The Jevons Paradox in Urbanization and its Counter Movements: The Value of Common and Green Urban Spaces in Respect of the Corona Crisis

Hock, Annika

4. term

Sustaianable Cities, Master

2020

2020-06-03

79 pages

Urbanization is a global phenomenon. As cities are dependent on a high amount of eco-system support, urban growth and accompanied loss of land, together with the high resource consump- tion of urban lifestyles, severely threaten the earth’ eco-capacity. Despite already high living standards in affluent European countries, further growth is noted especially for economically strong regions. On basis of the ontology of the laminated totality, this thesis investigates on the relation of urbanization, economic growth and ecological consequences resulting from it on a macro perspective. Further engaged in urban planning sufficiency perspectives by the concept of urban green commons, the interrelation of top-down and bottom-up movements is evaluated in their potential to enhance ecological awareness and a reconnection of human so- ciety and nature. As the perception of urban space is greatly impacted by the sudden rise of the corona crisis, the learnings of this crisis for urban planners are of special interest in this paper; supported by literature review, document analysis, statistical European data as well as qualitative interviews. Overall, the role of accessible, shared and green urban spaces is crucial for future urban planning, while this finding is underlined by the ongoing pandemic. Urban green commons thereby support community building and ecological learning and with that, the resilience of urban society for future crisis.

urbanization ; degrowth ; urban green commons

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