Lecture 20-21: Urbanization Flashcards
Regarding urbanization, why was 2008 a significant year?
- 2008: the year when the urban population surpassed rural populations globally
how many people are in a megacity? Where will most megacities be located?
10 million people
- most will be located in India and China (most populated nations)
what is urbanization?
- the movement of people from rural areas to urban areas
- the greatest change of human society since its transition to a sedentary agricultural lifestyle
Describe the rate of urban population since 1950. Why is this?
- urban population has quadrupled
1) growing population
2) more people moving from farms to cities than cities to farms
What rates are urban centres in developed countries growing?
3-5% and higher
Why is urbanization beneficial despite the challenges?
- the benefits outweigh the challenges
what is the urban heat island effect?
- cities are warmer than rural areas due to the high density of people and buildings
what are some environmental impacts associated with urbanization?
- air pollutants., hydrological cycle, waste management systems, urban climate (heat island effect), and environmental change
what are slums?
AKA shanty town
- lack infrastructure: waste, energy, sanitation
- no land ownership
- environmental damage
- health and safety concerns
What is urban flight?
- the process of leaving inner city area to live in surrounding areas
What is suburban sprawl? What are some characteristics of urban sprawl?
- spread of low density urban or suburban developments outward from urban centre
- low density ‘leap frog’ developments, designed for vehicle: must drive everywhere, more space, uses fertile fields and destroys habitats
What is smart growth?
- can be applied to larger cities or smaller communities
- makes changes to land use to make pleasant livable communities with smaller ecological footprints than current suburban communities
what are some properties of smart growth in a city?
- more BRT, more walkable, more green spaces, better community, green edge, local destinations,
what is a green roof?
- roof of a building that is either partially or completely covered in vegetation and a growing medium, on a waterproof membrane or in modular trays
What are some benefits of green roofs?
- reduce stormwater runoff, insulation, cooling effect in summer, reduce heat island effects, air quality improvement, social benefits, employment opportunities
provide an example of a green roof mixed with an urban farm? how does this represent smart growth?
- growing vegetables and produce on a green roof
- like lufa farms: crops grown on rooftop greenhouses
uses hydroponics and smart growth (repurposes space, green space, insulation, repurposing water)
What is hydroponics?
- water is collected from rain, runoff, and city water and nutrients are added: cycled through the greenhouse and then the water that isn’t absorbed is recycled
what are urban forests?
- wooded area within the city
- beneficial to reduce air pollution, energy costs, stormwater reduction, reduces traffic noise, habitats, carbon sequestration
why are green belts useful?
- greenbelts can set limits to urban sprawl and encourage smart growth within city limits, maintaining farming land and ecosystem services of natural areas
How can governments encourage mass transit?
- raise fuel taxes, tax inefficient modes of transport, reward carpoolers, encourage biking and bussing,
- behavioural changes needs incentives and educations
What are two big environmental benefits of cities?
- efficiency and fostering innovation/cultural resources
- efficient resource use and delivery of goods/services
- density facilitates provision of social services: medical, education, water, sewerage, waste, transport
How much energy do buildings require? How much GHG do they release?
- require 40% global energy and contributes to 30% of GHGs
What are green buildings?
building design focused on sustainable models
- can help mitigate environmental problems and educate on green design buildings
What is LEED?
Leadership in energy and environmental design
- independent green building certification program
- points can be gained to earn silver, gold, and platinum status
what is a key component of implementing smart growth strategies?
- urban planning
- politicians must also be on side to support the innovative smart growth ideas
