I have mentioned in previous posts the possibility of a linear Adelaide reinventing itself to become a sustainable city. It is on the public policy agenda.
Three possibilities quickly spring to mind: water proofing Adelaide by recycling storm and waste water. Running Adelaide on solar energy as we have the sunlight to do it. Using wind power to generate electricity rather importing it half way across the continent through a national electricity market still dependent on brown coal-fired generators.
These are not difficult concepts to grasp. They require thinking of a city within, and dependent on, ecosystems. It means a shaking of the old ways of thinking about cities as machines; bringing nature back into the city; reducing the ecological footprint by more efficient use of resources; planning for greenery.
It is a pathway of urban design that I fear is not being taken. Adelaide has deep seated problems concerning sustainability as it has a heavy ecological footprint: it burns lots of fossil fuels; consumes more energy per capita than most cities; is profligate with water; has little in the way of innovative green industries and little government will to redesign the city or foster sustainablity practices in households and businesses.
I have to give credit where credit is due. Herbert Girardet, an urban consultant, has just finished his stint as a thinker in residence. His brief was to develop a strategy for Adelaide to become a Green city. He has the track record.
Here is an executive summary of his report.
Posted by Gary Sauer-Thompson at August 19, 2003 12:21 AM | TrackBack