Urban Environments Flashcards
1
Q
Trends in urbanization:
What is urbanisation?
A
Urbanisation is the process of an increasing percentage of a country’s population living in towns and cities.
2
Q
How do urban settlements differ from rural ones?
A
Urban settlements differ from rural ones in terms of way of life, size, density of buildings and people, economy, and employment.
3
Q
What is the urbanisation pathway?
A
The urbanisation pathway shows how countries become more urban as they develop economically.
3
Q
What are the two main causes of rapid urban growth?
A
The two main causes of rapid urban growth are natural increase and rural-urban migration.
4
Q
What is counter-urbanisation?
A
Counter-urbanisation is the movement of people from urban areas to rural areas.
5
Q
What is the difference between urban regeneration and urban re-imaging?
A
Urban regeneration is the investment of capital in the revival of old, urban areas, while urban re-imaging is changing the image and reputation of an urban area.
6
Q
What is the correct order of the urbanization pathway?
A
Agglomeration, Suburbanization, Counter-urbanization, Urban regeneration, Urban re-imaging
7
Q
What are the benefits of urban regeneration and urban re-imaging?
A
Urban regeneration and urban re-imaging can help to rebrand an urban area and make it a more attractive place to live, work, and visit.
8
Q
What are the 4 causes of rapid urban growth?
A
- Natural Increase
- Rural-Urban Migration
- Urban Pull Factors
- Rural Push Factors
8
Q
What is rural dilation?
A
Where the countryside begins to take on features and pace of an urban environment
9
Q
What are three factors that contribute to the rapid pace of urbanization?
A
The three factors that contribute to the rapid pace of urbanization are economic growth, population growth, and rural push factors.
10
Q
What are four factors that contribute to the growth of megacities?
A
The four factors that contribute to the growth of megacities are economic development, population growth, economies of scale, and the multiplier effect.
11
Q
What are world cities?
A
World cities are major centers of influence and economic power.
12
Q
Explain how economic growth drives urbanization.
A
Economic growth drives urbanization by creating more employment opportunities in cities.
12
Q
Discuss the relationship between population growth and urbanization.
A
As populations increase, there is a greater demand for goods and services, which stimulates urbanization.
13
Q
What are the economic benefits of megacities?
A
Megacities provide economic benefits by acting as hubs for economic activity, attracting businesses, and generating employment opportunities.
14
Q
Describe the push factors that contribute to rural-urban migration.
A
Rural push factors contribute to rural-urban migration when rural areas lack opportunities for employment, education, and healthcare.
15
Q
How do economies of scale contribute to megacity growth?
A
Economies of scale contribute to megacity growth by making it cheaper to provide goods and services in one place than spread across several cities.
16
Q
Describe the multiplier effect and its role in megacity growth.
A
- The multiplier effect contributes to megacity growth by attracting investments and businesses, which further stimulates growth and job creation.
17
Q
What are the characteristics of world cities?
A
World cities are characterized by their global influence, economic power, and role in global commerce, finance, culture, and politics.
18
Q
What is the difference in factors contributing to urbanization and factors contributing to growth of megacities?
A
Urbanization is driven by economic growth, population growth, and rural push factors, while megacity growth is driven by economic development, population growth, economies of scale, and the multiplier effect.
19
Q
Explain the implications of rapid urbanization for global development.
A
Rapid urbanization has implications for global development by increasing the demand for resources, infrastructure, and services, while also creating opportunities for economic growth and innovation.
20
Q
Issues Of Urbanization:
What are some issues of urbanization?
A
- Congestion
- Housing
- Employment
- Crime
- Education
- Environmental Issues
21
Q
What is one of the main causes of congestion in cities?
A
- Rapid urbanization and population growth are the main causes of congestion in cities. As more and more people move to cities, there is increased demand for housing, transportation, and other resources. This can lead to overcrowding, traffic jams, and a lack of affordable housing.
22
What are some of the effects of congestion in cities?
Congestion can have a number of negative effects on city life, including:
- Increased travel times and delays
- Reduced productivity and economic activity
- Increased air pollution and noise levels
23
What are some of the challenges of finding affordable housing in cities?
