The Impact of Neglecting Green Habitat and Environmental Sustainability in Urban Planning, Housing, Resettlement, and Migration

1.0 Introduction and Background

Contemporary urbanization presents an ever-pressing challenge as a substantial proportion of the global populace gravitates toward urban centers. This demographic shift has profound implications, and one of its most critical facets pertains to the proper alignment of environmental sustainability within the framework of urban planning, housing, resettlement, and migration strategies. Governments frequently neglect environmental concerns and green spaces while planning new urban growth. Urbanization typically pushes environmental considerations to the side in favor of short-term profits, which has long-term negative effects on the environment. The physical, mental, and social health hazards are made worse in places where a sizable migrant population resides in slums by the migrants’ living circumstances and other social variables (World Economic Forum, 2017, p. 33). Migrants risk being hurt when they leave their home nations and after and before they leave. Urbanization is appealing because it offers vastly increased economic opportunity and living standards. Nevertheless, far too frequently, this desire has come at a heavy cost to the environment.

The effects of this neglect are clear, including biodiversity loss, air and water pollution, a worsening of climate change, and a general decline in the livability of metropolitan areas. The World Economic Forum (2017) emphasizes that migration, housing, and city planning’s economic policies and social structures impacting health are closely related to the circumstances and setting where individuals work, live, or are born. However, urban areas are concerned about the prevalence of viral diseases among migrants, and certain groups have chosen to test for them. It has sparked discussions over the civil rights of migrants. It is crucial to emphasize that urbanization and environmental sustainability need not be at odds with one another. However, it may be achieved in a way that benefits both human and natural systems. Through scrupulous analysis, this research aspires to galvanize the field of environmental sustainability and urban planning, serving as a compass for policy formulation and catalyzing the assimilation of ecological facets into urban development paradigms.

1.1 Problem Statement

The crux of contemporary urbanization is neglecting environmental considerations as urban development forges ahead. The result is an ecological equilibrium perilously disrupted, culminating in enduring consequences that rewithonate both urban inhabitants and the environment. The neglect of green habitats, sustainable practices, and environmental standards in urban planning and development imperils the well-being of current and forthcoming generations. This study seeks to underscore the following socioeconomic cost issues as the enduring ecological repercussions of neglecting green habitats and sustainability in urban planning inflict substantial socioeconomic burdens, exemplified by depreciated property value and augmented healthcare expenditures. Next, it aims to address biodiversity erosion as relentless sprawl of urbanization routinely entails habitat degradation, leading to the annihilation of critical biodiversity. The diminution of natural habitats and ecosystems within urban precincts often disrupts ecological processes, thus enervating urban resilience. The study also seeks to tackle livability predicaments as urban habitats bereft of verdant spaces and sustainable design principles engender diminished livability for denizens typified by insufficient access to recreational amenities. Further, the study will address climate change propagation as the disregard for sustainable urban development amplifies the climate change predicament, exacerbating the specter of climate-induced cataclysms, including extreme meteorological occurrences and ascending sea levels. Finally, the study will handle the issue of environmental deterioration as the lax observance of environmental standards in urban planning precipitates environmental degradation, engendering the scourge of water and air pollution, which precipitously impacts the quality of life.

1.2 Rationale of Study

The study addresses the pressing issue surrounding the impact of neglecting green habitats and environmental sustainability in urban planning, housing, resettlement, and migration. The study is paramount because of its interdisciplinary approach, weaving together insights from urban planning, social sciences, architecture, and environmental sciences. It acknowledges the complex interplay between human and ecological systems in urban areas. Also, the study appreciates that the long-term economic ramifications of environmental neglect are essential for prudent urban planning. Sustainable urban development promises bolstered economic prospects and augmented property valuations. Another rationale of the study is that it helps confront the negligence of green habitats and environmental sustainability in urban planning, which is pivotal for the conscientious stewardship of the environment. It aligns with global efforts to ensure sustainable urban development, preserve biodiversity, and combat climate change. Further, because urban areas are home to millions of people in Canada, enhancing the ecological sustainability of cities directly reduces the quality of life for Canadian urban dwellers, augmenting their health and well-being. The final rationale is that the findings of this research bear implications for Canadian policymakers, offering a roadmap for decision-making vis-à-vis urban planning, housing, resettlement, and migration. It carries the potential to sway the adoption of sustainable practices at the national and municipal levels.

