UIaC- Urban World Flashcards
Define Urbanisation.
An increase in the amount of people living in towns or cities.
In 2007, the UN announced for the first time that over 50% of the world’s population live in urban areas.
When did urbanisation happen in HIC’s?
During the Industrial Revolution
Why did urbanisation happen in HIC’s?
- Job opportunities
- Higher wages
- Improved living standard
- Better public transport and methods of communication
- Better access to healthcare and education
When did urbanisation happen in LICs?
Urbanisation in Low-Income Countries (LICs) primarily occurred in the late 20th century and continues to the present day. This urban growth is driven by rapid population increases and economic development.
Why did urbanisation happen in LICs?
- Economic Opportunities: People move to cities for better job prospects and higher wages.
- Improved Services: Urban areas often offer better access to healthcare, education, and social services.
- Rural Poverty: Difficult living conditions and limited opportunities in rural areas push people to migrate to cities.
Define rural to urban migration.
The movement of people from the countryside (rural areas) to cities (urban areas) in search of better living conditions, employment opportunities, and access to services.
Describe the problems caused by traffic congestion in LICs.
- Air Pollution: Increased vehicular emissions contribute to poor air quality.
- Economic Losses: Delays and long travel times reduce productivity.
- Health Issues: Exposure to pollutants can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
- Stress and Accidents: Congested roads lead to higher stress levels and an increased risk of road accidents.
What are some facts about Rio De Janeiro?
- Location: Southeast region of Brazil, along the Atlantic coast.
- Population: Approximately 6.7 million people in the city, making it the second-most populous city in Brazil.
- Infrastructure Challenges: Faces issues with traffic congestion, inadequate public transport, and housing shortages.
- Favela Communities: Significant portions of the population live in favelas (informal settlements), with complex social and economic challenges. 22% of total pop live in favelas.
- Environmental Concerns: Struggles with air pollution, waste management, and preserving natural landscapes.
What causes the problem of traffic congestion and air pollution in Rio de Janeiro?
- High Vehicle Numbers: A large number of private cars and inadequate public transport systems.
- Narrow Streets and Poor Infrastructure: Limited road capacity and outdated infrastructure.
- Geographical Constraints: Rio de Janeiro’s mountains and coastal location restrict road expansion, contributing to congestion.
- Urban Growth: Rapid urbanisation and population growth outpace the development of transportation infrastructure.
- Smog occurs in still conditions, vehicle exhast fumes mixes with fog and pollutants from factories.
How many deaths are there a year in Rio due to traffic congestion and air pollution?
5000
Why is there congestion and air pollution in Rio?
- Steep mountains limit where roads can go
- High crime rates mean people prefer to drive
How is traffic congestion and air pollution managed in Rio de Janeiro?
- Expansion of Public Transport: Investment in metro systems, buses, and light rail to reduce reliance on private cars.
- Traffic Management Measures/ New Toll Roads: Introduction of bus lanes, carpool lanes, and congestion pricing.
- Environmental Regulations: Implementation of stricter emissions standards and promotion of cleaner fuels.
- Road Infrastructure Improvements: Building new roads, expanding existing ones, and improving traffic flow through better signaling systems.
- Make coastal roads one way at rush hours
Why is managing traffic congestion and air pollution difficult in Rio de Janeiro?
- Geographical Barriers: Mountains and coastlines limit the space available for expanding road networks.
- High Vehicle Ownership: A cultural preference for private cars despite the availability of public transport.
- Economic Constraints: Limited funding for infrastructure projects and public transport improvements, expensive to put in place alternatives to driving
- Rapid Urbanisation: Continuous population growth outstrips the capacity of transportation systems.
- Huge problem
