Urban Environments Flashcards
What is a push factor and name examples.
A push factor is something that drives migration away from an urban environment.
Examples include:
- Higher rates of Natural Increase = declining resource availability in rural areas
- Sense of disconnectedness
- Farm mechanisation -> unemployment
- Limited range of opportunity for young
- Environmental deterioration due to over farming/ climate change
- Lack of key infrastructure -> low quality of life
What is a pull factor and name examples
A pull factor is something that drives migration towards an urban environment
Examples include:
- Sense of connectedness, valued by young adults especially
- Better paid jobs, broader range of work opportunities
- Better physical infrastructure e.g. roads, sewage systems
- Perception of higher quality of life e.g. better access to education and healthcare
- ‘Bright Lights Syndrome’
What is a natural increase?
Natural increase is when the birth rate is larger than the death rate. This could be due to improved healthcare which reduces death rate and infant mortality
What are the challenges faced by people in Rio due to urbanisation?
Environmental: Water pollution - There is poor water in Guanabara due to the 1 million litre crude oil spill in 2000 which hasn’t been formally cleaned up yet or resolved. Also 18,000 litres of sewage released is released into the bay everyday everyday. This leads to high levels of bacteria and it is toxic but this seeps into peoples lives causing diseases.
Economic: Unemployment and poverty - Large disparities in unemployment between rich and poor areas. Unemployment rates greater than 20% in favelas
33% of workers in Rio are in the informal sector. Informal sector workers receive no insurance or unemployment benefits or pensions
Social: Crime rate - In Rio the homicide rate is 27 per 1000 which is very high, particularly in favelas such as Alemao. High populations in Rio and a lack of job opportunities to support the whole population, especially those with lower skills, means that many are left in significant poverty. They tend to live in the favelas and this pushes many into crime. Those working for gangs often earn five times more a month than other favelas residents. The gangs use violence to control their areas which leads to high murder rates.
Social: Health - Mortality and income are very strongly linked which means people in favelas are often more exposed to health risks. These include tuberculosis but also those do with mental health issues or addictions such as drug addiction.
Social: Housing - Poor quality houses that lead to overcrowding and poor sanitation. Almost none of them have access to sewers. It also leads to groundwater and surface water pollution for the whole of Rio
Socio-economic: Transport - In Rio, due to combination of poor road quality which are in need of constant repair and significant increase in congestion means that, during peak times, a journey can take 50% longer compared to off peak times.
It is the 8th most congested city in the world. Additionally 5000 deaths a year are linked to air pollution in Rio.
What are the possible strategies to make urban living more sustainable and that improve the quality of living?
Environmental: Water pollution - Planting mangrove trees has helped to naturally filter the bay. Additionally the city has built an anaerobic digestion facility. It uses bacteria to break down organic waste. It deals with up to 35-tons per day, which has led to less waste going into landfill.
Economic: Unemployment and poverty - Residentas in favelas are developing their own business which generate 900 jobs for residents. One example was a woman who had set up her own photography business.
Social: Crime rate - There is a policing initiative called pacifying police units which act as a 24 hour police presence in the favelas to help make them a safer place with less drug and arms trafficking which makes the streets safer for residents.
Social: Health - The Mental Health and Violence programme empowered residents and health workers to cope with the emotional and psychological issues that arise out of violence in communities. The programme was developed in partnership with the Rio de Janeiro Municipal Secretariat for Health (SMS).
Social: Housing - They have set up self-help schemes in the favelas. People are given tools and training to improve their homes. Low-interest loans may be used to help people fund these changes. People may be given legal ownership of the land they live on. They also focus on creating new social housing with a project called MCMV, this provided brand new housing with water and sewage connections making it safer and less of a health hazard.
Socio-economic: Transport - New BRT (Bus rapid transit) routes have been created to help meet the demands needed in transport in the city.
What is the Role that different groups play in managing social, economic and environmental challenges in Urban environments?
Politicians: In Rio de Janeiro, politicians, led by a right-wing mayor, wield significant influence in managing the challenges of rapid urbanization. They employ strict crime policies, including police pacification of favelas, while shaping legislation on crime and justice. Control over police funding impacts crime prevention effectiveness. They oversee large-scale urban projects like sewage treatment, crucial for environmental health. Additionally, politicians initiate clean-up efforts and welfare schemes for the unemployed. Tax policies are adjusted to address wealth inequality. Investments in public transport, particularly BRT corridors, are decided upon by politicians, impacting accessibility. Furthermore, they allocate resources for healthcare, education, and medical services.
Urban Planners: They determine the placement of sewage and water pipes, ensuring optimal and efficient routes. Additionally, urban planners strategize the paths for BRT corridors to enhance efficiency and integrate with existing infrastructure like residential buildings and transportation routes. Moreover, they plan areas for hospitals and medical research facilities to provide accessible healthcare to underserved communities.
Property developers: Property developers can provide safe housing for people living in unsafe informal settlements. Also they can employ workers from the informal sector who have skills of building since they created their own homes and provide them with a larger and more stable income
Local residents: By supporting the police through reporting criminal activities and organizing protests to demand government action and funding for policing. Additionally, they establish youth and educational groups, collaborate with charities for environmental initiatives like mangrove planting, promote environmental consciousness through proper waste disposal and recycling, and foster strong community support networks and entrepreneurial endeavours to address local needs and create job opportunities.
