Sustainable Communities E-Book

Diego Hidalgo-Oñate

• Herausgeber: Cervantes Digital
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

Dive into the insightful world of "Sustainable Communities" by Diego Hidalgo-Oñate, where the author embarks on an enlightening journey to unravel the intricacies of crafting sustainable societies. This book serves as a compass, guiding policymakers, scholars, and passionate individuals through the multifaceted landscape of designing, implementing, and evaluating public policies focused on fostering Sustainable Communities.

In this profound essay, Hidalgo-Oñate meticulously dissects the critical factors essential to nurturing communities that thrive in harmony with the environment and society. Drawing on a wealth of knowledge and experience, he offers an extensive analysis of considerations crucial for the success of sustainable development initiatives.

The author delves deep into the intricacies of policy formation, shedding light on the nuanced approaches that can catalyze positive change. From environmental preservation to social inclusivity and economic vitality, every facet of sustainable development is carefully examined and woven into a comprehensive narrative.

As you turn the pages, you'll find yourself inspired by Hidalgo-Oñate's vision of a world where Sustainable Communities are not just a possibility, but an imminent reality. The book provides practical insights, rooted in research and practical expertise, that empower readers to contribute meaningfully towards creating a brighter and more sustainable future.

Prepare to be captivated by the call for collective action and a renewed perspective on how we envision and build the communities of tomorrow. "Sustainable Communities" is more than a book; it's a roadmap towards a more equitable, harmonious, and sustainable world. Let this enlightening read be your guide in sowing the seeds of a better tomorrow for generations to come.

Leseprobe

Copyright 2023

Cervantes Digital

All rights reserved

Sustainable Communities. Public Policies for Good Living.

-Essay-

Diego Hidalgo-Oñate, Ph.D. (Cand.) in Local Development and Master in Development Cooperation by Universistat Jaume I.

Table of Contents:

Abstract

Introduction

Results and Discussion

Conclusions

References

Abstract

The capitalist economic model is unsustainable because far from producing an increase in the well-being of the population, it has intensified environmental and social problems. The 2008 Constitution of Ecuador includes some approaches when claiming the “buen vivir” or sumak kawsay, which grants rights to nature and considers a form of caring and sustainable economy. Some of the approaches of groups that demand social change are accepted, which would improve government management in the design, implementation, and assessment stages of public policies. Regarding the implementation stage, the scope is to analyze and present a proposal for public environmental, health, and education policies, which would allow us to overcome the crisis. Finally, it seeks to contribute to the discussion around post-development, that is, the viability of sustainable communities that allow supporting the theory of local development and specifically the “buen vivir” or sumak kawsay adopted by Ecuador.

Keywords: post development, local development, sumak kawsay, public policy.

Introduction

This paper seeks to draw the attention of policymakers about their great responsibility in establishing public policies that allow for reversing the environmental and social problems that we currently face. It is perhaps daring to point out that if we do not make right decisions now, there will be no one to work for because if we do not change consumption and production patterns soon, human beings could be extinct then. I want this scenario to be only rhetorical, but, the unsustainable situation makes an urgent change be required if we want to get out of the chaos that is coming.

On the one hand, when analyzing the environmental situation, the acceleration of climate change stands out, which under normal conditions takes thousands of years. However, due to the influence of the anthropic factor, it has reverted to a few decades. Scientists estimate that the average concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere before 1850 was 274 ppm (Reece et al., 2011: 1256). Today it exceeds 400 ppm, which is correlated with the increase in temperature, because the accumulation of CO2, as well as other gases, create what is called the "greenhouse effect" that traps part of the solar radiation that it hits the planet and does not allow it to be reflected into space. In this way, the average temperature of the planet in the period January to October 2018 was 0.98 +- 0.12 °C on the pre-industrial baseline (1850-1900), according to the World Meteorological Organization (2018).

This increase in temperature explains the loss of entropy of the meteorological system and the prevalence of natural disasters such as unusual storms, prolonged drought, loss of crops, rise in sea level, heat and acidification of the ocean, melting of glaciers, and extinction of species, and others. The devastation of the Antilles, Puerto Rico and flooding in much of the United States and the United Kingdom in the 2017 hurricane season are just a sample of natural disasters’ intensification. In this way, strategies for adaptation and mitigation to climate change require a joint solution.