Uploaded on 2015-12-15 by jacevela28

![enter image description here][1] This is a particularly busy area of campus and it very much represents how other areas around campus look like. Image Source: http://lodgingmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/texasaandm.jpg ![enter image description here][2] There are also a lot of parking lots throughout the city, which only make the problem worse. Image Source: http://www.weitzmangroup.com/properties/2412-texas-ave-college-station-tx-77840 ![enter image description here][3] If you look closely, you will see a difference in the landscape as your eye travels farther back. Many of the areas beyond College Station are very rural. Image Source: http://shreenathaniel.blogspot.com/2011/01/college-stationbryan-vegetarian-guide.html The measures that I would propose involve encouraging the city to reevaluate its development patterns and priorities. Currently, the city government is more concerned with economic development and that often comes at the expense of valuable green spaces and vegetation. Built environment professionals in this area must be made aware of the city's current environmental situation and struggle with the urban island heat effect. This will help ensure that new developments adhere to certain environment guidelines so as to prevent any future environmental issues and help mitigate any existing ones. Considering what I just stated above, it can be concluded that the urban island heat effect is unlikely to be a concern or of any importance to those who govern the city and its people. This is of great concern because it means that the problem will only continue to grow. One of the benefits of living in a college town is that there are always young people up for a challenge. It is my hope that citizens will eventually stand up and make a demand for change. As was discussed in this course, citizens can certainly have an influence over their own communities and quality of life. They just need a little help getting there. [1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14502205945594427.jpg [2]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14502209997872087.jpeg [3]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14502204893941545.jpg