Conscious Coastal Cities


Book Description

In the age of urban geopolitics, in cooperation with the major city networks and initiatives, interconnected coastal cities lead towards a more resilient sustainable future. This book raises global awareness on the challenges and opportunities for coastal cities and the myriad of issues and stakeholders which impact them. The book offers a panoramic integrated view of the most critical urban coastal sustainability issues shaping the urban horizon of the future. Drawing on the most authoritative studies and asking further questions, the book embraces issues of smart, sustainable and inclusive blue green growth, active social integration, environmental conscience and resilience, food, energy and resource security, exploration and protection of the global ocean, ecosystem-based urban coastal planning and policy and progress in education and science, culture and the arts, coastal urban renaissance and accountable multi-layered governance. From large global ports to small tourism and fishing resorts, sustainable development calls for coastal cities to improve their functions. Coastal cities need to adopt ecosystem-based approaches to manage the land-sea continuum, invest in blue green energy and mobility, attract responsible business investment, and honour the sea as a source of infinite innovation and culture.




Eco-Responsible Cities and the Global Ocean


Book Description

This book examines the nexus of cities and oceans and the interrelations between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11 and 14, just after the first two critical years following the milestone year of hope in 2015. It advocates for actions both for sustainable cities, the largest interconnected and only human ecosystem, and for the global ocean that is the largest physical ecosystem. Cutting-edge concepts and actions are presented by and for cities and oceans, following the global engagements during the years 2015-2017. In the era of global geopolitics, cities offer major democratic spaces between the micro-regulations of the local communities and the governance of the global commons. The role of education, trust, and citizen empowerment cannot be stressed enough. This book offers an evidence-based, holistic and integrated view of key urban and ocean sustainability issues at the horizon of 2030 and of 2050. The chapters cover the most prominent issues at the heart of the matter, and highlight systemic multi-stakeholder eco-responses towards sustainability with economic, social, environmental dimensions, including political and cultural aspects. This book offers a full exploration of cities and seas with an emphasis on vigorous paradigm shifts, redesigning human systems, and reconciling them with nature. Building on robust evidence, and transformational cases, it provides structured advice for world leaders, stakeholders and scholars.







Walkable Cities


Book Description

Gold Medalist, 2021 Independent Publisher Book Awards in the Transportation (Auto/Aviation/Railroad) Category Co-Winner of the 2020 Global Division Outstanding Book Award presented by the Global Division of the Society for the Study of Social Problems Walkable precincts have become an important component of urban revitalization on both sides of the Atlantic. In Walkable Cities, Carlos J. L. Balsas examines a range of city scales and geographic settings on three continents, focusing on the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), Latin America (Brazil and Mexico), and the United States (Phoenix and New York City). He explains how this "pedestrianization of Main Street" approach to central locations (downtowns and midtowns) has contributed to strengthening various urban functions, such as urban vitality, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, tourism, and more. However, it has also put pressure on less affluent, peripheral, and fragile areas due to higher levels of consumption and waste generation. Balsas calls attention to the need to base urban revitalization interventions on more spatially and socially just interventions coupled with sustainable consumption practices that do not necessarily entail high growth levels, but instead aim to improve the quality of city life.




Human-Nature Interactions


Book Description

This edited volume aims to widen the discussion about the diversity of human-nature relationships and valuation methods and to stimulate new perspective that are needed to build a more sustainable future, especially in face of ongoing socio-environmental changes. Conceptual and empirical approaches, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies have been used to highlight the importance of an integrative understanding of socio-ecological systems, where healthy ecosystems underpin the quality of life and societal activities largely drive environmental changes. Readers will obtain a comprehensive overview of the many and diverse ways the relationships between people and nature can be characterized. This includes understanding how people assign values to nature, discuss how human-nature interactions are shaped and provide examples of how these values and interactions can be systematically assessed across different land systems in Europe and beyond. This open access book is produced by internationally recognized scientists in the field but written in an accessible format to be of interest to a large audience, including prospective students, lecturers, young professionals and scientists embarking to the interdisciplinary field of socio-ecological research and environmental valuation.




The Vernacular Press and the Emergence of Modern Indonesian Consciousness


Book Description

A unique study of the growth and development of the Indonesian press and its influence on the birth of a modern Indonesian socioeconomic and political consciousness. It details the evolution of the vernacular press and its resulting conflicts with colonial forces. It also examines the development of modern Indonesian society.




Coastal Cities and their Sustainable Future II


Book Description

Papers presented at the 2nd International Conference on Coastal Cities and their Sustainable Future are contained in this volume. Since its successful introduction in 2015 the conference has continued to attract important research covering the integrated management and sustainable development of coastal cities. An increased world population and the preference for living in coastal regions has resulted in their ever-growing expansion. Whilst this creates economic growth, it also increases the need for improved resources, infrastructure and services. Coastal cities should be considered as dynamic complex systems which need energy, water, food and other resources in order to work and produce diverse activities, with the aim of offering a socioeconomic climate and improved quality of life. Consequently the integrated management and sustainable development of coastal cities is essential with science, technology, architecture, socio-economics and planning all collaborating to support decision makers. Planners need to explore various options and models to forecast future services, plans and solutions. Included papers examine some of these possible models and potential solutions with emphasis in the areas of: Landscape and urban planning; Infrastructures and eco-architecture; City heritage and regeneration; Urban transport and communications; Commercial ports; Fishing and sports harbours; City-Waterfront interaction; Marine industries; Water resources management; Quality of life and city leisure; Tourism and the city; Water pollution; Air pollution; City waste management; Acoustical and thermal pollution; Coastal risk assessment; Coastal flooding; Coastal processes; Landslides; Socio-economic issues.




Food Lovers' Guide to® Kansas City


Book Description

The ultimate guide to Kansas City's food scene provides the inside scoop on the best places to find, enjoy, and celebrate local culinary offerings. Written for residents and visitors alike to find producers and purveyors of tasty local specialties, as well as a rich array of other, indispensable food-related information including: food festivals and culinary events; specialty food shops; farmers’ markets and farm stands; trendy restaurants and time-tested iconic landmarks; and recipes using local ingredients and traditions.







Digital Innovations for Renewable Energy and Conservation


Book Description

With the growing urgency of climate change, digital innovations emerge as pivotal tools in advancing renewable energy and conservation efforts. From sophisticated data analytics that optimize energy efficiency to smart grids that enhance the reliability of renewable sources, technology is transforming how we produce, manage, and conserve energy. To harness the full potential of these renewable innovations, effective research into cutting-edge digital technologies and practices is necessary. Digital Innovations for Renewable Energy and Conservation delves into the intersection of digitalization and sustainable growth, exploring how advancements in technology can be leveraged to foster environmental sustainability and economic prosperity. It examines the evolving landscape of the global economy in the digital age, identifying opportunities and challenges for achieving sustainable development goals. This book covers topics such as climatology, smart cities, and digital technology, and is a useful resource for policymakers, business owners, computer engineers, environmentalists, conservationists, academicians, scientists, and researchers.