(Draft #3) Summary_Reader Response: "Developing Sustainable Infrastructure in New Cities"
In the article “Developing Sustainable Infrastructure in New Cities”, Cho (2014, December 17) expressed the importance of sustainable infrastructure in a metropolitan setting and identified key areas in determining how infrastructure can add value to the community. She asserted that economic-driven developments in new cities are affected by metropolitan challenges and therefore enhancement in functionality and durability of infrastructure are essential to keep up with these developments. She further mentioned the economic, social and environmental effects on a community, which are to be taken into consideration. As an Impact King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) Fellow, Cho explains how she intended to apply the Envision sustainability rating system as an impartial guideline to evaluate sophisticated infrastructure development. In the course of the Fellowship, Cho said that “to provide an Envision evaluation on a major planned road that is foreseen to be the main entry point and arterial road in King Abdullah Economic City" satisfy KAEC’s extensive sustainable infrastructure development. The author has declared that infrastructure must be built upon the consideration of several factors that impact society and the environment positively. Thus, smart and well-conceived infrastructure decisions will certainly create a positive impact socially, economically and environmentally.
Formally, one of the factors that should be considered is the impact on society. Smart ideas can be implemented in infrastructures such as transportation, communication, electric systems, etc. to improve the living standards of lives. Based on the WorldAtlas webpage, the World Economic Forum (WEF) ranked Hong Kong with an infrastructure score of 6.7 which is said to be the highest of any country in the world. According to Burdett(2019), “Hong Kong has a very coastal and mountainous environment which makes it very difficult to build roads connecting places. Hong Kong has therefore built tunnels through mountains and under the harbour.” Hong Kong’s economy has been greatly profited due to smart infrastructure decisions and as a result leaving a positive impact on the people.
Secondly, economical effect should be observed as one of the factors. Smart infrastructure should be built to aid the country’s economic development and prosperity. Many economies have seen significant growth over time and Singapore stands as the most celebrated example. According to Ramchandani(2019), “The aim was to strengthen Changi's position as a leading regional air hub amid intensifying competition, and enhance its appeal as a stopover destination for travellers, while at the same time creating an appealing new go-to spot for local residents.” The S$1.7 billion purpose-built Jewel Changi Airport has been the most profitable investment in Singapore. Travellers are making their transit just to experience the world-class airport service Singapore has to offer. Aviation infrastructure such as Jewel Changi Airport has indeed created a positive impact on the economy.
Lastly, environmental concerns should be considered as one of the factors. The environment can be destroyed during the creation or installation of infrastructure but can be prevented to a large extent if proper planning of smart infrastructure is built to create a more sustainable environment. According to Montgomery(2015), “Take the case of the Mato Grosso do Sul State Road Transport Project, in Brazil, which was highlighted in a recent World Bank report on improving environmental sustainability in road projects. In this infrastructure project, the identification of and implementation of more sustainable approaches to erosion control saved about US$46 million.” Infrastructures are bound to harm the environment but a well-thought and executed infrastructure will create a positive impact on the environment.
As Cho stated in her article, infrastructure is a key feature where it is required for operation by people and should be considered based on social, economic and environmental factors before executing the project. If the above factors are considered and executed correctly, we will not only enjoy a better standard of living but also pave a brand new tomorrow for our future generations.
Resources
Cho, H. (2014, December 17 ). Developing Sustainable Infrastructure in New Cities. Retrieved from https://newcities.org/evaluating-sustainable-infrastructure-development-new-cities/
Burdett, M. (2019, February 13). Case study of transport infrastructure: Hong Kong. Retrieved from https://geographycasestudysite.wordpress.com/case-study-of-transport-infrastructure-hong-kong/
Ramchandani, N. (2019, April 20 ). Will Jewel be Changi's game-changer?. Business Times. Retrieved from https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/brunch/will-jewel-be-changis-game-changer
Montgomery, R. (2015, November 13 November). How can we promote sustainable infrastructure?. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/11/how-can-we-promote-sustainable-infrastructure/
Formally, one of the factors that should be considered is the impact on society. Smart ideas can be implemented in infrastructures such as transportation, communication, electric systems, etc. to improve the living standards of lives. Based on the WorldAtlas webpage, the World Economic Forum (WEF) ranked Hong Kong with an infrastructure score of 6.7 which is said to be the highest of any country in the world. According to Burdett(2019), “Hong Kong has a very coastal and mountainous environment which makes it very difficult to build roads connecting places. Hong Kong has therefore built tunnels through mountains and under the harbour.” Hong Kong’s economy has been greatly profited due to smart infrastructure decisions and as a result leaving a positive impact on the people.
Secondly, economical effect should be observed as one of the factors. Smart infrastructure should be built to aid the country’s economic development and prosperity. Many economies have seen significant growth over time and Singapore stands as the most celebrated example. According to Ramchandani(2019), “The aim was to strengthen Changi's position as a leading regional air hub amid intensifying competition, and enhance its appeal as a stopover destination for travellers, while at the same time creating an appealing new go-to spot for local residents.” The S$1.7 billion purpose-built Jewel Changi Airport has been the most profitable investment in Singapore. Travellers are making their transit just to experience the world-class airport service Singapore has to offer. Aviation infrastructure such as Jewel Changi Airport has indeed created a positive impact on the economy.
Lastly, environmental concerns should be considered as one of the factors. The environment can be destroyed during the creation or installation of infrastructure but can be prevented to a large extent if proper planning of smart infrastructure is built to create a more sustainable environment. According to Montgomery(2015), “Take the case of the Mato Grosso do Sul State Road Transport Project, in Brazil, which was highlighted in a recent World Bank report on improving environmental sustainability in road projects. In this infrastructure project, the identification of and implementation of more sustainable approaches to erosion control saved about US$46 million.” Infrastructures are bound to harm the environment but a well-thought and executed infrastructure will create a positive impact on the environment.
As Cho stated in her article, infrastructure is a key feature where it is required for operation by people and should be considered based on social, economic and environmental factors before executing the project. If the above factors are considered and executed correctly, we will not only enjoy a better standard of living but also pave a brand new tomorrow for our future generations.
Resources
Cho, H. (2014, December 17 ). Developing Sustainable Infrastructure in New Cities. Retrieved from https://newcities.org/evaluating-sustainable-infrastructure-development-new-cities/
Burdett, M. (2019, February 13). Case study of transport infrastructure: Hong Kong. Retrieved from https://geographycasestudysite.wordpress.com/case-study-of-transport-infrastructure-hong-kong/
Ramchandani, N. (2019, April 20 ). Will Jewel be Changi's game-changer?. Business Times. Retrieved from https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/brunch/will-jewel-be-changis-game-changer
Montgomery, R. (2015, November 13 November). How can we promote sustainable infrastructure?. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/11/how-can-we-promote-sustainable-infrastructure/
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