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Those cities that stifle the campaign |
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Sunday, 20 April 2008 |
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what is sprawl?
Urban sprawl occurs when urbanization spreads at speeds faster than population growth. Observed in all developed countries, this translates into an increase of space "consumed" per capita. Farmland and woods are turned into housing, commercial or industrial zones and transport infrastructure.
Germany wants to divide by four space consumption
In 2002, the German government has set a target of limiting the consumption of space in its territory to 30 hectares per day in 2020. It is a severe decrease from the current figure, which is 120 hectares, a slight decline since 2004.
That goal of 30 ha was recalled in various official documents and forms part of the coalition agreement signed in November 2005 between the Christian Democrats of Angela Merkel and the SPD. However, it is not anchored in law and is therefore not binding. The federal government is trying instead to influence local authorities who decide to urban planning.
In France, President Nicolas Sarkozy said on October 25, 2007: "We will consider a national programmer to combat" artificial "soil." A group monitoring the environment Grenelle working on this theme.
In France, the extension of these surfaces has reached 6900 km2 between 1992 and 2004, representing an increase of 20%, while the population grew only at the same time, only 6%. These represent a 6900 km2 area larger than a department French.
What cause nuisances?
The approximately 160 acres "artificial" daily in France are 80% to the detriment of agriculture, at a time when we sort of a situation of agricultural overproduction. Urbanization installation makes it difficult for young farmers and threatens UPA, hampering the development of short circuits marketing of agricultural products.
The effect on the environment is important. The territory is fragmented, particularly by the transportation infrastructure. Ecosystems are fragmented, which is detrimental to the health of populations of flora and fauna. In addition, soil resealed (for the asphalt, concrete, etc.). Limit water infiltration into the basement, aggravated by runoff flood risks.
Urban sprawl forced residents to frequent trips from home to the workplace and to the commercial areas: public transport may not be profitable on settlements scattered, automobiles (and gas emissions of Greenhouse) are more numerous.
What are the causes of urban sprawl?
The increase in income inequality allowed to invest more affluent urban areas. Sociologists observe and the price of land decreases as you move away from the centre: "The popular categories tend to go further and further. Centre, executives, middle managers around, a suburb near intermediate professions and employees, and finally, far from the rural, blue-collar workers. flats are the new territories of the working class, "explains Christophe Guilluy geographer, in the journal Vacarme .
Other social changes have however, as an increasing number of divorces and retirees with more than one residence. Between 1992 and 2004 the number of households grew by 15%, while the population as did 6%. Another important element is the preference for individual housing in our societies. She was encouraged by a tax and state aid suburban development-friendly. It was also boosted by the relatively low price of fuel since the late 1980's, which has helped reduce the cost of automobile transportation from home to work.
What are the solutions?
Redistribution of income data would change much of the problem. It is about political choices overall.
In addition, analysts promote a proactive land policy which aims to control land in an intercommunal and resorts including the instrument of first refusal by the municipalities.
A policy of support for the UPA is also mentioned. The search for a higher densification is a third course of action.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 29 June 2008 )
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