1.3 Research Objectives and Questions

1.3.1 Objectives of Study

The study objective is to:

1. Evaluate the present state of green habitats and environmental sustainability within urban planning, housing, resettlement, and migration.
2. Delineate the principal challenges and impediments bedeviling green habitats and sustainability assimilation into the urban development milieu.
3. Develop sustainable methodologies and strategies to address the gaps.
4. Evaluate and scrutinize the prospective societal and economic benefits of prioritizing green habitats and environmental sustainability within urban planning.
5. Fashion policy recommendations geared toward promoting the incorporation of ecological elements within urban development schemes

1.3.2 Research Questions

Depending on the mentioned objectives, this look aims to answer the following research questions:

1. What is the current status of green habitats and environmental sustainability in urban planning, housing, resettlement, and migration?
2. What are the primary challenges and impediments facing the incorporation of green habitats and sustainability within the urban development paradigm?
3. How can sustainable strategies and methods be conceived to bridge the gaps in urban planning and development?
4. What are the plausible economic and societal benefits of prioritizing green habitats and sustainability within urban environs?
5. What policy suggestions can be propounded to invigorate the assimilation of ecological features within urban development plans?

2.0 Literature Review

In Dares Salaam, Tanzania, research on urban development was performed by investigating historical accounts of the master plan of a sustainable city. Since urban expansion in the City has progressed rapidly away from earlier master plans and departing from the urban sustainability principles, Peter and Yang (2019) highlight the challenges staring this City at face value today. The degradation of the environment within the City, like garbage collection and other pollution issues, shows just how necessary this transformation towards sustainable urban development is. Peter & Yang (2019) argue for the importance of integrating urban development planning with sustainable principles and master plans comprising all aspects of urban expansion as a necessary way to tackle environmental issues and improve overall urban living conditions.

In Yancheng, China, a case study explored how relocating in a house affects migrants forced by disaster to abandon their original home from their perspective concerning happiness, quality of life, and life satisfaction levels. Li and Feng (2021) highlight the importance of framing rehabilitation efforts around the lived experiences of disaster-induced migrants. In their 2021 study on migrant integration into the City at the southwestern border of the mainland for the migrants resettling from Taiwan in Yancheng’s post-storm new town for settlement, Li and Feng focus on factors such as housing conditions and The researcher underscores the importance of whole-scale, resilient urban planning, particularly in addressing issues associated with displacement and relocation post-natural disasters, while placing focus on the health and livelihood of affected populations.

In her article, Cathryn Hrudicka investigates the history of vaccine hesitancy among Black Americans and how it impacts communities today. Almost everyone in Surabaya lives in Kampung, but city people still get a bad image of living in a ghetto area. That negative viewpoint disregards the significance of the City and its innate and possible tenacity.

The scramble for land in an urbanizing society is examined by Zoomers et al. (2017) with an eye on creating secure, sustainable, or resilient urban environments. It emphasizes the necessity of bridging the disconnect between discussions of the “new urban agenda” and the “global land rush” in order to comprehend how intertwined these challenges are (Zoomers et al., 2017). It draws focus to several crucial procedures ignored in these discussions and promotes an innovative, encompassing social strategy for urbanization that considers growing urban land seizures. The discussion around the world’s land rush has yet to consider the reality that massive land investments frequently result from demand in cities and occur in an environment of growing urbanization (Zoomers et al., 2017).

