Topic 3 - Challenges of an Urbanising world Flashcards
What global trends in urbanisation have been seen since 1980, and what are future projections?
Since 1980, urbanisation has rapidly increased, especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Around 55% of the global population now lives in urban areas. By 2050, the urban population is projected to rise to 68%, with Asia and Africa continuing to experience the highest growth rates.
How does urbanisation vary between global regions?
Urbanisation is most rapid in developing and emerging regions (e.g., Asia, Africa), driven by industrialisation and migration. In developed countries, urbanisation rates have plateaued or even declined, as urban populations are already high and the rural-urban migration slows.
What is the global pattern of megacities in terms of size, location, and growth?
: Megacities (population over 10 million) are mainly located in Asia and Africa. They are growing rapidly, particularly in countries like India, China, and Nigeria. The largest megacities include Tokyo, Delhi, and Shanghai, with Mumbai being one of the fastest-growing.
What is urban primacy, and how does it apply to Mumbai?
Urban primacy refers to a city that dominates its country in terms of political, economic, and cultural influence. Mumbai is India’s urban primacy, as it’s the financial, cultural, and entertainment capital, overshadowing other Indian cities like Delhi or Kolkata.
How do economic change and migration contribute to urban growth in emerging countries like India?
Economic growth, especially in sectors like industry, services, and technology, attracts both internal migration from rural areas and international migration. People move to Mumbai seeking better employment opportunities, higher wages, and improved living conditions.
How do the urban economies in developing, emerging, and developed countries differ?
In developed countries, economies are often service-based with high levels of formal employment, while developing countries like India have large informal sectors (e.g., street vendors, unregistered workers). Emerging economies like India blend formal and informal sectors, with significant disparities in working conditions.
How has migration influenced Mumbai’s growth?
Mumbai attracts millions from rural areas across India due to its thriving economy, offering jobs in finance, manufacturing, and entertainment. International migration, particularly from neighboring countries like Bangladesh, also adds to the city’s population growth.
How has Mumbai’s urban population evolved over time?
Mumbai’s population has grown significantly, driven by rural-urban migration and high birth rates. Its population has increased from about 3 million in 1950 to over 20 million today, making it one of the largest cities in the world.
What are the key urbanisation processes affecting Mumbai?
Mumbai is experiencing urbanisation (population moving to the city), suburbanisation (expansion to the suburbs due to housing demand), and counter-urbanisation (migration from city centres to smaller towns). Additionally, de-industrialisation (decline of old industries) and regeneration (redeveloping areas like Dharavi) are key processes in shaping Mumbai’s landscape.
How has the distribution of land use changed in Mumbai?
Over time, land use in Mumbai has evolved. The CBD remains a commercial hub, the inner city has a mix of residential and industrial use, and suburbs have transitioned into mixed residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Expanding infrastructure and transport links are facilitating suburban growth.
What are the different land uses in Mumbai, and what influences them?
Mumbai has commercial land (in the CBD), industrial zones (old industrial areas and new IT hubs), and residential areas (from high-rise luxury apartments to slums). Factors like accessibility, land cost, availability, and planning regulations influence these land uses.
What factors contribute to Mumbai’s rapid population growth?
Factors include high birth rates, migration from rural India and other countries (Bangladesh, Nepal), and economic growth in key sectors like finance, film (Bollywood), and industry, all of which attract people seeking better opportunities.
How is Mumbai’s urban structure laid out in terms of the CBD, inner city, suburbs, and urban-rural fringe?
Mumbai has a highly structured urban environment:
CBD: The heart of finance and commerce, with high-rise offices and retail spaces.
Inner city: Mixed residential and commercial areas, often older with colonial-era buildings.
Suburbs: Newly developed residential and industrial zones, sprawling due to suburbanisation.
Urban-rural fringe: Areas on the outskirts where agriculture blends with urban expansion.
What factors contribute to Mumbai’s rapid population growth?
Factors include high birth rates, migration from rural India and other countries (Bangladesh, Nepal), and economic growth in key sectors like finance, film (Bollywood), and industry, all of which attract people seeking better opportunities.
How has Mumbai’s population growth impacted its spatial growth?
Population growth has led to both horizontal expansion (sprawling suburbs) and vertical growth (high-rise buildings in the city). The city has outgrown its original boundaries, putting pressure on housing, infrastructure, and services.
What opportunities arise from Mumbai’s population growth?
Growth has created vast opportunities, including:
Employment: More jobs in sectors like finance, tech, and manufacturing.
Cultural Influence: As India’s cultural capital, Mumbai fosters creative industries, especially Bollywood.
Economic Growth: Increased demand for goods and services leads to business expansion and more investment.
What are the challenges of rapid population growth in Mumbai?
Major challenges include:
Housing shortages and the rise of informal settlements (e.g., Dharavi).
Traffic congestion due to inadequate infrastructure.
Pollution from industrial activity and vehicular emissions.
Water and waste management issues due to the strain of a large population.
What role do slums and informal settlements play in Mumbai’s urbanisation?
