One of the major causes of environmental problems in the Northfield community within recent years has been urbanization.  In a sense, it almost seems as if the areas between Northfield and the twin cities are working toward becoming one giant suburb!  Rapid population growth and urbanization have become catalysts for many serious environmental impacts and they apply substantial pressures on many facets of our infrastructure.  These pressures often result in transportation, health, sanitation, and public safety problems, making urbanization an issue that cannot be ignored(http://crapo.senate.gov/legislative/floorstatements/fs10032001.htm).

The term urbanization is actually kind of like an umbrella term; there are many community changes, which are classified under it.  These include road development, road expansion, expansion of the business district, expansion of housing districts, all of which fall under the general definition of urbanization, which is the process by which rural land is transformed into urban land.

With in the past 30 years, Northfield has seen much urbanization.  Even just recently, we have seen Target and Cub Foods come in a very brief period.  To learn more about the historical issues dealing with urbanization in Northfield, please refer to Emily Hestness’ project.  There have also been plans for highway expansion, as well as putting a road through St. Olaf’s natural lands.  The pace at which these issues are coming up seems a tad outrageous.

The environmental problems associated with urbanization are increased erosion, increased runoff into nearby waterways, increased pollutant levels in watersheds, habitat fragmentation, noise pollution, increased sedimentation in waterways, sewage issues, increased energy use, light pollution, increased air pollution from increased motor vehicle use, as well as many others (http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/urbanize/report.html ).

The following pictures are taken from behind Target.  One can already see signs of soil erosion.

What I am actually interested in, however,  is whether or not there is reason to believe that there may be a connection between one’s religious background here in Northfield, and if there is any suggestion that further research might be worth pursuing.  I believe its is easier (simpler) to examine a relation like this in a religiously homogeneous community, such as Northfield, which is largely Christian.  (I hope...)  I believe it is easier just due to the fact that it would seem as though there would be fewer lurking variables here, than in a more pluralistic community.

To some, my question may seem odd. There has been a popular misconception that Christianity and a love for the environment do not, and cannot, go hand in hand.  However, I am willing to argue that the Bible does give a good base for a Christian to develop an environmentally friendly set of ethics in general; and in particular, an ethic that discourages what we have all come to know as the “urban sprawl.”