Finding affordable housing in cities can be challenging due to a number of factors, including:
- High demand for housing
- Limited supply of affordable housing
- Rising costs of construction and maintenance
23
What is the informal sector?
The informal sector is a part of the economy that is not regulated or taxed. It includes activities such as street vending, home-based work, and day labour.
24
What are some of the consequences of poor living conditions in cities?
Poor living conditions in cities can have a number of negative consequences for residents, including:
- Increased risk of disease and health problems
- Increased crime rates
25
What are some of the challenges of finding formal employment in cities?
Finding formal employment in cities can be challenging due to a number of factors, including:
- High competition for jobs
- Lack of qualifications and experience
26
What are some of the factors that contribute to crime in cities?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to crime in cities, including:
- Poverty and inequality
- Lack of access to education and employment opportunities
27
What are some of the consequences of crime in cities?
Crime can have a number of negative consequences for cities, including:
- Increased fear and anxiety among residents
- Reduced property values and investment
28
What are some of the challenges of providing education in rapidly growing cities?
Providing education in rapidly growing cities can be challenging due to a number of factors, including:
- Increased demand for schools and teachers
- Limited funding for education
29
What are the consequences of a lack of education in cities?
A lack of education can have a number of negative consequences for cities, including:
- Increased unemployment and poverty
- Increased crime rates
30
What are some of the environmental problems caused by urbanization?
- Pollution
- Waste Disposal Issues
31
What are the consequences of environmental problems in cities?
- Bad quality of air
- Bad quality of water
- Poor public health
32
# Urban land Use patterns:
What factors contribute to higher land values in certain areas of an urban area?
Factors that contribute to higher land values in certain areas of an urban area include proximity to main roads, urban hubs, and ring roads.
33
How does the location of a piece of land affect its value?
The location of a piece of land affects its value in that land closer to key functions, such as businesses, transportation, and amenities, tends to be more valuable.
34
What are two factors that can increase the value of land?
Accessibility and desirability are two factors that can increase the value of land. Accessibility refers to how easy it is to get to a piece of land, while desirability refers to how attractive a piece of land is to potential users.
35
What is the term used to describe the division of a city into zones with similar land values and locational needs?
The term used to describe the division of a city into zones with similar land values and locational needs is land-use zoning.
36
What is the pattern of growth for most towns and cities?
The pattern of growth for most towns and cities is a series of rings, starting with a historic center or core and expanding outwards to an urban fringe.
37
What are the four main zones that can be identified in a typical urban area?
The four main zones that can be identified in a typical urban area are the central core, inner-city ring, suburban ring, and urban fringe.
38
Why are land prices typically higher near the CBD?
Land prices are typically higher near the CBD because accessibility increases the potential for more customers. Businesses are willing to pay more for land that is easily accessible to their customers.
39
Why is industry typically located further away from the CBD than other land uses?
Industry is typically located further away from the CBD than other land uses because it cannot compete with the high prices of land near the CBD. Industrial land uses, such as factories and warehouses, do not require the same level of accessibility as retail or residential land uses.
40
What is the term used to describe the sorting of people into different zones of an urban area?
The term used to describe the sorting of people into different zones of an urban area is residential segregation.
41
# Urban Challenges in Developed Cities
How can challenges faced by developed world cities be categorised?
- Social
- Economic
- Environmental
42
Provide 2 examples of social challenges in urban areas in developed cities.
- Social services and housing
- Poverty and deprivation
43
Provide 2 examples of economic challenges in urban areas in developed cities
- Food supply
- Service provision
44
Provide 2 examples of environmental challenges in urban areas in developed cities
- Pollution and waste disposal
- Energy supply and ecological footprint.
45
What are the Economic Challenges Hong Kong faces?
- **Food Supply:** With limited agricultural land, Hong Kong relies heavily on food imports, ensuring a diverse food supply.
- **Energy Supply:** Hong Kong generates most of its electricity from fossil fuel power stations, while a portion comes from imported nuclear power.
- **Transport and Traffic:** Hong Kong's well-developed public transport system effectively manages the high volume of daily commuters, minimizing traffic congestion.
46
What are the Social Challenges Hong Kong faces?
* **Housing:** The limited land availability necessitates vertical development, with half of the population living in government-rented public housing and the rest in highly sought-after private residences.
