GEOGRAPHIC HORIZONS

Denmark, renowned for its high quality of life and environmental stewardship, stands out as a global frontrunner in urban planning. Its approach emphasizes sustainability, community-focused design, and technological innovation. This article delves into the distinctive aspects of Danish urban planning that serve as a model for global cities. Historical Overview The history of urban planning in Denmark dates back to medieval times, which were marked by the development of trading towns. The 20th century witnessed a shift towards systematic urban development, with the establishment of planning laws and comprehensive frameworks. The post-World War II era heralded a significant transformation, with Denmark adopting modernist planning principles, emphasizing functional zoning, public housing, and urban expansion. Fundamental Principles of Danish Urban Planning Sustainability Sustainability is the bedrock of Danish urban planning. Cities like Copenhagen are committed to becoming carb...

Urban growth is a complex phenomenon that showcases the ever-changing patterns of human settlements. It includes the physical, economic, and social changes cities experience as they expand. For policymakers, urban planners, and researchers, understanding urban growth is crucial to developing sustainable cities that can support growing populations while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and society. Historical Context Urban growth has traditionally been driven by factors such as industrialization, economic opportunities, and migration. The Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries was a pivotal period, accelerating city expansion as people moved from rural areas to urban centers in search of jobs and better living standards. This era led to the emergence of megacities, characterized by dense populations and significant infrastructural development. In addition to that, Urban growth exhibits various patterns and processes: Horizontal Expansion: This involve...

Introduction The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation network that enables receivers to determine their exact location, speed, and time, 24 hours a day, in any weather, worldwide. Initially created by the U.S. Department of Defense for military purposes, GPS was later made available for civilian use in the 1980s, leading to its adoption in various sectors. Components of GPS GPS is comprised of three main segments: Space Segment : This segment includes a constellation of at least 24 satellites orbiting Earth at about 20,200 kilometers altitude. These satellites are positioned to ensure that at least four are visible from any location on Earth at all times. Each satellite carries an atomic clock for precise timekeeping. Control Segment : The control segment consists of a network of ground stations, including a master control station, an alternate master control station, and several monitoring and ground antennas. These stations oversee the satellites, u...

Despite Sri Lanka's efforts to employ various Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) strategies to ensure sustainable production, several challenges hinder the effective implementation of these practices. These challenges include, Lack of Knowledge and Awareness: Farmers need to be educated about the benefits of CSA practices and trained in their implementation for sustainable food production. For instance, although Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a CSA practice in Sri Lanka, its actual application is less effective due to farmers' lack of awareness. Approximately 35% of farmers have some awareness of IPM, but more than 50% do not have a proper understanding, leading to the continued use of chemical inputs and the production of inorganic food. This not only impacts consumer health but also raises concerns about achieving sustainable agricultural practices using CSA (Dissanayaka, 2021). Policy Boundaries: Adequate policies and incentives are necessary to promote CSA practices...

A major threat to global food security and agricultural sustainability is climate change. As a result, Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) has become a comprehensive strategy with the objectives of raising agricultural productivity, boosting resilience to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, this capture goes into great detail in its explanation of climate-smart agriculture practices and their benefits. The different types of practice are as follows (Table 01); Table 01: Practices of Climate Smart Agriculture. Practices Benefits for Sustainable Agriculture Conservation Agricultur e       ·    Increases water retention       ·     Diverse crop rotations       ·     Minimum soil disturbance       ·     Permanent soil cover       ·     Maintain soil health   ...

A sustainable city is one designed with a focus on social, economic, and environmental impacts, aiming to enhance residents' quality of life while reducing their ecological footprint. These cities emphasize efficient resource use, waste and pollution reduction, and the enhancement of natural systems. They promote economic opportunities and social equity, ensuring all residents have access to essential services, employment, and housing. Community involvement and governance are crucial, encouraging citizen participation in decision-making processes. Copenhagen, Denmark, is a prime example of a sustainable city. It aims to become carbon neutral by 2025, utilizing renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, and an efficient district heating system. Copenhagen also has a strong cycling infrastructure, with more bicycles than cars, supporting sustainable transportation and reducing traffic congestion and pollution. The city incorporates green spaces throughout its urban envi...