Another research by Aerni (2016) deals with the United Nations’ habitat’s blind spot by addressing migration-induced urban expansion. It emphasizes how important it is to have a dynamic and adaptive method of city planning, particularly considering the fast urbanization fueled by migration in developing nations (Aerni, 2016). According to Aerni (2016), these habitats may not be ideal for the rights-based strategy promoted in debates such as Habitat III. It is crucial to develop a strategy for a prosperous city that makes it easier to obtain essential services and encourages immigrants to start businesses.

3.0 Methodology and Findings of Study

3.1 Introduction

This proposal is predominantly an applied study focusing on exploring the impact of neglecting green habitats and environmental sustainability in urban planning, housing, resettlement, and migration. It will employ a mixed-methods approach to achieve its objectives. The primary research technique looks at case studies of urban development projects that prioritize green habitats and environmental sustainability to extract best practices and lessons learned. Self-administered questionnaires may be administered inside the selected cities in Canada to get qualitative data (see Appendix 1).

3.2 Research Design

The research design for this study is primarily quantitative and qualitative, utilizing a mixed-methods approach to address the research objectives and questions comprehensively. Quantitative data about the impact of neglecting green habitats and environmental sustainability will be obtained from surveying different cities in Canada. For this task, the research team will examine various aspects related to the impact of neglecting green habitats and environmental sustainability in urban planning, housing, resettlement, and migration. The next step of the research will be to conduct qualitative analysis through detailed interviews with mining experts. In this work, the researcher will dive into specific experiences, narratives, and perspectives of various participants or stakeholders in urban planning, resettlement, housing, and migration.

3.3 Participants

The study team will source quantitative survey contributors from Canadian-based cities neglecting ecological sustainability and green habitat in migration, housing, urban planning, and resettlement. The participants are expected to come in large numbers and will be professionals from Urban Planning, Architecture, Designing. They bring their knowledge and years of experience in urban planning to help identify what works and what doesn’t, integrating green habits of nature along with sustainable solutions in a city-wide context. Then, the questionnaire will be sent to staff of the relevant local government department responsible for urban planning, environmental and social standards, and relocation of residents of slum areas to understand how regulations and policies affect city development practices. Lastly, surveys will be distributed among residents living in sampled cities to understand their perceptions of quality of life, availability of green space, and the environmental consequences of growth in their areas.

3.4 Sampling

The sampling method for the survey will likely be stratified to include a varied demographic and geographic profile of urban units. The study will implement the sampling strategy for selecting research participants from various cities and locations, representing the diverse aspects of urban life. The other step in the research process involves conducting interviews or calling through the directory or government websites of the identified city officials. In addition, resident members of the community involved in this study will be sampled using both random as well as purposive sampling techniques. Purposive sampling will ensure diverse representation for the selected neighborhood and random sampling techniques within the Census data for selecting household members.

3.5 Process of Data Collection

The research methods used are questionnaires distributed to stakeholders and residents of the City and in-depth interviews with officials in leadership positions (government). Residents within the community will participate in various surveys that will help to collect the required qualitative data regarding their views on green spaces, environment quality, and the effect of urbanization on the community. The surveys would be conducted in person, through mail, or electronically per the participant’s wishes. Researchers will conduct field visits to chosen metropolitan areas to witness the ecological state, the execution of sustainable measures, green space, and the entire ecological well-being of the place. Photographs and field notes will be used to document these observations.

3.6 Data Analysis

Data collected will be analyzed through qualitative methods and tools for statistics to see trends and effects that ignore the environment and urban areas. The study will conduct a comparative analysis of urban policies, procedures, and rules available in the various metropolises and cities to find out how efficient these measures are towards achieving the objectives of ecological sustenance. Research outcomes are expected to exhibit the scenario of green spaces and environmental friendliness in urban planning, depict the problem areas, present feasible solutions, and provide suggestions to policymakers.

