contemporary urban environments

• What is the urban heat island (UHI) effect?

  Urban areas are warmer than rural areas
• Why do urban areas experience the UHI effect?

  Due to human activities and heat-retaining surfaces
• What are Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)?

  Systems that manage water sustainably
• How do SuDS help urban areas?

  They reduce urban flooding
• What is urbanisation?

  Increase in urban population
• What drives urbanisation?

  Rural-to-urban migration and natural growth
• Define 'suburbanisation.'

  Outward growth of urban areas
• What facilitates suburbanisation?

  Transport improvements
• What is counter-urbanisation?

  Movement from urban to rural areas
• Why do people engage in counter-urbanisation?

  Often for lifestyle reasons
• What are some challenges of urban sustainability?

  • Waste management and pollution
  • Providing affordable housing
  • Reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion
• What is a world city?

  A city with global significance
• Give examples of world cities.

  London and New York
• What are the main urban challenges in Bangalore?

  Traffic congestion and water shortages
• What causes traffic congestion in Bangalore?

  Inadequate infrastructure
• What contributes to water shortages in Bangalore?

  Rapid urbanisation
• What strategies have been implemented to improve Bangalore's urban environment?

  Namma Metro and rainwater harvesting
• How does the Namma Metro help Bangalore?

  Reduces traffic congestion
• What is the purpose of rainwater harvesting initiatives in Bangalore?

  To address water shortages
• What is the role of IT parks in Bangalore?

  Promote economic development
• What are the main urban challenges in London?

  Housing affordability and air pollution
• What causes the housing affordability crisis in London?

  High demand for housing
• What is a significant environmental issue in London?

  Air pollution exceeding EU limits
• What contributes to traffic congestion in London?

  Overcrowded public transport
• What strategies have been implemented to improve London's urban environment?

  Congestion Charge Zone and ULEZ
• How does the Congestion Charge Zone help London?

  Reduces traffic congestion
• What is the purpose of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London?

  To cut air pollution
• What is the significance of Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) in London?

  Improves transport capacity
• How does London address sustainability?

  Through green spaces and cycling promotion
• What are urban microclimates?

  Local climate variations in urban areas
• What is gentrification?

  Affluent individuals moving into an area
• How does gentrification affect cities?

  Improves infrastructure but displaces residents
• What are the causes of social segregation in cities?

  Economic inequality and discrimination
• How does urban planning contribute to social segregation?

  Through housing availability decisions
• Compare waste management strategies in Bangalore and London.

  • Bangalore: Informal waste pickers and composting
  • London: Recycling programs and waste-to-energy facilities
• What is urban resilience?

  Capacity to absorb and recover from challenges
• How does urban sprawl affect the environment?

  Causes loss of green spaces and habitats
• What is a consequence of increased car dependency due to urban sprawl?

  Higher emissions
• How does urban sprawl strain infrastructure?

  Increases demand on resources