The importance of urban areas

Question 1

Define urbanisation?

Answer 1

The process by which an increasing proportion of a country’s population lives towns and cities

Question 2

What was the worlds population in 1950?

Answer 2

2.5 billion

Question 3

What was the worlds population in 2014?

Answer 3

7.2 billion

Question 4

Define urban growth

Answer 4

The increase in the total population of a town or city

Question 5

What was the percentage of people living in urban areas in 1945?

Answer 5

33%

Question 6

What was the percentage of people living in urban areas in 2008?

Answer 6

50%

Question 7

What is going to be the percentage of people living in urban areas in 2030?

Answer 7

66%

Question 8

What is the current percentage of people living in urban areas in the UK?

Answer 8

85%

Question 9

What is sub-urbanisation?

Answer 9

The movement of people away from the city centre towards the outskirts

Question 10

Why does suburbanisation take place?

Answer 10

Increased car ownership 
Improved transport 
Wealth 
Desire for larger houses
Quieter 
People can work from home - improved wifi

Question 11

What is counter-urbanisation?

Answer 11

The movement of people away from urban areas towards rural areas (countryside)

Question 12

Why does counter-urbanisation take place?

Answer 12

Push factors of the city: crime, congestion, air pollution
‘Rural idyll’ - pleasant, quiet and clean, house prices are cheaper.
Car ownership
Decentralisation of industry
Stronger sense of community spirit
Spread of broadband

Question 13

What is urban resurgence?

Answer 13

Population movement from rural back into urban areas, often as a result of urban development

Question 14

Why does urban resurgence take place?

Answer 14

Old people facilities
Suburbs are too expensive
City life is desirable - nightlife for students
Universities

Question 15

What is the evidence for counter-urbanisation?

Answer 15

Increase in the use of a commuter railway station
Increase in house value in that area
Conversions of former farm buildings to exclusive residences

Question 16

What is an example of urban resurgence?

Answer 16

The New York City High Line

Question 17

What is the New York City High Line?

Answer 17

1.5 mile-long section of elevated rail track

Question 18

What was the New York City High Line originally built for?

Answer 18

Carrying goods to and from Manhattan’s largest industrial district

Question 19

What happened to the New York City High Line in the 1980s?

Answer 19

It was abandoned

Question 20

Why was the New York City High Line abandoned in the 1980s?

Answer 20

Because the Lower West Side underwent a period of manufacturing decline

Question 21

What happened to the New York City High Line in the 2000s?

Answer 21

It was successfully redeveloped as an elevated walkway lined with trees grasses and shrubs

Question 22

How many visitors does the New York City High Line see annually?

Answer 22

5 million

Question 23

What has the New York City High Line become?

Answer 23

A site for artistic commissions and cultural events

Question 24

How has the 5 million annual visitors at New York City High Line impacted the area?

Answer 24

Increased spending in local shops and cafes as well as encouraging real estate development in the neighbourhoods that line its route