Green Infrastructure and Urban Planning
Green infrastructure and urban planning is a concept that includes the processes of planning and designing cities and residential areas for environmental sustainability, natural resource protection and livability. This approach focuses on goals such as improving the environmental quality of cities and regions, protecting biodiversity, regulating water management, reducing air and water pollution, and supporting people’s physical and mental health.
Green infrastructure includes natural and semi-natural areas (e.g. parks, greenways, watersheds, natural habitats) found in urban and rural areas and their interaction with humans. Green infrastructure elements provide not only aesthetic but also ecological, social and economic benefits. Green infrastructure elements prevent cities from overheating, absorb and clean up rainwater, provide habitats, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and encourage people to rest and engage in physical activity.
City planning is a strategic process that drives the physical arrangement, infrastructure, services and development of cities. When green infrastructure and urban planning come together, it is aimed to make cities more sustainable, healthy and livable. This process supports goals such as not depleting natural resources with urban growth and development, keeping environmental pollution under control, and establishing a closer relationship between people and nature.
Green infrastructure and urban planning are becoming increasingly important to address environmental issues and leave a better environment for future generations. This approach can be effectively applied in different areas such as urban transformation projects, design of parks and recreational areas, and water management strategies.
Sustainable Transportation Solutions
Sustainable transportation solutions are transportation methods and systems that ensure the mobility of people and comply with environmental, social and economic sustainability principles. Traditional transportation methods often rely on the use of fossil fuels, which can lead to environmental problems and traffic congestion. Sustainable transportation is designed to minimize these negative effects.
Some key features of sustainable transport could be:
Public Transportation: Public transportation vehicles such as buses, subways, trains and trams can reduce traffic congestion and air pollution by reducing individual vehicle use. Such transportation options use energy more efficiently and can serve more people.
Walking and Cycling: By encouraging the use of walking and cycling in short distances, both the health of individuals are supported and vehicle traffic is reduced. Creating footpaths and bike lanes in inner-city areas can make these modes of transport safe and easy.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, which produce less emissions than fossil fuel vehicles, offer an environmentally friendly alternative. These vehicles enable more efficient use of fuels such as electric energy or gasoline/diesel.
Shared Transport: Car sharing is part of sustainable transport. Applications such as car rental, shared bike and scooter services offer solutions to traffic and parking problems by reducing vehicle ownership by individuals.
Intelligent Transportation Systems: With the use of technology, intelligent transportation systems are developed to optimize traffic flow, facilitate parking and make public transportation services more effective.
Transportation Planning: Transportation needs and sustainable transportation solutions should be taken into account during the city planning stage. The integration and accessibility of transportation between residential, business and recreational areas is important.
In addition to reducing environmental impacts, sustainable transport alleviates traffic congestion, increases energy efficiency, improves air quality and improves the quality of life in cities. For this reason, many cities and settlements aim for a more sustainable and livable future by promoting sustainable transportation solutions.
Renewable energy sources
Renewable energy sources are energy sources that are obtained from nature and can be renewed in an unlimited or sustainable way. These resources refer to energy types that do not carry the risk of depletion like fossil fuels and have less potential to harm the environment. Renewable energy plays an important role in issues such as combating climate change, energy security and environmental sustainability.
Here are some commonly used renewable energy sources:
Solar Energy: Electricity is produced using the energy obtained from sunlight. Sunlight is converted into electricity through solar panels (photovoltaic cells).
Wind Energy: Wind energy is converted into electricity by wind turbines. Wind energy can be used effectively in windy areas.
Hydroelectric Energy: Electricity is produced by using the kinetic energy of water accumulated in streams or dams. There are large hydroelectric power plants and smaller scale facilities.
Biomass Energy: Materials of biological origin such as plant and animal wastes, wood, agricultural residues are used to produce energy. Energy is obtained by methods such as biomass combustion, biogas production and biofuel production.
Geothermal Energy: Heating and electricity production is done by using underground hot sources. It is more commonly found in volcanic areas.
Ocean Energy: Studies are carried out on producing energy from ocean resources such as sea waves, tidal movements and temperature differences of sea water. There is no widespread use in this field on a commercial scale yet.
Renewable energy sources are cleaner than fossil fuels and help mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also improves energy security, contributes to local economies and supports sustainable development. For this reason, many countries and societies are investing in renewable energy sources in order to make energy production and consumption more sustainable.
Waste Management and Conversion
Waste management refers to a set of activities that include processes such as collection, transportation, recycling, disposal and processing of waste. These processes aim to treat waste effectively without harming the environment and human health. It aims to achieve goals such as waste management, sustainability, environmental protection and energy saving.
Waste management processes can include:
Collection and Transport: It is the process of collecting, separating and transporting waste. At this stage, it is important to separate the different types of waste and place them in special containers. For example, separating organic waste from paper/plastic/metal facilitates waste recycling.
Recycling: It is the process of converting waste into reusable materials. Recycling enables the economical use of raw materials and reduces environmental impacts. For example, paper, glass, plastic and metals can be recycled.
Disposal: Waste must be handled and disposed of in a safe manner without harming the environment. This process can take place at landfills or facilities where waste is incinerated for energy production.
Composting: The use of organic wastes for fertilizer production through natural decomposition processes. This method increases the soil fertility of organic wastes and reduces the volume of garbage.
Waste Reduction: It aims to reduce the amount of waste by changing consumption habits and production methods. This can be achieved through strategies such as reducing the use of packaging and choosing durable products.
Medical Waste Management: Medical wastes must be collected, transported and processed in a way that reduces the risk of infection. It is important that such waste is disposed of properly.
Waste management plays a critical role in sustainability and environmental protection. A good waste management system reduces environmental pollution, ensures efficient use of resources, helps to save energy and supports leaving a clean environment for future generations.
