Chapter 2
As outlined in chapter one, industrial revolution brought a different paradigm on matters related to production, labor patterns, population distribution as well as wealth distribution. Before the industrial revolution, most people lived in the rural set-up, an instance that promoted farming. That was never the case with the industrial revolution, which gave rise to the growth of urban set-up regarding structure as well as operations (Cowan, 2018). The existing industrial revolution opportunities are the leading cause of the population shift recorded. Factories currently exist in most cities, and people have to relocate to ensure convenience regarding work opportunities. The ability to change the working conditions in cities made it possible to improve on relationships.
Modern cities and technology
The decisions that governments, individuals as well as business stakeholders made during the industrial revolution are the leading cause of growth that exist in the contemporary cities. The technological possibilities that existed during the time streamlined most of the current existence. The ability to redefine the urban hierarchies made it possible to record growth and improve relationships in various occasions. There is the aspect of specialization as well as, which is the main cause of the existing economic base. Even though cities currently indicate a sense of growth, the transition was never a walk in the park, and various stakeholders had to lay the foundation to make things work. The transformation made it possible to achieve various states of cities, and each phase had significant instances (Hawken, Lovins & Lovins, 2013).
Most scholars think that the development of the U.S cities happened overnight. The fact of the matter is that technology played a crucial role in shaping the cities. Key aspects of technology that came handy include the improvement in transportation technologies regarding automobiles as well as airplanes. There is also the infrastructure technology that incorporates the widespread diffusion of electricity. That is inclusive of the highway as well as water systems in the region. The mass production regarding manufacturing technologies made it possible to get the very best out of most production processes (Cowan, 2018). Moreover, the instance made it possible to create job opportunities, which improved the living standard of most people in the region. Ultimately, agricultural mechanization made it possible to achieve the best result in most production processes. That is the main reason for the success in mitigating certain risks in the agricultural sector.
Due to the technological advancements, there exist dispersed cities and such a platform is also the leading cause of growth in the less developed regions. Currently, the aspect of air travel among cities makes it possible to improve trade. There is also the aspect of long-distance communications, which makes it possible to clarify individual business processes. The existence of truck transport is also the main reason for the existing regional relationship and makes it possible to expand urban life, mostly to the south and west.
Communication is currently possible due to the existence of arterial highways, which also play a crucial role in decongesting cities. Ideally, population growth normally brings the aspect of congestion, and there is need to employ the latest technology in mitigating the challenge. Currently, there is also the aspect of widespread electrification, which brings a greater sense of freedom. The southern and western states mostly bank on the aspect of electrification to record the growth, currently evident in the region. It is evident that the south as western climates was not favorable for working (Musson & Robinson, 1969). That affected production in some ways. There was the emergence of air conditioning, which currently improves operations in most cities. The migration from the rural to urban set-up was as a result of the improvement in mechanization. The existence of automobiles also brought about the aspect of bedroom subordinations together with the emergence of streetcars. Currently, there is the existence of the central business district, which banked on the existence of steel-girded building as well as the best telephone communications. The developments are also the main reason for the construction of skyscraper office towers in the CBD. These structures can accommodate the increased population and made it possible to control current operations in most cities in the contemporary society.
Climate impact
Currently, it is evident that close to half of the world’s population stay in cities and that is the main reason for the production of a consideration amount of the GDP. Even though agriculture also contributes to the growth, there exist some companies in the urban centers which utilizes most of the produce from farms. In the process, there is the increase in the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Such emission is likely to tamper with the lives of plants and animals in the future. Making certain species extinct is not a new concept in the contemporary society. Currently, it stands out that close to half of the world’s population lives in the urban areas and the number is likely to increase to 65 percent by 20130. That indicates that the amount of pollution will be on the increase, and that presents a negative impact on the environment. Even though such a movement will improve on economic activities, there is need to understand resource allocation and the best way to explore innovation in meeting demands.
