contemporary urban environments case studies Flashcards
mumbai
about
megacity, west coast of india
globally important: major port, financial centre and hub of industry and services
cultural centre: bollywood
migrants from rural areas moved in search of jobs
mumbai
social and economic issues
- over half the pop live in poverty in slums where living conditions are poor and there is risks to health
- over a quarter of indias millionaires live in mumbai, often live close to cbd in high rise apartments
- literacy rate 60% in slums compared to 90% in city as a whole. literacy rates lower for women than men
- few opportunities for women in slums, resort to prostitution which leads to spread of hiv and stis
- only 30% of slum residents have access to healthcare, outbreak of disease and infant mortality rate is high
- depression in slum areas
- influx of african migrants that experience racial discrimtination
mumbai
natural disasters
-risk of flooding
due to monsoon climate
due to 5 rivers flowing through mumbai and many new developments build on flood plains
due to tropical storms, july 2005 storm flooded mithi river killing 400 people
-tectonic hazards
earthquakes and tsunamis as in tectonically active area
slums more vulnerable to natural disasters than richer areas because they have poorly constructed houses and are built on floodplains
mumbai
current conditions unsustainable
- lack adequate sanitation which causes water pollution which contributes to spread of illness
- water supply dependent on monsoon rains and dry years it has to be strictly rationed and as pop increases so does demand for water so this is unsustainable in long term
- road network: long journey times, congestion and air pollution
- economic growth=more factories and cars=more air pollution=acid rain
- increasing pop=more waste
- hiv and aids inreasing, can face discrimination
mumbai
efforts to make it more sustainable
- 2004 redevelopment scheme for dhavari slum inclufing new apartments, hospital, schools and water however some objected because it is a well established community and redevelopment will destroy community spirit
- rainwater harvesting systems compulsory on all new residential systems however since 2007 only half have had them installed
- public transport system upgraded to reduce air pollution, however many families relocated to make way for new roads
- clean up mumbai campaign, cleaning and educating about how to recycle
- condom promotion campaigns and legislation plans to make it illegal to discriminate agains hiv/aids positive people
birmingham
about
central england
political, social and economic hub
19th century growth of metal working caused a boom in population and economic growth
70s/80s deindustrialisation which led to unemployment, poverty and dereliction
urban regeneration schemes helped to redevelop
birmingham
social and economic issues
-rich and poor areas: poorest close to centre, richer in more rural
-avg income in poorest area £19000, avg in richest area £37000
-100,000+ children live in poverty and rely on foodbanks
-avg life expectancy 6/8 years lower in most deprived areas than least deprived
-6% of population unemployed, unemployment higher in poorer areas
-high crime rates; antisocial behaviour and shoplifting, less in richer area edgebaston
-ethnically diverse population, 40% non white
social and economic inequalities between ethnic communities
-life expectancy higher in majority white population areas
-white families more likely to be homeowners
-ethnic minorities face prejudice and discrimination
birmingham
physical environment affects environmental sustainability
improved since industrial decline but still issues:
- air pollution: cause acid rain, harm aquatic life
- water pollution: from surface run off, wrongly connected drains and engine oil, reduced pops of insects and knock on effects on other wildlife
- lack of green space: reduces ability to absorb greenhouse gases
- flooding: lack of green space contributes to high surface run off and flash flooding
- urban waste: send to landfill or incinerated which adds to air and water pollution
- extreme weather events increasing in frequency
birmingham
physical environment affects resident
- high levels of air pollution cause respiratory problems, linked to over 500 deaths per year
- lack of greenspace impacts on health and well being, levels of obesity high
- flooding causes damage to properties and businesses
- extreme weather events cause damage to properties, e.g. tornado 2005 over 100 families evacuated and £50 mil damage
- large numbers of derelict buildings in aston which can be target for vandalism and residents feel unsafe
birmingham
redevelopment
objective
- improve transport links: cycle lanes, expand train station which limits number of cars in areas
- redevelop derelict areas: demolishing abandoned buildings, eastside: restoring canal side properties
- increase green spaces: new parks, limit air pollution, decrease flooding risk
- improve waste management: encouraging composting and expanding recycling facilities
birmingham
redevelopment
character and perceptions
- regeneration created a more pleasant environment attracting people back to the city
- redevelopment increased visitors, second most popular shopping destination in the uk
- become a major tourist destination, drawn by industrial heritage, campaigns by visit birmingham have raised national and international awareness of the city e,g, marketing german christmas markets
