Uploaded on 2014-11-09 by EdxEric

The most important stocks and flows are those that sustain life. The Weather. A moderate climate that is hospitable to life, settlement and cities. As we transition to a zero carbon future (or no future) we must brace ourselves for a rough ride over the next century. Our settlement patterns, infrastructures, and the entire built environment must adapt for a new reality. Resiliency is the overiding imperative for the 21st century. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are a powerful new tool for turning data into useful information. Data of every kind from smart phones and social media to land based and satelite sensors can be organized and understood geographically. The "INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE" of the future will rely heavly on GiS technology. Air to breathe and water to drink. Sustainable agriculture and food to eat. We must be prepared to endure shortages of all three. We must take a long range view to protect these critical resources. We must adapt our established NON-sustainable methods for managing air food and water. We need better models of these systems. We need informed planning. The land. Landscape infrastructure is a critical component of the sustainable city. The sustainable city of the future is protected and sustained by its landscape. The hydrology of watersheds and habitat for wildlife as well as recreation areas for people are all essential functions. These systems should be closely monitored, preserved and restored were necessary. Again, better models and more planning. ![power and communication][2] Other essential needs which must be managed in a way that protects our common future: Power and communications Utilities. Transportation infrastructure for public and private transit. Until we transition to renewable energy our power, communications and transit systems will continue to pump more carbon into the environment. Efficiency may keep us alive longer but we must terminate the flow of fossil fuel into the environment asap. In the absence of urban growth boundaries, development takes no account of the true cost of greenfield development. We experience this as sprawl, and the decay of older suburbs as worn out infrastructure falls apart. It is time to realize how foolish and irresponsible it is to allow development to shift infrastructure cost to the taxpayer. [1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14155717256724724.jpg [2]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14155719335149614.jpg