In developed nations this is easier because technologies and materials, often expensive and hard to come by, can help to mitigate pollution. In less developed nations, pollution is often somewhat of an afterthought as a product of production or prosperity (Termorshuizen, Opdam, and van den Brink, 380). By creating cheaper, more fuel efficient technologies and by making them available to all nations, pollution in the third world and developing nations' urban environments can be reduced as well.
Another top priority for urban planning and development should be lifestyle factors. These factors include access to parks, open spaces, community centers and the like. This is a major concern because people living in places where these types of spaces are abundant tend to be happier and feel more fulfilled (Termorshuizen, Opdam, and van den Brink, 383). It is far more difficult to create and promote these spaces in urban environments that have already been developed. However, the use of greenbelts and encouraging people to walk or ride their bikes instead of polluting the air, water, and soil with automobile exhaust and noise can do much to increase the livability of an urban
This is another instance where less developed nations can actually become more people-friendly since their urban environments are less complex and can still be influenced to help reflect this priority. An example should also be set for less developed nations that helps encourage the creation of open space and the preservation of greenbelts and other natural environs within the urban environment. These places and spaces need to be seen as valuable ways of increasing general health and happiness in the urban environment instead of being seen as a waste of space, time, and money.
References
Rees, William and Wackernagel, Mathis. (2008). "Urban Ecological Footprints: Why Cities
Cannot be Sustainable -- and Why They are a Key to Sustainability." Urban Ecology, Vol. 5, No. 5, Pp. 537-555.
Termorshuizen, Jolande W.; Opdam, Paul; and van den Brink, Adri. (2007). "Incorporating
Ecological Sustainability into Landscape Planning." Landscape and Urban Planning, Vol. 79,…