Slums like Dharavi are home to millions, where inadequate housing, poor sanitation, and limited access to basic services are the norm. These settlements reflect the challenges of managing urban growth and are often excluded from the formal economy.
How does the contrast between wealth and poverty affect quality of life in Mumbai?
Wealthy areas, like South Mumbai, offer luxury housing and services, while slums suffer from overcrowding and poor living conditions. This divide leads to stark disparities in education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, undermining social cohesion.
What are some strategies to improve the quality of life for Mumbai’s residents?
Key strategies include:
Affordable housing initiatives to address the housing crisis.
Urban regeneration projects in slum areas.
Public health programs to tackle sanitation and disease.
Transport improvements, like the Mumbai Metro, to reduce congestion.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of top-down government-led strategies in Mumbai?
Advantages: Large-scale solutions, coordinated policies, central funding.
Disadvantages: Potentially slow implementation, lack of community involvement, risks of corruption or inefficiency.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of bottom-up, community-led sustainability strategies?
Advantages: Community engagement, local knowledge, and targeted solutions to local problems.
Disadvantages: Limited resources, lack of scale, and coordination issues.
How does Mumbai manage its water supply and waste disposal?
Mumbai faces water scarcity due to rapid urban growth. Waste management is another key challenge, with poor sanitation in slum areas exacerbating the problem. The government is investing in water recycling and waste management projects to address these issues.
What measures are being taken to improve air quality in Mumbai?
Efforts include encouraging the use of electric vehicles, reducing industrial emissions, improving public transport, and enhancing green spaces. However, air pollution remains a pressing issue, partly due to vehicle emissions and industrial activity.
What transport initiatives are being implemented in Mumbai?
The expansion of the Mumbai Metro, improvements to the local rail network, and investment in bus systems aim to reduce congestion. However, traffic jams and limited pedestrian spaces remain significant challenges.
How is Mumbai central to India’s economy?
Mumbai is the financial capital of India, home to the Bombay Stock Exchange, major banks, and multinational companies. It contributes significantly to India’s GDP, particularly in finance, media, entertainment (Bollywood), and manufacturing.
How has technology influenced Mumbai’s development?
: Technology has improved urban management, communication, and economic growth, particularly in the IT sector. Mumbai is a hub for tech innovation, contributing to its rapid economic growth and urbanisation.
What natural hazards threaten Mumbai’s development?
Mumbai is prone to flooding, especially during the monsoon season, and faces earthquake risks due to its location near the western coast. Coastal erosion and rising sea levels due to climate change also pose future risks.
What are the solutions to Mumbai’s housing crisis?
Solutions include slum redevelopment schemes (e.g., Dharavi redevelopment), building affordable housing units, and improving urban infrastructure to reduce overcrowding.
How is Mumbai addressing waste management?
The city has initiated waste segregation, recycling programs, and garbage collection services to handle waste more efficiently. Mumbai has faced criticism for its waste disposal methods, but there’s a focus on environmental sustainability.
How does international migration affect Mumbai?
International migration, especially from neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal, adds to the city’s growth. Migrants contribute to sectors like construction, services, and informal labor.
How has globalisation impacted Mumbai?
Mumbai has benefitted from globalisation by becoming an international financial hub. It has seen increased foreign investment, the growth of international trade, and expansion of the IT and service industries.
What are the key demographic trends in Mumbai?
Mumbai’s population is young, with a high proportion of migrants from rural areas. However, it faces challenges such as low birth rates among the urban elite and high population density in slums.
What environmental impacts are associated with Mumbai’s urbanisation?
Urbanisation in Mumbai has led to increased pollution, deforestation, and pressure on natural resources. Coastal land reclamation and inadequate waste management also contribute to environmental degradation.
What government policies are shaping Mumbai’s urban development?
Policies focus on urban renewal, sustainable transport systems, affordable housing, and environmental protection. Government initiatives also promote smart city projects and public-private partnerships.
What strategies are being used to make Mumbai more sustainable
Strategies include green building initiatives, waste-to-energy projects, water recycling, and expanding public transport. There’s a push for greater urban greenery and reducing carbon footprints.
How does Mumbai’s informal economy impact the city?
The informal economy provides livelihoods for millions but also contributes to poverty, illegal housing, and unsustainable working conditions. Managing informal settlements and ensuring better wages and working conditions is key.
What are the future projections for urbanisation in Mumbai?
Mumbai’s population is expected to continue growing, creating demand for infrastructure development, affordable housing, and improved public services. Urban planners will face challenges ensuring sustainability in the face of rapid growth.
How do NGOs contribute to Mumbai’s development?
NGOs play a vital role in slum redevelopment, providing healthcare and education to marginalized communities, and working on environmental sustainability initiatives. They provide grassroots solutions to urban issues.
What makes Mumbai a global megacity?
Mumbai is a global megacity due to its massive population, its role as the financial capital of India, and its cultural influence. The city’s rapid growth, challenges, and potential for sustainable urban development make it a critical player on the global stage.
