Sustainability in the Netherlands vs. Birmingham, Alabama The Intersection of Culture and Sustainability By Austin Dada

Introduction (About Me) Structural/Civil Engineer EIT Certified Masters Degree in Structural Engineering at the University of Alabama, Birmingham Currently Employed at Southern Company (a southeast electric utility) Former Community Garden Leader for a garden in Birmingham’s Southside

Introduction (My Motives) My Goals What I hope to accomplish This Literature Review

Introduction (Thesis Statement) The Netherlands embodies a culture that reinforces the idea of sustainability in everyday life while the history of the formation of Birmingham, AL demonstrates a culture that is quite averse to the ideals of sustainability.

Sustainability, a loaded term? What is the meaning of “sustainability”? “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” – United Nations’ Bruntland Commission, 1983

Sustainability, a process not an end-state Sustainability is a balanced approach that considers people, planet, and prosperity People – community well-being Planet – environmental and resource conservation Prosperity – economic vitality -American Planning Association, 2010

Sustainability, viewpoints The view of Sustainability in the Netherlands vs. the United States Netherlands – cultural lifestyle, holistic United States – built environment, green economy, ideological alternative to the status quo

Sustainability Index (Netherlands) www.worldenergy.org

Sustainability Index (USA) www.worldenergy.org

Culture/History Netherlands The Netherlands Philosophy Dutch Nationalism – “relied on the bicycle to communicate Dutch liberal virtues such as mental balance and level-headedness”

Culture/History Netherlands ANWB – Nerderlandsche Algemeene Wielrijders Bond Major organization that promoted bicycling as a major form of transportation in the early 1900’s around the start of the first World War

Culture/History Netherlands ANWB “The ANWB considered level-headedness, balance, and maintaining a calm mind as supreme civic duties…” “…advised its members to avoid hectic motorcar and bus traffic as well as overcrowded, unreliable trains. Instead, they should switch to cycling” (Ebert) When cycling gets political

Culture/History Birmingham, AL A city founded on industrialism Massive quantities of iron ore deposits Steel Industry Once great and all-encompassing industry helped for the city to be coined with nicknames such as the “Magic City” and the “Pittsburgh of the South” Civil Rights Movement

Culture/History Birmingham, AL New Developments Railroad Park Birmingham Barons Stadium Increased interest in “Green ways” Breweries

Birmingham’s move to a more Sustainable future UAB – Sustainable Cities Conference Enrique Penalosa – former mayor of Bogota, Columbia “Something has to be done that is a shock. There are great opportunities to be radical.”

Birmingham’s move to a more Sustainable future Gentrification? Avondale Community “If we want an area to be reborn, it cannot just be for the poor…” “We have to bring rich people downtown. We should not be shy about this” – Enrique Penalosa “Rich people are good for poor people” – Enrique Penalosa

Birmingham’s move to a more Sustainable future Poverty Statistics Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2012: 31.2% Source: http://www.city-data.com/city/Birmingham-Alabama.html#ixzz3NTu8ce9E

Birmingham’s move to a more Sustainable future Influx of Biking culture in Birmingham Veronique Vanblaere – resident of Birmingham originally from Belgium “…we’re pretty much born on a bicycle.” “I would like to see everybody on a bicycle.” Launched weekly Le Tour de Ham social rides

Birmingham’s move to a more Sustainable future New Developments Railroad Park Birmingham Barons Stadium Increased interest in “Green ways” Breweries Sustainable Cities Conference

Hypothesis, Course of Action, and Possible Solutions

Organizations Arup http://www.except.nl/en/ www.agri-profocus.nl/network/dutch-members/