Can be implemented through
Requires support through
Is affected by
Faces challenges from
Relies on preserving
Begins with understanding
How can Vancouver adopt sustainable practices to balance urban development with the preservation of its natural ecosystems?
Urbanization
Mitigation Strategies
Circular Economy Practices
Zero Waste 2040 plan
Compact, walkable cities
Challenges of Urbanization
Cities consuming 75% of resources
Sprawl, car dependency, resource depletion
80% of residents in the Vancouver metropolitan area live in suburban neighborhoods
Urbanization's Impact on Ecosystems
Over 90% of historical wetlands in the Lower Fraser area have been lost.
Biodiversity and Natural Ecosystems
Preservation Efforts
Urban greening and wildlife corridors
Vancouver's Ecological Network
Importance of Biodiversity
Ecosystem services: pollination, water filtration, climate regulation
Habitat Loss
Forest Reduction: Since 1859
False Creek's habitat reduced to 26% of its original 355 hectares
Ethics and Perspectives on the Environment
Conflicts and Awareness
Public education and values on sustainability
Growth-driven capitalism vs. sustainable living
cological balance and long-term well-being
consumption and resource extraction
Modern Sustainability Principles
UN Sustainable Development Goals
Three E's: Environment, Economics, and Equity
Foundations of Sustainability
Indigenous practices of living in harmony with nature
European Enlightenment's focus on resource conservation
Innovative Urban Solutions
Smart City Initiatives
Smart Mobility Solutions
Apps providing updates on parking availability
Energy Efficiency
Smart streetlights
Waste Management
Smart sensors for waste management and energy efficiency
Compact Cities
Transit-Oriented Development
15-Minute Neighborhoods
Residents can access all essential services within a 15-minute walk or bike ride.
Green Infrastructure
green roofs
vertical forests
Tree-lined streets
Policy and Governance for Sustainability
Promoting Community-Centric Economies
Implementing localized circular economy practices
Community composting
Reuse centers
Fostering Youth Engagement
Encouraging youth participation in local climate action
Circular Economy Policies
Reducing urban waste and regenerating resources
Climate Change and Emissions
Solutions
Renewable energy adoption, carbon pricing, and nuclear energy
Impact of Emissions
Long-term effects of CO₂
Temperatures stabilize ~100 years after emissions stop.
Rising Temperatures and Extreme Weather Events
the most destructive wildfire season on record (2023)
Most costly weather event (2021 flooding)
Canada's most fatal climate-related event in BC (2021 heat dome)
Canada is warming at twice the global average rate
Sources of Emissions
Energy, transportation, agriculture
