Assignment 3.. Prezi!

For assignment three, I have decided to focus on solar energy because just like any other city, I believe that Norfolk could really benefit from it. The city of Norfolk has its good and bad areas. There are parts of the city that are very attractive and would bring people from all over. There are also parts that are not there yet; meaning these areas are not as developed as they should and some would even refer to them as “ghetto”. Solar energy is an alternative energy source that involves harnessing the radiant light energy emitted by the sun and converting it into electrical current. In Norfolk’s case, I think it would very beneficial if most buildings had solar panels which could later move onto vehicles. If we think about it, even though it’s daytime, most buildings use light sources to get through the day. This would also help greenhouse gases and hopefully give the people cleaner air. Whether it is business owned buildings, stores/supermarkets, buses, or even schools, solar power would be a great way to save a lot of money which could be used to improve the city in other ways.

Prezi: http://prezi.com/jrys-dv10zxh/new-norfolk/

The Shareable Future of Cities

1.How many people does Steffen estimate we will have living in or near cities by mid-century?

about 8 billion or more by mid-century

2. Explain how you agree or disagree with Steffen’s point that our energy use is “predestined” rather than “behavioral”.

I definitely agree that our energy is predestined rather than behavioral because as the population becomes bigger, so does the energy use.

3. What correlation does Steffen make between a city’s density and its climate emissions?

He said that the closer together things are the better. For example, if cities have everything close by allowing the public to either walk or bike there, it could help prevent pollution from all of the vehicles.

4.What are the “eco districts” that Steffen mentions? How you see these as feasible or unfeasible in a city like Norfolk?

eco districts is an area that sustains itself by using its resources and places they already have. Norfolk could definitely do this if it develops ways to use the resources we have. For example, we could use the water that’s near by to produce enegy. Also, bio fuels such as wastes from recycling and plants can also be considered.

5. Explain how you agree or disagree with the “threshold effect” that Steffen discusses related to transportation.

I sort of agree with the threshold effect. I think it all depends on where you are living. If everything gets modernized into cities then I think it would be great to remove all of the cars. If i lived in new york, i would not have a car. I think a city like that can go without them. But in more stretched out areas such as west Virginia would have a harder time adjusting to no cars.

6. What does Steffen mean by the idea that, “…even space itself is turning into a service…”? Can you provide any examples that you see here in Norfolk or elsewhere?

I think he means that people are starting to share spaces and making use of them in different ways. In norfolk, i see how the ted constant is used for many things. Freshman convocation is held there, graduation, basketball games, speeches etc…

7. Describe your understanding of Steffen’s argument that, “…it’s not about the leaves above, but the systems below…”.

I think he means that we need to use our resources in a smarter way. he gives an example of plants grown on roofs in order to capture the water .

8. Finally, overall in what way(s) do you see Steffen’s ideas working / not working here in Norfolk? Spend time with this question!

I think his ideas are great. I think that they will easily work in alot of cities but i dont know if Norfolk is quite ready for that. I dont know too much about this city but i have seen some parts of it and i dont think they are ready for such developments. i know that all of norfolk isn’t bad, there are some good ares that could use this but looking at the city as a whole, some areas have to get developed in order to be able to sustain such ideas.

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Starting my new blog!

 

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