Big challenges needs big ideas
Our environment faces big challenges for current and future generations. The scale of human impact on the planet has never been greater than it is now. At a global level, the 20th century brought many technological benefits and changes to our way of life, but we have also experienced unprecedented expansion in population, consumption, energy use, waste and pollution, and the conversion of land to agriculture.
Climate change is one of the greatest threats to our economy and society. The resultant environmental change will have significant impacts on wildlife, natural processes and human populations.
The planning system has a key role to play in helping achieve this challenge. It influences where we plan development and how it is designed as we move towards low-carbon lifestyles and encourage alternatives to private car use. Balancing measures for combatting climate with other land use planning priorities will be a significant challenge, one which will require novel ways of thinking and strong leadership.
In the context of the global climate emergency, biodiversity loss and the coronavirus pandemic, investment in the provision of high quality, biodiverse and accessible green infrastructure has never been more vital.
Strengthening networks of multi-functional green infrastructure at a landscape-scale has an important role to play in building resilience to climate change, nature recovery and promoting healthy, resilient and safe communities.
In many ways, the principles of Ian McHarg’s pioneering thinking about Design with Nature are more relevant than ever as natural solutions become increasingly central to meeting these challenges.
For information about CBA’s green infrastructure planning, design and management services, please contact Dominic Watkins, Director.