Urban environmental issues Flashcards
Urban dereliction
It occurs when economic activity in an area declines and buildings become run down.
It is more common in developed countries where widespread deindustrialisation has occurred.
The pattern of dereliction
Manufacturing moves overseas and decentralisation of industry leads to industrial decline.
Many unemployed people leave in search for work
Shops are forced to shut and services go into decline
When people move out, they leave empty buildings, and problems of vandalism, graffiti and crime arise.
Environmental issues caused by dereliction
Bangkok- buildings were left half finished after the Asian financial crisis in 1997.
Some fell into disrepair, however economic growth in 2010 meant that many were completed.
Dereliction in Liverpool
Deurbanisation saw the population of the city decline from 850,000 in 1931 to just 450,000 in 2001.
Many moved to suburbs with more room, lower rent, less congestion and less pollution.
The Waterfront had been abandoned as a working dock and lay derelict for 15 years, until it was renovated and opened as a tourist destination in 1988.
It now attracts over 4 million tourists a year with shops, bars, art galleries etc.
Urban air pollution
Car ownership and congestion are increasing, causing significant atmospheric pollution.
Air quality in many cities has improved since 1950 due to the reliance on fossil fuels decreasing and less-polluting energy sources increasing.
Atmospheric pollution can be severe in developing countries as they still rely on fossil fuels and there is a lack of regulation on emissions.
Environmental issues caused by air pollution
In 2011, some pollutants such as benzene were more than 3 times the acceptable levels in some areas.
Bangkok - air pollution caused around 5000 premature deaths a year in the early 21st century.
Air pollution in Manchester
In the 19th century and early 20th century, factories and mills produced huge amounts of greenhouse gases.
To overcome this issue, many were closed and there was better management.
Urban water pollution
High population density = lots of waste = sewage + oils + metals enter water courses.
Since the 1960s there have been various plans to improve sewage systems however they have been too expensive to implement.
Manchester - urban water pollution
The River Irwell and Manchester Ship canal were badly polluted by industry and sewage until the late 20th century. Extensive work has been done to clean up the water ways (increasing oxygen content, encouraging aquatic plants growth and collecting litter).
