• Describe what a vertical city is and what its characteristics are.
• What are the benefits to a vertical city?
• What is Green Space and what are its benefits?
• What causes the heat island effect?
• How can a person reduce consumption of natural resources when drinking water? Assume that you are not going to change the amount of water you drink, but only the way that you get that water. In three to five sentences, provide the best option, and describe two ways that it will help reduce the use of natural resources.
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• What are at least 4 consequences of deforestation? (cutting down or burning trees in a forest)
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• A city planner is designing a new apartment complex. The complex will have several apartment buildings as well as a paved parking area for residents. In one to two sentences, describe two ways the planner can help minimize the human impact of the apartment complex on the environment.
- A vertical city is a concept where buildings are constructed upwards rather than spread out horizontally. Characteristics include skyscrapers, multiple stories, mixed-use buildings, and efficient use of space.
- Benefits of a vertical city include maximized land use, reduced sprawl, less traffic congestion, shorter commutes, preservation of green spaces, and a more sustainable lifestyle.
- Green Space refers to areas of land that are covered in grass, trees, or other vegetation. Benefits include reducing air pollution, providing habitats for wildlife, improving mental health, and reducing the urban heat island effect.
- The heat island effect is caused by the absorption and retention of heat by urban materials such as asphalt, concrete, and buildings. This leads to higher temperatures in cities compared to surrounding rural areas.
- To reduce consumption of natural resources when drinking water, a person can use a reusable water bottle instead of single-use plastic bottles and install a water filter at home to reduce the need for bottled water. These options help reduce plastic waste and energy consumption from manufacturing and transporting bottled water.
- Consequences of deforestation include loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and disrupted water cycles. Deforestation also leads to habitat destruction, loss of livelihood for indigenous communities, and contributes to climate change.
- To minimize the human impact of the apartment complex, the city planner can incorporate green roofs or rooftop gardens to reduce heat absorption and provide green spaces for residents. Additionally, the planner can design the parking area with permeable materials to reduce runoff and promote water infiltration, and include bike racks and encourage alternative transportation options to reduce car dependency.