Urban Sprawl: A development exacerbating climate change challenges in the 21st century: Understanding the impacts and drivers in order to promote sustainable settlement and mobility
Translated title
Urban Sprawl: A development exacerbating climate change challenges in the 21st century
Author
Zündorf, Larissa
Term
4. semester
Publication year
2022
Abstract
This study investigates, if, and how urban sprawl exacerbates climate change challenges and how a more sustainable development in terms of land take and mobility can be achieved by looking at Ravensburg, the city of interest in Germany. More precisely, the underlying reasons and drivers of urban sprawl and its tremendous environmental consequences are analysed. A secondary intervening aim is to assess the public transport system and mobility behaviour, respectively preferences. A relationship between urban structure and mobility was established. Whereas urban areas are often characterised by great public transport systems, rural areas are often disadvantaged. Surveys and Interviews were used as a means to get more in-detail information. A total of 61 surveys and 6 interviews were conducted. The main findings related to relocation preferences are on the one hand in line with previous literature, including motives such as nature, family formation, memories and individual preferences and on the other hand, indicate problems related to availability and affordability. Generally speaking, the public transport system is perceived as bad in terms of high ticket costs and poor frequencies and timing. Based on the primary and secondary data including plans, concepts and literature, recommendations are made in order to align with the no net land take by 2050 initiative and to contribute towards the achievement of the sustainable development goals. This research shall highlight urban sprawls’ adverse influence on climate change as well as demonstrate the urgent need for new planning strategies.
Keywords
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