Abstract
This Discussion Paper begins by recalling the history of the term sustainability, showing how it serves to focus our vital public interest in enhancing our society’s long-term prospects for survival and maintenance. The Paper surveys the broad and growing literature on the subject, identifying five “axioms of sustainability,” and offers a set of working definitions and criteria that the City of Edmonton can use in its decision-making processes. It also lists some examples of policies and best practices that might help guide the City to avoid pitfalls—in terms of reliance on unreliable and environmentally damaging resource streams—that could otherwise lead to economic and environmental decline. These examples suggest there are many things that Edmonton can do to move in the direction of long-term sustainability while also improving citizens’ lives in the short term.
About Richard Heinberg
Mr. Heinberg is a Senior Fellow-in-Residence of the Post Carbon Institute in Santa Rosa California. He is widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost Peak Oil educators and has authored nine books including Blackout, Peak Everything, The Oil Depletion Protocol,Powerdown, and The Party’s Over.
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What is a Sustainable City?
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This is an excellent paper. I really hope city council takes it into consideration when annexing fertile land surrounding the city and allowing more urban sprawl to develop there.
We truly are at a cross-roads in our city. There’s lots of talk about making Edmonton “world class”. I don’t think “world classness” is achieved by hockey rinks and various other bells and whistles. I think it’s achieved by the care we show toward the environment we live in and toward the people who live there.