* **Ethnic Segregation:** The population primarily consists of Chinese citizens, while a smaller portion originates from Southeast Asian countries. Employment patterns reflect this division, with domestic workers predominantly from Southeast Asia and higher-earning professionals from Western countries.
47
What are the Environmental Challenges Hong Kong faces?
- **Ecological Footprint:** Hong Kong's extensive energy consumption, land reclamation, and reliance on mainland China for water contribute to a significant ecological footprint.
- **Waste Disposal:** With an estimated 6.4 million tonnes of waste generated annually, Hong Kong faces the challenge of effective waste management and disposal.
- **Water Supply:** The lack of local water sources necessitates importing 70% of the water supply from mainland China, highlighting the city's dependency on external resources.
47
What is the urban challenge of housing in emerging cities?
**Housing**
- The rapid growth of urban populations in developing and emerging countries is outpacing the availability of affordable housing.
- This has led to the proliferation of informal settlements, also known as squatter settlements, which are unplanned and unregulated communities with poor living conditions.
48
What is the urban challenge of Informal Economy in emerging cities?
**Informal Economy**
- The informal economy is a major source of employment in developing and emerging cities.
- Informal workers are often employed in unskilled and low-paying jobs.
49
What is the urban challenge of Urban Pollution in emerging cities?
**Urban Pollution**
- Urban pollution is a major problem in developing and emerging cities.
- Sources of pollution include traffic congestion, industrial emissions, and the burning of fossil fuels.
- Urban pollution can have a serious impact on human health and the environment.
50
What is the population of Kibera?
* Between 800,000 and 1 million people.
50
What is the urban challenge of Quality of life in emerging cities?
**Quality of Life**
- The quality of life in developing and emerging cities is often low.
- This is due to a number of factors, including poverty, inequality, and a lack of access to basic services.
- The cycle of poverty traps many people in a downward spiral of deprivation.
50
# Development of Rural urban Fringe
What is the rural-urban fringe?
The rural-urban fringe is the transitional zone between the countryside and urban areas. It is characterized by mixed land uses, including agriculture, residential areas, commercial establishments, and industrial parks.
50
What are the push and pull factors driving development at the rural-urban fringe?
- **Push factors:** Factors that make people want to leave urban areas, such as high housing costs, pollution, and crime.
- **Pull factors:** Factors that attract people to the rural-urban fringe, such as lower housing costs, more open space, and access to recreational amenities.
50
What are the different types of development that occur at the rural-urban fringe?
- **Residential development:** The construction of new housing estates.
- **Commercial development:** The development of retail parks, shopping centers, and office buildings.
- **Industrial development:** The establishment of factories and industrial parks.
- **Infrastructure development:** The construction of roads, railways, and utilities.
51
What are the advantages and disadvantages of greenfield and brownfield development?
**Greenfield development**
- **Advantages:**
- Healthier environment
- More open space
- Easier to design and develop
- **Disadvantages:**
- Loss of agricultural land
- Loss of wildlife habitat
- Higher infrastructure costs
**Brownfield development**
- **Advantages:**
- Reuses existing land
- Reduces the need to demolish buildings
- Can be located close to existing infrastructure
- **Disadvantages:**
- Can be contaminated with pollutants
- May be located in less desirable areas
- Can be more expensive to develop
52
What are some of the challenges associated with development at the rural-urban fringe?
- **Environmental impacts:** Loss of farmland, wildlife habitat, and water quality.
- **Infrastructure challenges:** The need to extend roads, sewers, and other infrastructure to new developments.
- **Social impacts:** The loss of community cohesion and the creation of sprawl.
53
Identify an example of a city that has experienced significant growth at its rural-urban fringe.
Phoenix, Arizona, is an example of a city that has experienced significant growth at its rural-urban fringe. The city's population has more than doubled since 1980, and much of this growth has occurred in the suburbs and exurbs.
54
Discuss the potential impacts of a new retail park being built on the outskirts of a town.
A new retail park could have both positive and negative impacts on a town. On the positive side, it could create jobs, increase tax revenue, and provide residents with more shopping options. However, it could also increase traffic congestion, hurt local businesses, and contribute to sprawl.
54
Evaluate the pros and cons of developing a science park on a greenfield site.
