APPROACH
In order to tackle the climate issues in the South Wedge we examined the area through five different lenses. Those areas of importance were Housing, Transportation, Walkability, Waste and Stormwater management, and a Sustainable Business plan. We also utilized census data, studies, and reports examining Rochester and other areas around the U.S. in order to get background information on how to tackle climate in the South Wedge. We also utilized GIS software and conducted neighborhood “walks” digitally and in person to gain an understanding of the area. We examined a comprehensive document on the city of Rochester; Rochester’s Climate Action Plan (Spaulding & Chanthalangsy 2013). This document provided a framework through which we were able to identify the main goals of our work. We pored over the data within this document and ascertained that there were various areas of importance. Regarding emissions the areas of import were housing, transportation, and industry as mentioned in our executive summary. The remaining areas identified that are of significance are the aforementioned Walkability of the neighborhood; impacting transport, Waste and Stormwater, and the Business Plan which addresses how tackling all of these problems might be accomplished. After discovering the areas that we believed the most impact might be made we set to work examining them more closely. Each area was put under a microscope and researchers developed ways that we might affect change at various levels. Housing looked into ways to address the emissions from heating and other related sources. Transportation researched various alternatives to single auto use which will be outlined. Increasing walkability reduces emissions in that less trips are taken via automobile or otherwise. Addressing walkability is a unique principle of our project because it enhances livability and reduces emissions. Finding ways to implement changes that are not overbearing was imperative in our research. Addressing issues related to the environment is difficult given that reducing emissions often implies asking people to give up liberties. Driving less might help the planet, but asking people to stop driving obviously is met with resistance. Increasing the walkability of an area is a way to reduce emissions without anyone ever knowing it was done. Changes such as these and others outlined within this report are unique ways to battle climate change subtly that not only reduce emissions, but also improve quality of life for residents. We believe this mindset is imperative when addressing climate change at a neighborhood scale.
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