urban issues and challenges

• what is urbanisation

  This is an increase in the amount of people living in urban areas such as towns or cities. In 2007, the UN announced that for the first time, more than 50% of the worlds population live in urban areas.
• where is urbanisation happening

  Urbanisation is happening all over the world but in LICs and NEEs rates are much faster than HICs. This is mostly because of the rapid economic growth they are experiencing.
• causes of urbanisation

  rural to urban migration = the movement of people from rural to urban areas.

  push - natural disasters, war and conflict, mechanisation, drought, lack of employment.

  pull - more jobs, better education and health care, increased quality of life, following family members.
• causes of urbanisation

  natural increase = when the birth rate exceeds the death rate.

  increase in br - High percentage of population are childbearing age which leads to high fertility rate, lack of contraception or education about family planning.

  lower death rate - higher life expectancy due to better living conditions and diet, improve medical facilities helps lower infant mortality rate.
• types of cities

  megacity = an urban area with over 10 million people living there. More than 2/3 of current megacities are located in NEESs (Brazil) and LICs (Nigeria). The amount of megacities are predicted to increase from 28 to 41 by 2030.
• integrated transport system

  This is the linking of different forms of public and private transport within a city and the surrounding area.
• urban regeneration

  The investment in the revival of the old urban areas either improving what is there or clearing it away and rebuilding.
• sustainable urban living

  sustainable urban living = been able to live in cities in ways that do not pollute the environment and using resources in ways that ensure future generations can also use them.

  water conservation = this is about reducing the amount of water used.

  • Collecting rainwater for gardens and flushing toilets, installing water meters and toilets that flush less water, educating people on using less water.
• sustainable urban living

  creating green space = in urban areas can improve places for people who want to live there.

  • Provide natural cooler areas for people to relax in, encourages people to exercise, reduces the risk of flooding from surface run-off.

  energy conservation = using less fossil fuels can reduce the rate of climate change.

  • Promoting renewable energy sources, making homes more energy efficient, encouraging people to use energy.
• sustainable urban living

  waste recycling = more recycling means your resources are used. Less waste reduces the amount that eventually goes to landfill.

  • Collection of household waste, more local recycling facilities, great awareness of the benefits of recycling.
• traffic management

  Urban areas are busy places with many people travelling by different modes of transport. This has caused urban areas to experience different traffic congestion that could lead to various problems.

  environmental problems = traffic increases air pollution which releases greenhouse gases that is leading to climate change.

  economic problems = congestion can make people late for work and business deliveries take longer. This can cause companies to lose money.
• traffic management

  social problems = greater risk of accidents, congestion is the cause of frustration. Traffic can lead to health issues for pedestrians.
• brownfield site

  Area of land or premises that has been previously used, become vacant, derelict or contaminated.
• greenbelt area

  Land surrounding a city where new building is strictly controlled to try to prevent cities growing too much and too fast.