4.0 Conclusion

In summary, neglecting green habitats and environmental sustainability in urban planning, housing, resettlement, and migration is an exigent global predicament. It is therefore aimed at examining the urban planning process, its complexities, and its impact on the environment and seeking solutions for mitigation. This qualitative research examines urban development practices, disentangles several challenges, and provides sustainable solutions to cast a shadow upon such practices, guiding policy-making processes and advocating for ecological constituents’ inclusion in urban planning paradigms. Its interdisciplinary nature synthesizes insights from urban planning social and environmental sciences as a substantive contribution to the field. Moreover, it focuses on policy recommendations resulting in applied strategies relevant to urban development situations. Hence, this study will collaborate with various experts, including stakeholders, and by using effective research methodologies, it hopes to take a step towards better and sustainable city developments. It aims at raising the standards of living for the people in the cities while at the same time conserving the natural ecosystems for the unborn generation.

References

Aerni, P. (2016). Coping with migration-induced urban growth: Addressing the blind spot of UN habitat. Sustainability, 8(8), 800.

Hawken, S., & Sunindijo, R. Y. (2018). City of Kampung: Risk and resilience in the urban communities of Surabaya, Indonesia. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 36(5), 543-568.

Li, Y., & Feng, X. (2021). Influence of housing resettlement on the subjective well-being of disaster-forced migrants: An empirical study in Yancheng City. Sustainability, 13(15), 8171.

Peter, L. L., & Yang, Y. (2019). Urban planning historical review of master plans and the way towards a sustainable city: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 8(3), 359-377.

World Economic Forum. (2017, October). Migration and its impact on cities. https://www3.weforum.org/docs/Migration_Impact_Cities_report_2017_low.pd

Zoomers, A., Van Noorloos, F., Otsuki, K., Steel, G., & Van Westen, G. (2017). The rush for land in an urbanizing world: From land grabbing toward developing safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and landscapes. World Development, 92, 242-252.

Appendix

Questionnaire: The Impact of Neglecting Green Habitat and Environmental Sustainability in Urban Planning, Housing, Resettlement, and Migration in Canada

Section 1: Demographic Information

1. Gender:
2. Age: _____ years
3. Educational Background:

• Primary School
• Secondary School
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree
• D.
• Higher

1. Employment Status:

• Employed
• Unemployed
• Student
• Retired
• Other (specify): _______________

1. Monthly Household Income: _______________ (Specify currency)

Section 2: Migration Experience

6. Have you migrated to your current residence from another area or country?

• Yes
• No

1. If yes, please specify the place of origin: _______________
2. How long have you been living in your current city/town? _____ years
3. What were the main reasons for your migration?
4. Employment opportunities

• Education
• Family reasons
• Escape from conflict or disaster
• Other (specify): _______________

1. How would you describe your overall experience as a migrant in your current city/town? (Scale: Very Negative, Negative, Neutral, Positive, Very Positive)

Section 3: Urbanization and Housing

11. Do you live in an urban or rural area?

• Urban
• Rural

1. Please rate your satisfaction with the quality of housing in your current area. (Scale: Very Dissatisfied, Dissatisfied, Neutral, Satisfied, Very Satisfied)
2. Are you aware of any urban development or resettlement projects in your area?

• Yes
• No

1. If yes, how have these projects affected your living conditions and access to essential services?

Section 4: Access to Essential Services

15. How would you rate your access to the following essential urban services in your area? (Scale: Very Poor, Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good)
16. Clean water supply
17. Sanitation facilities

• Healthcare services

1. Education facilities
2. Public transportation

Section 5: Perception of Sustainable Urban Development

16. What is your understanding of sustainable urban development?

1. Are urban policies in your area conducive to sustainable urban development?

• Yes
• No

1. How can urban policies better support the well-being of migrants and marginalized communities in your area?
2. Please rate your overall satisfaction with living in your current city/town regarding well-being and access to essential services. (Scale: Very Dissatisfied, Dissatisfied, Neutral, Satisfied, Very Satisfied)