What would it mean to live in cities designed to foster feelings of connectedness to the ocean? As coastal cities begin planning for climate change and rising sea levels; author Timothy Beatley sees opportunities for rethinking the relationship between urban development and the ocean. Modern society is more dependent upon ocean resources than people are commonly aware ofmdash;from oil and gas extraction to wind energy; to the vast amounts of fish harvested globally; to medicinal compounds derived from sea creatures; and more. In Blue Urbanism; Beatley argues that; given all wersquo;ve gained from the sea; city policies; plans; and daily urban life should acknowledge and support a healthy ocean environment.The book explores issues ranging from urban design and land use; to resource extraction and renewable energy; to educating urbanites about the wonders of marine life. Beatley looks at how emerging practices like ldquo;community supported fisheriesrdquo; and aquaponics can provide a sustainable alternative to industrial fishing practices. Other chapters delve into incentives for increasing use of wind and tidal energy as renewable options to oil and gas extraction that damages ocean life; and how the shipping industry is becoming more ldquo;green.rdquo; Additionally; urban citizens; he explains; have many opportunities to interact meaningfully with the ocean; from beach cleanups to helping scientists gather data.While no one city ldquo;has it all figured out;rdquo; Beatley finds evidence of a changing ethic in cities around the world: a marine biodiversity census in Singapore; decreasing support for shark-finning in Hong Kong; ldquo;water plazasrdquo; in Rotterdam; a new protected area along the rocky shore of Wellington; New Zealand; ldquo;bluebeltrdquo; planning in Staten Island; and more. Ultimately he explains we must create a culture of ldquo;ocean literacyrdquo; using a variety of approaches; from building design and art installations that draw inspiration from marine forms; to encouraging citizen volunteerism related to oceans; to city-sponsored research; and support for new laws that protect marine health.Equal parts inspiration and practical advice for urban planners; ocean activists; and policymakers; Blue Urbanism offers a comprehensive look at the challenges and great potential for urban areas to integrate ocean health into their policy and planning goals.
#3419216 in eBooks 2010-12-01 2014-07-13File Name: B00LHY94FK
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Great Way to Celebrate 250th Anniversary of Lenox; MABy LkennedyThis is a wonderful summary of the history of this beautiful town. It includes numerous old photos...many of which I have not seen before. Its an easy read and provides background on town founding; its participation in the Revolutionary and Civil wars and its era of being a major Gilded Age resort. Lenox celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2017 so this would be the perfect time to buy thus book0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Labor of love for LenoxBy SusanAmy Lafave lovingly crafts this tribute to Lenox. Black and white images are given color from her research. Reading this one feels like they are standing next to the author; pouring over old pictures; sharing an anecdotal account of a towns rich (pun intended) past.