Developing a science park on a greenfield site would have several advantages. It would provide a dedicated space for research and development, attract high-tech businesses, and create jobs. However, it would also result in the loss of farmland or wildlife habitat.
54
# Sustainable Urban Strategies
What is the importance of sustainable urban living?
Sustainable urban living is important for the health and stability of towns and cities. It helps to create a more livable and healthy environment for people, and it can also help to reduce the impact of cities on the environment.
55
How can urban agriculture promote social inclusion and improve the quality of life for urban residents?
Urban agriculture can promote social inclusion by providing opportunities for people to come together and work on a common goal. It can also help to improve the quality of life for urban residents by providing access to fresh, healthy food and by creating green spaces in cities.
56
Why are companies adopting corporate sustainability practices?
Companies are adopting corporate sustainability practices to reduce their environmental impact, save money, and improve their public image.
57
What is the importance of economic sustainability for cities?
Economic sustainability is important for cities because it helps to ensure that they have the resources they need to provide services to their residents and to invest in infrastructure.
58
What are ecotown developments?
Ecotown developments are new communities that are designed to be sustainable. They typically have a number of features that help to reduce their environmental impact, such as energy-efficient homes, renewable energy sources, and green spaces.
58
Can you give an example of a sustainable city?
Masdar City in Abu Dhabi is an example of a sustainable city. It is powered by renewable energy and has a number of other sustainable features, such as a green transportation system and a waste-to-energy plant.
59
How can green spaces protect and enhance wildlife?
Green spaces can protect and enhance wildlife by providing habitat for animals and plants. They can also help to improve air and water quality, and they can provide opportunities for recreation.
60
Can you give an example of a city that has implemented sustainable initiatives?
Curitiba is an example of a city that has implemented a number of sustainable initiatives. The city has a dedicated bus lane, which has helped to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.
61
# Role Of Urban Managers
Who are the stakeholders involved in urban management?
1. Stakeholders involved in urban management include local planners and politicians, property developers, employers, residents of squatter settlements, nearby residents, city councils, utility suppliers, landowners, and developers.
61
What are the different levels of stakeholder involvement in urban management?
1. The levels of stakeholder involvement in urban management vary depending on the specific project or initiative. However, local stakeholders typically have the most influence on decision-making, while national and international stakeholders may play a more advisory or supportive role.
62
How do local residents and nearby residents view squatter settlements?
1. Local residents of squatter settlements often support projects that will improve their living conditions, such as providing access to basic amenities like water and sanitation. Nearby residents may be more likely to support projects that involve relocating squatter settlements, as they may perceive these settlements as a source of crime or social disorder.
62
What factors do national governments consider when making decisions about urban management?
1. National governments consider a variety of factors when making decisions about urban management, including the cost of different options, the potential political impact, and the needs of different stakeholder groups. They may also be influenced by international obligations or commitments.
63
What role do international charities play in improving squatter settlements?
International charities play a number of roles in improving squatter settlements. They may provide funding for projects to improve infrastructure and amenities, deliver food and education services, and advocate for the rights of slum dwellers.
64
What are the five management options for slums?
- **Bulldoze and clear away:** This option involves forcibly evicting residents and demolishing their homes.
- **Clear away but relocate people:** This option involves providing residents with alternative housing before evicting them from their homes.
- **Redevelop:** This option involves demolishing squatter settlements and rebuilding them with new infrastructure and housing.
- **Improve using self-help or site-and-service schemes:** This option involves providing residents with the materials and tools they need to improve their homes themselves, or providing them with land and basic services on which to build new homes.
- **Ignore:** This option involves taking no action to address the issue of squatter settlements.
65
What are the pros and cons of each management option?
- **Bulldoze and clear away:** This option is quick and easy, but it is also disruptive and can lead to social unrest.
- **Clear away but relocate people:** This option is more humane than bulldozing and clearing away, but it is also more expensive and time-consuming.
- **Redevelop:** This option can create a more attractive and livable environment, but it can also be expensive and can displace residents.
- **Improve using self-help or site-and-service schemes:** This option is relatively low-cost and empowers residents, but it can be slow and may not result in significant improvements.
- **Ignore:** This option is the cheapest, but it also does nothing to address the underlying problems of squatter settlements.
