Sustainable development is not a mere buzzword among idealistic hippies or environmental activists. It is now part of a global policy trend among the many member-states of the United Nations. It is the non-binding and voluntarily-implemented plan that was formally encapsulated.
Progress versus sustainability
As
a result, many countries have adopted national policies to balance
environmental concerns and urban expansion. For instance, regulating vegetation
management in populated areas is one of the various aspects of sustainable
development policies at the local levels.
Urban
expansion is an inevitable consequence of population growth and economic
progress. As the population grows, the need for additional living spaces such
as residential and recreational areas also increases. In addition, economic
progress entails higher demand for industrial zones and business districts.
Infrastructures such as roads also need to expand to accommodate the greater
volume of vehicular traffic.
In
most cases, removing trees and other vegetation becomes imperative. The need
for fresher air, cooler weather, a more conducive habitat for other organisms,
and protection against soil erosion often conflicts with urban development
needs. This dilemma is sometimes not easy to resolve if there are no clear
urban planning policies and laws regulating Vegetation
Management Plan.
Vegetation risks
There
are so many reason why there is a need to manage vegetation, such as for
aesthetic purposes in landscape design and for practical reasons such as
minimizing risks. The common risks involved include vegetation fire, accidental
obstruction of road, short-circuiting of high-voltage power lines, injuries,
and property damage. Vegetation fire is unpredictable, but it usually occurs
during the dry season. It may also occur during a thunderstorm when the
vegetation is hit by lightning.
The
obstruction of roads may happen when large branches fall, or old trees topple.
The risks are higher when there is a strong wind, such as during a typhoon or
hurricane. The same is true for the risks concerning power lines being hit by
branches. The falling branches or toppling trees may hit people, cars, and
houses as strong winds hurl them. Even high-rise buildings are at risk from
projectile branches and wood pieces.
Urban setting
Despite
the risks involved in maintaining vegetation, they are still essential to urban
settings. They provide a natural aesthetic balance. They serve as a buffer
against carbon dioxide and other pollutants. They produce fresh oxygen and help
regulate temperature. The leaves of trees are excellent providers of shades.
They are also capable of dissipating the heat of direct sunlight, converting it
into stored energy in the form of sugars and carbohydrates. Leaves also help
prevent soil erosion by scattering and weakening the fall of raindrops. In
turn, the soil and roots of plants will be able to soak in the water. The roots
act as anchors for the soil and large boulders.
Trees
and other well-integrated vegetation in the urban design are suitable for
decorative purposes and have excellent practical functions. The overheating
pavements can mitigate with the help of urban vegetation. Explore our services https://andenviro.com.au/services/
