Emphasis on Infrastructure
Associations of Green Infrastructure Density and Socio-Demographics in Cities with a Green Stormwater Infrastructure Installation Program
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Alisha Chan
Previous research has shown that the distribution of green space, such as green stormwater infrastructure, in areas of racial diversity, economic hardship, and lower educational standing may result in more benefits to the society. This study assesses the associations between total green infrastructure density and socio-demographic factors such as age, race, education, income, and percent unemployment in three cities that have implemented a green stormwater infrastructure installment program. These cities include Portland, Oregon, New York City, New York, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. U.S. Census block groups and green infrastructure density in each city were used for the assessment. Based on the results, all three cities show that total green infrastructure have been placed in areas where the population is younger, has more minorities, and has lower economic standing. Results from New York and Philadelphia also show that green infrastructure density is higher in areas where the population has lower education. These relationships may imply that the green infrastructure installment programs may be influencing cities in placing green infrastructure in areas with more racial diversity, economic hardship, and lower educational standing.
Structural Transformation, Economic Growth, and Sectoral Contribution to GDP through Electricity in Developing Countries
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Durga Prasad Subedi
According to the three sector theory of Allan, Clark, and Fourastie, this study amplifies the clear outline of structural transformation by the access of electricity and engaged percentage of workforces (work quotas) on the (1) First Phase – Traditional Civilization (Middle Age), (2) Second Phase – Transitional Period, and (3) Third Phase – Tertiary Civilization. Recent data reveal that most of the developing countries have very low electricity access. Due to this reason, still, very low electricity access countries are struggling the hazardous economic conditions, as like as the Traditional Civilization (Middle Age) economy. To excape from the adversity, an adequate and regular electricity supply has been one of the most crucial and productive resources. It vitally supports the developing economies to increase the Human Development Index, sectoral contribution to GDP, GDP per capita income, and overall structural transformation and economic growth. Without adequate access to electricity, very few countries are able to achieve structural transformation. This study is dominated by quantitative research, qualitative research has also been used to some extent. At first, the model has explored the link between electricity development and sectoral contribution to GDP, labor force by sector, and the workforce quotas (three sector theory). Second, it has explored the HDI, GDP per capita income, and overall economic growth and structural transformation. It includes thirty selected developed and developing sample countries.
Environment Versus Housing: Construction on the East Kolkata Wetlands
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Nilendu Bala
With rapid urbanization and expansion of Indian cities, there is a consequential depletion of wetlands. To preserve the wetlands and formulate policies to protect them, it is necessary to know the causes and procedures by which the wetlands are getting compromised. East Kolkata Wetlands of India is one of the largest in the world. Some scholars have described it as the kidney of Kolkata, and it helps to process all the waste-water of the city, making it environmentally subsidized. The inhabitants of the wetlands have perfected the art of turning “Waste to Wealth‟ using the sewage and wastewater generated by the city, to produce fish and vegetables. However, a fragmented ownership of the land between several individuals and authorities, combined with the demand for land and proximity to city, is making it vulnerable to urban growth and encroachments. Before the Ramsar Convention these wetlands were used extensively for the city development by both Government and Private entities. Even after Ramsar Convention which provides international legal protection, there has been some major construction on it. Presently the wetlands are being engulfed on three sides by growing urban sprawl, and with a masterplan proposal of highway through it. To restrict urban growth, it imperative to ascertain the methods by which land is being converted for housing needs. Based on ground study and extensive discussion on planning practices in place, this research proposes five major methods to occupy and legalize the wetlands, with suggestions to overcome flaws in the system.
