Public Comment

It is indeed exciting for an alumnus of UC Berkeley to read in the Daily Planet stories related to citizens’ concern for greener and sustainable development in Berkeley city, particularly the stories on Sustainable Berkeley and the People’s Park renovation.  

As a former resident of Berkeley, I welcome these initiatives. However in order to achieve positive results there is a need to reduce emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to achieve sustainable development. Perhaps the only way that is possible is by decreasing the burning of fossil fuel (coal) for generating electricity. The United States generates more than 60 percent of its electricity by burning coal, hence the federal government is reluctant to reduce generating electricity from coal, and consequently the government has been delaying its commitment to comply with the Kyoto declaration, which has called upon all nations to reduce emission of GHGs by 80 percent by the year 2050. 

However it is very essential for each country to decrease emission of carbon dioxide and harmful gases to save themselves from the harmful affects of climate change, and these practices should be taken up immediately by progressive cities like Berkeley and its citizens. The City Council must come forward to make people aware: how by their little efforts they can reduce emission of GHGs, such as restricting use of private cars (cars on Berkeley streets have definitely increased as I observed during last summer) and using public transport (the city of Berkeley is in the process of discussions of introducing bus rapid transit routes as read in the Planet earlier). Operating air-conditioners and heating systems for a minimum time of the day during hot and cold seasons should be followed to save energy and minimize emission of greenhouse gasses.  

Instead of generating heat by burning fuel, passive heating by solar energy and solar-heated hot water panels can be used. Such solar hot water panels are being extensively used in Israel. 

While the world has to cut down GHG emission by 26 percent to 32 percent by 2020, as is being complied with by the UK, the EU and other countries, the Bush administration is yet to make a firm commitment to the Kyoto protocol and specify the reduction that would be made by 2020. Delay in making a firm policy decision by the USA is affecting the world environment. 

On the other hand, recent reports in the press indicate that the U.S. government has sent out notices to officials going abroad not to speak on polar ice melting or on polar bears being an endangered species. Such pronouncements on behalf of the government are very unfortunate for the future of the United States and the world community. A leaked memorandum issued by a regional director of the U.S. Department of the Interior states that the officials within the United States Fish and Wildlife Service should limit their discussion when traveling in countries bordering the Arctic region because of sensitivities about climate change (Steve Connor, Los Angeles Indepen-dent, March 11, 2007). 

On Feb. 15 the United States and seven other wealthy countries, along with China, India, Mexico and Brazil, met in Washington to discuss the ways and means of establishing global legislation by which the countries around the world will be required to take steps to reduce emission of GHGs in order to save the earth’s major area from being drowned by seas within another 50 years, which is the prediction of the Inter Governmental Panel on Climate Change. The new Global Legislative Organization for Balanced Environment is expected to replace the Kyoto Protocol by 2012. 

It is also very encouraging to read stories on People’s Park where landscape architect MKThink has been assigned to prepare a proposal to develop the project. The professional firm will definitely follow their experience and knowledge to the best of their ability. 

However, People’s Park is no ordinary park; it is located in a very important spot and is likely to be used by the community of students and neighbors. However, there are some inherent problems which inhibit this park, so that it is not as popular as other parks, such as Golden Gate Park, as stated by one of the city officials at the meeting  

Consequently, the consultant will need to do more in-depth study to make this park more attractive to the student community; there is a need to talk to them and to involve them in the design process. Students and representatives from the community can be invited to put their ideas in sketches and notes as to how they want their park to be. Some of the basic attractive elements of park are: it must be easily accessible for different groups and those who are challenged; it must be safe and well-lighted in the evening; there must be spaces for group activities and also for individuals to rest; innovative recreational facilities are most essential. 

It is essential to involve the local citizen and student community to develop the most attractive design for the proposed People’s Park. There could be no appropriate People’s Park without the involvement of the people. Most important, this green area must be preserved at any cost as the city must maintain all available green spaces to establish “Sustainable Development.” 

At the world level, it has been observed during my travel across the world (from Singapore to Canada via the United States last summer) that people and city councils are now more aware of preserving green spaces and maintaining them. Singapore can be called a green city; starting from the airport (which is filled with orchids and tropical plants) and along the expressway leading to the city and even at the city center (Orchard Street ), you can see green trees and plants all the way.  

In San Francisco, the public spaces within the city have been landscaped meticulously and different levels have been introduced wherever possible. Vancouver too has pockets of green spots within the downtown area which are indeed attractive.  

In Calcutta, there is a large green park similar to Central Park in New York, which was in the process being en-croached upon. In January this year, the citizens protested about such encroachment on a green area and filed a court case. The court directed the state that these greens must be preserved. This is a victory for the environmental groups and they must unite across the world to protect the environment and minimize climate change the world over. 

Krishna P.Bhattacharjee is an architect and city planner and an alumnus of UC Berkeley.