Human Transit: the unsustainability of "sustainability"

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02/17/2013

the unsustainability of "sustainability"

From xkcd:

Note that the Y-axis is a log-scale, so this is not really a straight line. As longtime readers know, I prefer durable.

Posted at 08:24 in Amusing, Words, Unhelpful | Permalink

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I'm guessing if a good definition for sustainability ever took hold, use of the term would plummet.

Posted by: Rob Fellows | 02/17/2013 at 21:39

This article caused me to re read your discussion on "Cities vs suburbs." It has made me appreciate the value of a "Liberal Arts" education. Even though I have a degree in Electrical Engineering my university made me take courses in English, History, economics and Philosophy to make me a more rounded person. The older I get the more I thank them for that.

The Radical Right has tended to devalue a liberal arts education as having no real value in the world. It only teaches you to think, analyze and question things. These are obviously not desirable traits in a post globalized society. The main reason for education in the eyes of many is job training and while a useful and laudable goal it is not the only one.

The reason that I like to read you blog is you literary background; it makes it more readable. Your highly logical mind that gets to the important points is also very helpful but I bet your unconventional background has made you a better planner. You have not been taught all the "Correct Methods."

Your mention of Latin has reminded me that in my Latin class we learned that the cities, urba, were built on the hills for defense. Those who could not afford to live in the city were forced to live outside the walls below the city or, sub urba.

Keep up the off the topic topics.

Posted by: Robert Wightman | 02/18/2013 at 07:54

"Durable"

I have resolved to start using it forthwith!

Posted by: Psychobikeology.wordpress.com | 02/19/2013 at 03:23

What's doubly amusing is that this comic is contradicted by another xkcd comic: http://xkcd.com/605/

Posted by: AJP | 04/11/2013 at 10:44

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Stuff You Need to Know

Walking distance to transit
Why it's hard (but essential) to think about.
Branching: transit is like a river
Branching a line looks easy. Know what's being sacrificed.
Transit's great triangle
(1) Urban form. (2) Transit service. (3) Ridership. Why it's pointless to discuss two of them without the third.
The case for frequency mapping
Some transit is useful for a free and empowered life, but only if we can find it.
Benefits of transit
Transit by itself doesn't reduce congestion, but it does give us alternatives to it. Here are the other great things it does.
Network redesign: Why and how
It's like pruning a tree by committee. Tips on why, how, and process.
Illusions of travel time
The fastest service may not get you there soonest.
Want freedom? Love grids.
For transit that's both efficient and empowering, learn about transit grids (not just street grids).
Want to be a transit planner?
Paths into the profession.
"Be on the Way!"
How land use plans, and your own location choices, determine whether transit can work, for you and your city.
"Transferring" can be good!
Why networks that rely on connections or "transfers" can get you there faster than those that try to avoid them.