Urban Environments Flashcards
What is urbanisation, and what are its main causes?
Urbanisation is the increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas, caused by rural-to-urban migration and natural population growth.
Urbanisation is a key demographic trend influencing global cities.
What is a megacity, and can you give an example?
A megacity is a city with a population of over 10 million people, such as Tokyo or Mumbai.
Megacities are often characterized by significant economic and cultural influence.
What are the characteristics of squatter settlements?
Squatter settlements are informal, poorly built housing areas lacking basic services like sanitation, clean water, and electricity.
They often arise due to rapid urbanisation and lack of affordable housing.
What are the main challenges of rapid urbanisation in LICs?
Challenges include housing shortages, traffic congestion, water and electricity shortages, and inadequate waste management.
LICs refer to low-income countries, which face unique urbanisation challenges.
How can cities be made more sustainable?
By using renewable energy, increasing green spaces, improving public transport, and promoting energy-efficient buildings.
Sustainable practices are essential for long-term urban viability.
What is urban sprawl, and what problems does it cause?
Urban sprawl is the uncontrolled expansion of cities into rural areas, leading to loss of farmland, increased traffic, and environmental degradation.
It often results in increased dependency on automobiles.
What is urban regeneration, and can you name an example?
Urban regeneration is the redevelopment of run-down urban areas. An example is London’s Olympic Park regeneration project.
Urban regeneration aims to revitalize and renew urban spaces.
What is a brownfield site, and why are they often redeveloped?
A brownfield site is previously developed land that is no longer in use. Redevelopment reduces urban sprawl and makes use of existing infrastructure.
Brownfield redevelopment can also help improve local economies.
How do transport systems contribute to urban sustainability?
Efficient transport systems reduce congestion, cut emissions, and provide affordable and accessible travel options.
Sustainable transport systems are critical for reducing urban pollution.
What is the informal economy, and why is it significant in urban areas of LICs?
The informal economy involves jobs not regulated by the government (e.g., street vendors). It provides income for many but lacks security and tax contributions.
The informal economy plays a crucial role in urban livelihoods in LICs.