China is the hub of technological growth and development. Producing nearly every product in the region is possible. All that is required is a prototype. Even though the instance presents a positive growth impact in the area, it also hurt the environment in some ways. There is the increase in the number of carbon emissions as well as other chemicals, which significantly contribute to global warming. The impact of global warming can relate to the occurrence in the Netherlands in which floods caused tremendous damage to properties. Even though such events are evident, it necessary for the government to use all the available tools to create a better society that will improve the living standard in the region. Creating a state of compact urban growth is essential. The development of China, for instance, will emerge economically dynamic as well as healthy. The situation will foster growth and diversity. The production of technological devices such as laptops and mobile phones is currently on the rise. In fact, most of these productions, as well as consumption, occur in the cities due to the existence of the best infrastructure regarding skills as well as resources. The daunting part of the process is the disposal of these devices. Most of these devices are not bio-degradable, and that stands as the primary challenge on the environment. Moreover, disposed gadgets also result in the emission of harmful components into the atmosphere. Such an instance compromises the health of plants and animals due to the emergence of acid rain.
How cities adapt to the climate change
Leadership is such a significant aspect in every. It makes it possible to scale operations in such a region and make it possible in thwarting specific processes that might promote growth and sustainability. The planning system should efficiently function in ensuring proper utilization of the natural resources. Instance such as deforestation should not embrace in the contemporary society since it stands as the leading cause of drought, which impacts the lives of plants and animals. Policymakers in certain instances fail since they can implement the best policies that serve the interest of the general public. Human is self-centered and will always enact laws that please them on most occasions. The primary systems that should be the center of discussion include those that relate to solid waste, transportation as well as planning in the urban set-up. The community should not think that it is the role of the government to create all the changes. A shared sense of purpose is the best way to get ideas that will ensure growth in the society.
Rethinking governance as well as planning is also a crucial way of making a better environment. Most urban set-ups currently strive to increase the fiscal autonomy. The local community should have a say on key operations taking place in the region. That is the main cause for the emergence of a smart urban infrastructure development, which is evident in most western cultures. It is evident that corruption is prevalent in most nations and that contributes to the execution of activities that do not promote sustenance in the society. Currently, nations are coming together to ensure proper governance since most operations can hurt the neighbors as well (Feinstein, 1998).
One of the primary ways of addressing such as the existence of team to look into matters related to corruption. The mafias are mostly responsible for the numerous unethical processes in various cities, which also present a negative impact on the lives of individuals in the region. Urban leaders are also on the forefront on the delivery of contents with low-carbon content. One way that nations are putting into consideration is the ability to recycle products. The by-products will not only prevent contamination but also helps in managing the limited resources. The impact means good to the public and will play a crucial role in improving the lives of individuals in most occasions. Smart cars, as well as buildings, currently dominate various domains. It was evident that the combustion of fuel proves as the main cause of carbon emission into the atmospheres. Unfortunately, most cars, as well as machines, exist in the urban set-up. Such an instance made it possible to increase the amount of emission. The existence of electric cars for instance limits the production of such components, and that improves on key aspects related to climate.
Ideally, the outlines approaches are crucial since in any delay in the implementation of actions to counter climate change can result to a state in which the government will not manage to change, and such can significantly affect progress in the region. The ability to consider the long-term effect of any action is critical, and the government should prioritize the lives of the public. Industrialization of cities stands as the stock of greenhouse gases, and the inability to have the right corrective measures into consideration is the main reason for a failed state. The government should use all the available avenues in fostering growth and improving the well-being of individuals in various parts of the world.
References
Cowan, R. S. (2018). The “industrial revolution” in the home: household technology and social change in the twentieth century. In The Routledge Companion to Modernity, Space and Gender (pp. 81-97). Routledge.
Feinstein, C. H. (1998). Pessimism perpetuated: real wages and the standard of living in Britain during and after the industrial revolution. The Journal of Economic History, 58(3), 625-658.
Hawken, P., Lovins, A. B., & Lovins, L. H. (2013). Natural capitalism: The next industrial revolution. Routledge.
Musson, A. E., & Robinson, E. (1969). Science and technology in the industrial revolution. Manchester University Press.
