rogerian final

Friedel 1

Friedel Mischler

Professor Bates

ENGL-1213

19 September 2024

Balancing Growth and Sustainability: A Rogerian Approach to Urban Expansion

Urbanization remains a central concept because cities worldwide continue to experience

population increase (Streule, Karaman and Sawyer). Supporters of urbanization note that it

fosters economic growth and improvement in people’s quality of life, while critics warn of the

adverse effects of urbanization on the environment and sustainability. Both perspectives are

crucial, i.e., emerging economic development, social welfare, and environmental conservation

are fundamental pillars of a healthy society. Using green infrastructure and sustainable urban

planning practices provides a viable solution for reconciling development with ecological

conservation.

Description of the Problem (Context of Events)

Topic Sentence:

Urban expansion, historically associated with economic growth and improved living

standards, now faces increasing scrutiny due to its significant environmental impacts,

highlighting the need for a balanced approach to development that addresses both economic and

ecological concerns.

Description:

Friedel 2

Urbanization is the process of developing urban features by constructing and developing

new buildings, the latest structures, new residential areas, and other infrastructures (Chen, Ye and

Lu). In the past, resource urbanization has been associated with the development of the economy

and enhanced living standards in towns. However, the current expansion rate has provoked

arguments about its effects on the environment, such as the destruction of ecosystems, enhanced

pollution, and effects on climate change.

Side A: Economic Benefits of Urban Expansion

Topic Sentence:

Urban expansion is essential for economic development and improving living standards.

Description:

1. Economic Growth: Urbanization leads to employment opportunities, economic

growth, and resource mobilization. When cities expand, there are more chances

for companies and people to find jobs, hence boosting economic development.

2. Infrastructure Improvement: New developments mean improved infrastructure,

such as transport, utilities, and other services; greater density means better usage

and more efficient services. This improvement will be very constructive because

it allows all residents to gain better access to efficient amenities.

3. Housing Availability: New jobs and a growing population also improve quality,

availability, and affordability (Galster and Lee). In the same way, urban expansion

enlarges the number of housing units and allows more people to secure decent and

relatively cheap accommodation.

Friedel 3

Side B: Environmental Concerns of Urban Expansion

Topic Sentence:

Urban expansion has detrimental effects on the environment, threatening sustainability.

Description:

1. Environmental Degradation: Growth also results in the degradation of natural

ecosystems and species loss. As the urban areas expand, the expansions impact

the natural resources such as the forests, wetlands and other ecosystems by

destroying the natural habitats of animals (Li, Fang, and Li).

2. Increased Pollution: Urbanization increases air and water pollution levels

because of increased development. Societal activities such as constructing new

structures and increased traffic act causatively to pollutants and degrade the

environment.

3. Climate Change: Urbanization leads to an increase in energy utilization and

emissions of gases that alter the world’s climate.

Common Ground/Shared Values/Shared Goals

Topic Sentence:

Despite differing priorities, both sides of the urban expansion debate share a common

goal of enhancing living conditions and fostering sustainable communities (Tonne, Adair and

Adlakha).

Description:

Friedel 4

Conventional advocates for expanding urban areas, and conservationists aim to enhance

the standard and quality of living of the existing and successive generations. On one side of the

debate, there are numerous talks about the great opportunities for economic development that

urbanization offers; on the other side, many advocate the protection of natural ecosystems. While

proposing distinct lines of action, the management and the union understand the importance of a

moderate approach to developing prosperous, viable communities.

Possible Compromise or Solution

Proposed Compromise:

To reconcile the needs for economic development and environmental protection, the

following solutions are proposed:

1. Integrated Green Infrastructure: Sustainable land development in urban areas

minimizes negative environmental effects while fostering economic growth. This

encompasses the development of parks, green roofs, and other sustainable

drainage systems to improve the urban setting.

2. Sustainable Urban Planning: Adopt planning policies that support more growth

in already developed urban cities instead of developing new ones. This approach

helps preserve the natural environment and ensure efficiency in the use of

available resources.

3. Community Involvement: Consult all stakeholders in the development planning

so that development responds to economic requirements and does not hinder

environmental conservation. Support from the community ensures that

Friedel 5

competition of various interests is effectively managed and solutions are

sustainable.

Supporting Evidence:

Green infrastructure contributes to the reduction of adverse ecological footprints and

enhances the quality of life in cities (Wang, Ni and Hu). The findings on the best practices of

sustainable urban planning show that attaining growth is always possible while preserving

ecology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the debate on urban expansion draws the attention of policymakers and

scholars to the best way of promoting economic development without polluting the environment.

Both parties recognize the goal of higher living standards that do not harm ecology. The

proposed compromise between sprawl and green involves both green infrastructure and

sustainable planning. Working together is the key to building urban surroundings that promote a

sustainable existence for people and our planet.

Friedel 6

Works Cited

Chen, M, et al. “Cognition and construction of the theoretical connotations of new urbanization

with Chinese characteristics.” Journal of Geographical Sciences, 29 (2019): 1681-1698.

Galster, G and K. O Lee. “Housing affordability: A framing, synthesis of research and policy,

and future directions.” International Journal of Urban Sciences, 25(sup1) (2021): 7-58.

Li, G, et al. “Global impacts of future urban expansion on terrestrial vertebrate diversity.” Nature

communications, 13(1) (2022): 1628.

Streule, M, et al. “Popular urbanization: Conceptualizing urbanization processes beyond

informality.” International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, 44(4) (2020):

652-672.

Tonne, C, et al. “Defining pathways to healthy sustainable urban development.” Environment

international, 146 (2021): 106236.

Wang, Y, et al. “Environmental performances and energy efficiencies of various urban green

infrastructures: A life-cycle assessment.” Journal of Cleaner Production, 248 (2020):

119244.