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How smart is smart growth? Examining the environmental validation behind city compaction
Åsa Gren1, Johan Colding2,3,4, Meta Berghauser-Pont5
1The Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics, The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Lilla Frescativägen 4, 104 05, Stockholm, Sweden. asa.gren@beijer.kva.se.
Ambio
|September 2, 2018
Summary
Smart growth (SG) lacks environmental proof, with many studies showing negative outcomes. Future research needs better spatial analysis and urban systems understanding for resilient cities.
Area of Science:
- Urban Planning and Environmental Science
- Sustainability Studies
- Geographic Information Systems
Background:
- Smart growth (SG) is a popular urban development strategy promoted for its environmental benefits.
- However, the scientific literature reveals a significant gap in validating these claimed environmental gains.
- Inconsistent measurement of SG attributes further complicates the assessment of its ecological impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the environmental validity of the smart growth approach.
- To identify deficiencies in current research methodologies and knowledge gaps.
- To propose future research directions for enhancing the environmental performance of urban development.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of scientific literature on smart growth and its environmental outcomes.
- Analysis of studies examining the environmental rationales and impacts of SG.
- Assessment of measurement consistency and methodological rigor in existing research.
Main Results:
- A limited number of studies have rigorously examined the environmental basis of SG.
- A substantial portion (34%) of reviewed studies reported negative environmental outcomes associated with SG.
- Significant inconsistencies were found in the measurement and definition of various SG attributes.
Conclusions:
- The environmental benefits of smart growth are not consistently supported by scientific evidence.
- Future research requires more advanced geographic and spatial analysis techniques.
- A systems-based understanding of urban processes and a focus on climate resilience are crucial for effective urban planning.
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