Urban Environmental Issues

Question 1

Why is air pollution a problem in developed countries?

Answer 1

Although reliance on fossil fuels is decreasing and being replaced with less polluting energy sources car ownership is increasing and congestion is causing significant atmospheric pollution.

Question 2

Why is atmospheric pollution more severe in developing countries?

Answer 2

Developing countries still rely on fossil fuels and an increase in industrial activity and car ownership combined with lack of regulations of emissions make atmospheric pollution severe.

Question 3

Why is water pollution an issue in urban environments?

Answer 3

-High population density in cities so produce a lot of waste that can pollute water courses.
-High concentration of factories which may discharge waste into watercourses.

Question 4

What problems does water pollution cause?

Answer 4

-damage ecosystems
-contaminate drinking water and cause health problems.

Question 5

How is water pollution banged in developed countries?

Answer 5

-Strict regulations about discharge of untreated water
-Water quality is monitored
-SUDS encouraged to reduce pollution.

Question 6

How is water pollution more common in developing countries than developed?

Answer 6

Developing countries have:
-Less regulations and treatment facilities
=Untreated water often enters the watercourse.

Question 7

What is urban dereliction?

Answer 7

When economic activity in urban areas declines and buildings become rundown.

Question 8

What are the 3 main patterns that cause urban dereliction?

Answer 8

-Decentralisation of industry leads to industrial decline causing unemployment so people leave cities to find more work.
-Less people means shops and services may be forced to close leaving empty buildings.
-Empty buildings often have problems with vandalism and crime making the area look derelict.

Question 9

Where is urban dereliction more common and why?

Answer 9

Developed countries
Widespread deindustrialisation is more common.

Question 10

What are the main strategies to manage urban dereliction?

Answer 10

-Redeveloping former factories into commercial and residential properties.
-Creating new green spaces
-Constructing new housing.

Question 11

Why might urban dereliction strategies not be successful?
Give an example.

Answer 11

If there are lacks investment then the area will remain derelict.
Eg: Detroit.

Question 12

What is the example for a developing country with urban environmental issues?

Answer 12

Bangkok

Question 13

What is the issue with air pollution in Bangkok?

Answer 13

2011: A rise in car ownership and poor vehicle maintenance meant pollution levels were 3x more than they should be.
-Caused 5000 deaths per year.

Question 14

How have Bangkok tried to reduce air pollution?

Answer 14

-Improved public transport
-Fining drivers for cars that emit high fumes.

Question 15

How is waste pollution an issue in Bangkok?

Answer 15

Poor sewage and ineffective waste management means water pollution is severe.
River water contains human waste and can make people sick.

Question 16

How have Bangkok attempted to reduce waste pollution?

Answer 16

There have been various plans to improve sewage systems but they have all been too expensive.

Question 17

How is dereliction a problem in Bangkok?

Answer 17

A financial crisis meant many buildings were left half finished and suffered from vandalism.

Question 18

How has dereliction improved in Bangkok?

Answer 18

Economic growth since 2010 has led to the completion of unfinished buildings and the government offers incentives for foreign investment.

Question 19

What is the example of an urban environmental issue case study in a developed country?

Answer 19

Manchester.

Question 20

What is the issue with air pollution in Manchester?

Answer 20

Factories released huge amounts of green house gases and industrial waste which polluted the air.

Question 21

How have Manchester attempted to reduce air pollution?

Answer 21

-Closure of factories and better management of air quality has reduced air pollution and reduced the frequency of illnesses.
-Local government improved bus services and expanded cycle paths.

Question 22

What are water pollution problems in Manchester?

Answer 22

The river Irwell was badly polluted by industry and sewage into the late 20th century.

Question 23

How have Manchester reduced water pollution?

Answer 23

-Encouraging aquatic plant growth and collecting litter.
-Local government has installed SUDS such as green areas in Salford quays to reduce surface runoff from roads.

Question 24

How is dereliction an issue in Manchester?

Answer 24

In the late 20th century deindustrialisation has caused paper to leave the city centre leaving shops abandoned.

Question 25

How have Manchester attempted to resolve dereliction?

Answer 25

-Former factories were converted into luxury flats.
-Open spaces were improved
-Finding provided for new buildings
=Population has tripled.