Changing Urban Environments Flashcards
1
Q
What is urbanisation?
A
- an increase in the % of people living in urban areas
- urban areas are built up zones that form part of a town or city
- in 2006, the UN announced that more than 50% of the world’s people were now living in urban areas
2
Q
When did the more developed countries (MEDCs) become urbanised?
A
- mainly before 1950
- however, from 1950 to 2050, we are still seeing substantial (53% to 85%) growth
3
Q
When did the least developed countries become urbanised?
A
- between 1950 to 2050.
- it grew from 5% to 55%. this growth rate is faster than MEDCs
- there is a clear link that urbanisation is linked to development. seen on stage 2 and 3 of DTM.
4
Q
What are the push and pull factors for urbanisation in MEDCs?
A
push factor from rural:
- fewer job options and long commute, wastes time and expensive
- in 1850s, changing industries forces people to move away
- fewer activités catered for young people: rural; areas are generally elderly population so social activities non existent or few
- decline in services and businesses due to depopulation. this leads to low quality of life and pushes people to move to the city
- agriculture may have declined since food imports from other countries are at competitive prices: there may be a decline in jobs in farming.poor crop yields
Pull factor to urban:
- mor job options and variety
- social activities: cities have places fit for young people such as clubs
- large population means more shops and consumers: services are more improved e.g. better schools and more variety of shops
- access to good services and healthcare
5
Q
What are the push and pull factors for urbanisation in LEDCs?
A
Push factor from rural:
- low wages: people are more likely to be attracted to higher income in urban areas
- poor living conditions: e.g. poor housing, education and healthcare
- decline of traditional agricultural industries: many people are left impoverished and forced to leave
- famine, drought, natural disasters: forces people to leave rural areas since they are no longer to earn money or live there properly
Pull factor to urban:
- better jobs and higher incomes: standard of living increases
- health and education is better: increased chances of receiving proper medical are and chances to attend school and even uni
- more resources and urban facilities: people are able to receive more leisure services, hygiene/household services such as water and electricity
- protection from conflict
6
Q
What are the four zones of the Burgess model used for British cities?
A
- CBD (central business district)
- inner city
- suburbs
- rural urban fringe
7
Q
What is the CBD?
A
- oldest part of the city
- high order shopping
- commerce
- high building density
- busy
- high land values
- accessible
8
Q
What is the inner city?
A
- located next to the historical core
- area of old housing and industry, often suffering from urban decay
- terraced housing, built for the factor workers. small houses in streets arranged in a grid like pattern
- little open space
- old and sometimes abandoned factories and warehouses
- derelict land
- some area may have experienced redevelopment
9
Q
What are the suburbs?
A
- the largest areas of most cities
- predominantly residential
- semi-detached, detached houses, housing estates with gardens and garages
- more open space
- popular for families
10
Q
What is the rural urban fringe?
A
- on the edge of the city
- land is under pressure from urban sprawl
- may find big retail parks here
- recreational activités such as stab;es and golf courses found here
11
Q
What are the problems of traffic in urban areas?
A
- the city centre is the most congested part of any city.
- there needs to be a lot of transport as the centre has fewer permanent residents, but many attractions
- ‘grid-locked’ traffic (stopping and starting) causes more air pollution than normal. deep narrow streets mean pollutants are trapped there, so poor air quality, leading to health problems.
- city centres have less space, so parking could be a problem.
- in a global scale, burning fossil fuels contribute to global pollution
12
Q
What are some urban issues that cities in richer countries have?
A
- shortage of good quality housing
- run down CBDs
- traffic and pollution
- ethnic segregation
13
Q
What are some efforts made to revitalise CBDs?
A
- pedestrianising areas: making it safer and nicer
- improving access with better transport links and better parking
- converting derelict warehouses and docks into new shops
- improving public areas: more parks etc
14
Q
How to make sure everyone has equal access to services?
A
- make sure everyone can access information about different services. e.g leaflets in different languages
- improving communication between all parts of the community e.g. involve leaders of different ethnic communities
- provide interpreters
- suitable services for different cultures. doctor genders etc
15
Q
What is the informal sector?
A
- jobs that aren’t taxed or monitored by the government
- often work long hours for little pay