Urban Agriculture and Local Production
Urban agriculture and local production refer to the realization of food production and agricultural activities in cities. This approach aims to meet the food needs of cities with more sustainable and local sources. Unlike traditional farming methods, urban farming often involves smaller scale and diverse farming methods in urban areas.
Some features of the concepts of urban agriculture and local production can be:
Urban Agriculture: It involves growing plants in areas such as vacant lots, roofs, balconies and courtyards within the city. This can include activities such as fruit, vegetables, herbs or even small-scale livestock farming.
Vertical Farming: Planting or hanging plants on vertical surfaces (for example, on walls or by special structures) to make the best use of limited space. This is a way of farming in areas with limited land within the city.
Hydroponic and Aeroponic Agriculture: These are methods of growing plants using water or nutrient solution instead of soil. These methods aim to use water more efficiently and to obtain faster growing plants.
Urban Livestock: Animal production activities such as poultry (e.g. chickens) or fish farming can also be carried out in limited areas within the city.
Local Production and Markets: Local markets or farm markets selling products produced in the city can be used to support local production and strengthen the bond between the consumer and the producer.
Urban farming and local production provide many benefits:
Food Security: City-produced food comes from shorter distances compared to products from remote areas, making the food supply safer.
Environmentally Friendly: Local production reduces the negative impact on the environment by reducing transportation costs and energy consumption.
Economic Development: Agriculture and production activities in the city contribute to the local economy and create employment.
Community Ties: Local production can create stronger bonds between consumer and producer, increasing community solidarity.
Urban agriculture and local production can contribute to sustainability and livability efforts in cities. The growing population of cities and uncertainties in the food supply chain have made these approaches more important.
Connection with Nature and Health
The relationship between connection with nature and health refers to the positive effects of people’s interactions with the natural environment on physical, mental and emotional health. Being in nature, spending time in natural areas and interacting with nature can offer many health benefits.
The health effects of connection with nature can include:
Physical Health: Walking, cycling or exercising in natural areas can contribute to maintaining and improving physical health. Also, being in green areas where the air quality may be better can reduce the risk of respiratory diseases.
Mental Health: Spending time in nature can reduce stress, relax the mind, and improve overall mood. Silence, green colors and the beauties of nature in natural areas can increase the feeling of mental calm and serenity.
Emotional Health: Being in natural environments can increase emotional well-being. Nature can help people find inner balance and trigger positive emotions.
Social Ties: Spending time with family and friends in natural areas can strengthen social ties. Nature activities can increase communication between people.
Attention and Concentration: Nature can help alleviate problems such as lack of attention. Playing in natural areas, especially for children, can improve concentration.
Psychological Healing: There are researches that spending time in nature can contribute to the treatment of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders.
For these reasons, many societies and health professionals emphasize the positive effects of connection with nature on human health. Spending time in green areas, observing natural beauties, doing outdoor activities and being in touch with nature is an important element to support a healthy lifestyle and maintain mental balance.
Education and Awareness
Education and awareness are important concepts used to increase the level of knowledge and understanding of individuals, to develop sensitivity towards social problems and to create positive changes.
Education:
Education is a process in which knowledge, skills, values and understanding are transferred and supports learning. This process is not limited to education from formal educational institutions, but is also a lifelong activity. Education provides individuals with the opportunity to develop themselves, discover their talents, gain critical thinking skills and understand the world from a wider perspective. Education contributes to the society becoming more conscious, better equipped and more knowledgeable in general. Education also plays an important role in economic development, cultural richness and the creation of a democratic society.
Awareness:
Awareness is individuals’ understanding and awareness of events, situations or problems in their environment. Awareness is an important element that shapes the emotional and mental reactions of individuals. Developing awareness can help individuals become more aware of themselves, others, and their environment, and to act more empathetically, sensitively, and responsibly. Raising awareness in areas such as social problems, environmental protection, health and inequality can contribute to social change and improvement.
The relationship between education and awareness can help individuals gain a broader perspective and better understand societal issues. Increased knowledge and understanding allows people to make more informed choices and create positive change. Education can help people raise their level of awareness and respond more effectively to societal problems.
Nature Reserves
Nature conservation areas are areas specifically designated and managed for the purpose of protecting the natural environment and biodiversity. These areas are created by management strategies and policies that aim to protect natural ecosystems, habitats, plant and animal species, water resources and other ecological components. Nature reserves are often used to support environmental sustainability, protect biodiversity, maintain ecosystem services and transfer natural values to future generations.
Nature reserves may include:
National Parks: These are the areas that are located in large areas and often host rare plant and animal species that require special protection. These areas, which have natural and cultural values, are generally open to visitors, but are areas where human activities are limited.
Nature Parks: These are the regions created for the purpose of protecting natural features and ecological diversity. They can host natural beauties, geological formations or rare plant and animal species.
Wildlife Protection Areas: Areas where the habitats of threatened or extinct species are protected. These areas are used for the protection, observation and research of wildlife.
Marine Protected Areas: These are areas that aim to protect marine ecosystems and underwater life. Marine protected areas aim to protect reefs, marine mammals, fish and other underwater organisms.
Special Nature Protection Areas: Areas where species and ecosystems that are particularly rare or threatened are protected. These areas can be managed in accordance with the traditional knowledge and values of local communities.
Nature reserves are used for purposes such as protecting biodiversity, maintaining ecosystem services, providing ecotourism and educational opportunities. These areas can build resilience to environmental changes and encourage sustainable use of natural resources. It can also emphasize the importance of nature by strengthening people’s connection with nature and support the goal of leaving a clean and healthy environment for future generations.
