The case of Greenburg shows a sense of vision and resilience. The local leaders and citizens of Greenburg managed to reconstruct the city after a devastating tornado destroyed the city in 2007 (White 2302). The city engaged in a recovery process that focused on a sustainable future. The ideas and factors observed in Greenburg City can be transferred to other cities and communities.
A “Recovery Plan” after a devastating tornado or any natural disaster can take different shapes depending on certain factors such as availability of resources, economic positions, expectations of the people, and vision or resilience of the leaders. The SWOT Analysis presented below offers new insights to evaluate the city’s Recovery Plan.
SWOT Analysis of Greenburg’s Recovery Plan
Greenburg’s case is an example of a successful “smart re-growth”. From the above SWOT Analysis, it is notable that Greenburg City stands to benefit from its sustainable recovery plan. Although the Recovery Plan encountered various challenges such as the changing rural demographics and financial constraints, it has presented a new environment whereby the residents can lead a better life.
As well, the greener outcomes make it easier to support the environment and deal with future disasters (White 2317). After examining the above four cells, it is notable that third cell – “opportunities” – offers new ideas for sustainable development.
It is agreeable that a sustainable recovery process is costly. However, different parts of the world are embracing the idea of sustainability. Communities and cities can pursue sustainability efforts through coordinated leadership. There is need to use various opportunities in order to promote community pride and embrace sustainable practices.
It is without doubts that Greenburg City serves as a model for sustainable innovations in different communities and cities across the world (White 2317). The important thing is to understand how to tackle the emerging challenges and threats in order to pursue a formal development plan (Baker 48). This will promote the issue of “greenness” and sustainability.
Works Cited
Baker, Susan. Sustainable Development. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2013. Print.
White, Stacey. “Out of the Rubble and Towards a Sustainable Future: The “Greening” of Greenburg, Kansas.” Sustainability 2.1 (2010): 2302-2319. Print.