of this principle is captioned television programming projected in noisy restaurants.
5. Tolerance for error. The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. An example of a product applying this principle is software applications that provide guidance when the user makes an inappropriate selection.
6. Low physical effort. The design can be used efficiently, comfortably, and with a minimum of fatigue. Doors that open automatically for people with a wide variety of physical characteristics demonstrate the application of this principle.
7. Size and space for approach and use. Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility. A flexible work area designed for use by employees with a variety of physical characteristics and abilities is an example of applying this principle.

Copyright 1997 NC State University, The Centre for Universal Design.

CREATIVE CITY

Creative cities is a concept developed by Charles Landry in the late 1980s, encouraging a culture of creativity in urban planning and solutions to urban problems. It has become a global movement that inspires a new planning paradigm for cities and it is related to the concept of learning cities.

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network

The Creative Cities Network connects cities to share experiences, ideas and best practices aiming at cultural, social and economic development. There are currently 25 cities appointed in seven thematic areas in 2004. Edinburgh was the first city to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Cities apply to join the Network because they want to:

• showcase their cultural assets on a global platform
• make creativity an essential element of local economic and social development
• share knowledge across cultural clusters around the world
• build local capacity and train local cultural actors in business skills cultivate innovation through the exchange of know-how, experiences and technological expertise
• promote diverse cultural products in national and international markets

The Creative Cities Network has devised seven thematic networks from which the cities may choose only one. 

1. UNESCO Cities of Literature (e.g; Edinburgh, Melbourne, Iowa City & Dublin)
2. UNESCO Cities of Cinema (e.g; Bradford)
3. UNESCO Cities of music (e.g; Bologna, Gent, Glasgow, Harbin & Seville)
4. UNESCO Cities of Crafts and Folk Art (e.g; Aswan, Icheon, Kanazawa & Santa Fe)
5. UNESCO Cities of Design (e.g; Berlin, Buenos Aires, Kobe, Montreal, Nagoya, Shenzhen)
6. UNESCO Cities of Media Arts (e.g; Lyon)
7. UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy (e.g; Chengdu, Ostersund & Popayan (Columbia))

Here I attached One  example of research about Creative Cities in Japan

http://www.japan.uni-muenchen.de/download/wise0910/ccc/presentations/sasaki.pdf

Environmental Conservation

What is Environment?

Environment literally means surrounding and everything that affect an organism during its lifetime is collectively known as its environment. In another words “Environment is sum total of water, air and land interrelationships among themselves and also with the human being, other living organisms and property”.

What about Conservation?

The protection, preservation, management, or restoration of natural environments and the ecological communities that inhabit them. Conservation is generally held to include the management of human use of natural resources for current public benefit and sustainable social and economic utilization.

Environmental conservation refers to a practice of protecting the environment, on individual, organizational or governmental levels, for the benefit of the natural environment and (or) humans.

Demographic Trends

Demography is the study of human populations – their size, composition and distribution across place – and the process through which populations change. Births, deaths and migration are the ‘big three’ of demography, jointly producing population stability or change. A population’s composition may be described in terms of basic demographic features – age, sex, family and household status – and by features of the population’s social and economic context – ethnicity, religion, language, education, occupation, income and wealth. The distribution of populations can be defined at multiple levels (local, regional, national, global) and with different types of boundaries (political, economic, geographic). Demography is a central component of societal contexts and social change. 

Global Trends in Natural Population Increase

A “natural population increase” occurs when the birth rate is higher than the death rate. While a country’s population growth rate depends on the natural increase and on migration, world population growth is determined exclusively by the natural increase.

Population Growth Rates

City Development Strategies (CDS)

What is CDS?

City development strategies (CDS) refer to a strategic planning approach in preparing plans for cities so that they can cope well with urban challenges. This approach has been adopted by more than 200 cities worldwide. CDS is a participatory approach in which local stakeholders are involved in setting a vision based on an analysis of their city‟s perspectives and in implementing such vision for their city through partnership-based approaches. CDS emphasizes on strategic formulation, implementation, and evaluation (Kim, 2002, Rasoolimanesh et al., 2011).

City Development Strategies (CDS) in developing countries was started in 1998 in East Asia based on the World Bank’s draft urban strategy paper (UN-Habitat, 2002). It focused on four common themes, namely; 

• livability,
• competitiveness,
• good governance,
• bankability

to achieve sustainability in cities (The World Bank, 2000). —CDSs were initially implemented in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and China.