Reference no: EM132235837

Discussion 1 : Cities and Suburbs

The readings this week provide some insight into the consequences of urbanization in the United States over the last one hundred and fifty years.

The chapter begins by stating that though our urban areas are often shining examples of economic and social progress, they are also characterized by poverty, crime, crowding, pollution and collapsing infrastructures. With change came "Gentrification" to America's cities.

After completing the readings, discuss the following:

How would you like to live in a society where the communities never changed? Is "gentrification" a good thing or a bad thing? How would you react if your neighborhood was targeted for gentrification? Discuss with your peers some of the benefits and negative consequences of gentrification.

• Submit your first original post of a minimum of 150 words

• You must cite paraphrased information that was obtained from another source.

Important Note: Quoted material is not allowed for course work in the HSA Program.

Discussion 2 : Ecological Footprint

Whether we look at individuals, cities, or nations, everyone and everything has an impact on the Earth because we consume the finite products and services of nature. As a result, we each leave an ecological footprint, some environmental impact on the amount of natural resources we use and waste output we create.

Footprints are calculated for countries by measuring the amount of resources (e.g. fossil fuel, acreage and land, housing, and transportation) consumed in a given year. Individual footprints can also be estimated.

For this discussion, first calculate your ecological footprint. You may do this by visiting the textbook study site for Chapter 15 or visit Google Ecological Footprint Calculator and use the Footprint calculator of your choice. You may want to try a couple and compare the results!

Then, discuss:

What site did you use to calculate your footprint? What is your ecological footprint? What is your reaction to your ecological footprint (i.e., surprised, shocked, knew it all along, etc.)?

What about your lifestyle do you think contributes to/explains your score? Would you like to change your score? What are you willing to do to change it?

• Submit your first original post of a minimum of 150 words

• You must cite paraphrased information that was obtained from another source.