Urban Issues Flashcards
What is urban change?
The increasing percentage of a population living in towns and cities
What is a megacity?
A city with more than 10 million people living in it
What are the two main causes of urbanization?
- Rural-urban migration
- Natural increase
What is rural-urban migration?
People moving from the countryside (rural) to towns and cities (urban)
What are push factors in urban migration?
Reasons that drive people to leave the countryside, such as:
* Limited job opportunities
* Low pay
* Mechanisation
What are pull factors in urban migration?
Reasons that attract people to move to the city, such as:
* Jobs and higher pay
* Education
* Closer to schools
What is natural increase?
When the birth rate is higher than the death rate
What demographic trend is observed in urban areas?
People living in cities tend to be younger, typically aged 18 - 35
Fill in the blank: A city with more than _____ million people living in it is called a megacity.
10
True or False: Urbanization is solely caused by natural increase.
False
What is the relationship between urban living and birth rates?
Urban areas tend to have higher birth rates due to younger populations
Identify one urban trend in Central Africa.
High growth rates
Identify one urban trend in Eastern Europe.
Some countries are experiencing stagnant or declining populations
What is a high-income country?
A country characterized by a high gross national income per capita
Examples include Germany and Poland.
What is a low-income country?
A country characterized by a low gross national income per capita
An example is many countries in Africa.
What is urban growth?
The increase in the population living in urban areas
Urban growth happens faster in certain countries due to various factors.
List reasons why urban growth happens faster in some countries.
- Dirt control
- Corresponding education
- Control by older populations
- Religious factors
- Mortality rates
These factors contribute to varying rates of urbanization.
What is a megacity?
A city with a population of over 10 million people
Megacities are significant due to their size and influence.
Name three of the top 20 world megacities.
- Tokyo
- Delhi
- Shanghai
These cities are among the largest in the world by population.
True or False: Most megacities are located in Asia.
True
Asia has more than 20 megacities, making it the continent with the highest concentration.
Fill in the blank: _______ has three megacities.
North America
This includes cities like New York and Los Angeles.
Describe the global distribution of megacities.
Most megacities are in Asia, with North America having only three
This highlights the concentration of urban populations in certain regions.
What is the significance of urban growth in countries?
It can lead to economic development and changes in social structures
Urban growth impacts infrastructure, housing, and services.
What is the geographical location of Rio de Janeiro?
Located in the southern part of South America, near the Tropic of Capricorn and the Atlantic Ocean.
It lies close to the Equator.
What percentage of Brazil’s GDP does Rio contribute?
5% of Brazil’s GDP.
This highlights Rio’s economic significance within the country.
What is the population of Rio de Janeiro?
6.5 million.
This makes it the third largest urban area in Brazil.
Name two important industries in Rio de Janeiro.
- Manufacturing
- Finance
These industries play a crucial role in the city’s economy.
What cultural significance does Rio de Janeiro hold?
It is known as the cultural capital of Brazil, with 50 museums and the annual Carnival.
The Carnival is one of the world’s largest music and dance celebrations.
How many ports and airports does Rio de Janeiro have?
5 ports and 3 airports.
This makes it an important international transport hub.
What major international event did Rio host in 2016?
The Summer Olympic Games.
It was the first time the Olympics were held in South America.
How many tourists does Rio attract annually?
2.82 million visitors per year.
This makes it the most visited city in South America.
What designation does Rio de Janeiro hold as a World Heritage Site?
It is recognized as being of outstanding international importance and given special protection.
This designation is granted to places of significant cultural or natural value.
True or False: Rio de Janeiro is the largest city in Brazil.
False.
The largest city in Brazil is Sao Paulo.
Fill in the blank: Rio de Janeiro is famous for its _______.
beaches, Carnaval, and the statue of Christ the Redeemer.
List three reasons for the rapid growth of Rio de Janeiro in the last 50 years.
- Economic opportunities
- Cultural significance
- Urban development
These factors contribute to the city’s population increase and urban expansion.
What is one reason for the growth of Rio?
Increased job opportunities in construction and manufacturing.
These jobs tend to be higher paid than farming jobs.
What type of jobs are available in the favelas?
Jobs in offices and finance, such as those at Petrobras, Brazil’s oil company.
Petrobras is a major player in Brazil’s economy.
What is a contributing factor to the high birth rate in certain communities?
Lack of access to family planning and education.
This results in fewer resources and support for family planning.
Fill in the blank: The birth rate is _______ in Rio due to lack of access to resources.
high
What are the types of jobs that have higher pay in Rio?
Construction and manufacturing jobs.
These sectors offer better wages compared to farming.
True or False: There are more jobs available in farming than in construction and manufacturing in Rio.
False
Construction and manufacturing jobs are noted to be higher paid.
What are the two main factors contributing to job scarcity in some areas of Rio?
Lack of jobs and lack of education on family planning.
These factors lead to economic challenges in the communities.
What percentage of Rio’s population does not have access to running water?
12%
This indicates significant inequalities in access to basic services.
What percentage of water in Rio is lost due to leaking pipes, fraud, and illegal access?
37%
This loss exacerbates the water supply crisis.
What health issues are associated with inadequate water supply in Rio?
Water borne diseases like typhoid and cholera
These diseases can spread due to lack of clean water.
What impact does collecting water have on children in Rio?
Children might have to spend time collecting water rather than going to school or doing homework
This affects their education and future prospects.
How many new treatment plants were built in Rio between 1998 and 2014?
7 new treatment plants
This effort included laying 300km of pipes.
What percentage of the population in Rio had a mains water supply by 2014?
95%
This represents a significant improvement in water access.
What is the school enrollment situation in Rio?
Low, with only 50% continuing school beyond age 14
Many drop out and get involved in drug trafficking.
What are the reasons for low school enrollment in Rio?
- Lack of schools
- Lack of teachers
- Low pay for teachers
These factors contribute to educational challenges.
What percentage of Rio had a local family health clinic in 2013?
55%
This highlights the inadequate healthcare services available.
What kind of support has been provided to encourage families in Rio?
- Grants to poor families for schooling costs
- Money for sports lessons
These initiatives aim to improve education and community involvement.
What improvements were made in healthcare in the favela of Santa Marta?
Medical staff took health kits into homes and issued treatments
This approach helped reduce the death rate in the area.
How far is the nearest hospital from the favela of Santa Marta?
13 km
This distance complicates access to medical care.
True or False: Drug trafficking in Rio is associated with 10% of drug gangs.
True
This statistic underscores the challenge of violence and crime.
Fill in the blank: Rio faces challenges in providing important services for its _______ growing population.
rapidly
Rapid population growth strains existing infrastructure.
What has led to frequent blackouts in Rio?
Increasing population demands and a shortage of electricity
The demand for energy has outpaced the supply, causing blackouts.
What new infrastructure has been developed to address energy needs in Rio?
New nuclear generator and Simplicio hydroelectric complex
The hydroelectric complex produces 30% of Rio’s electricity.
What economic event severely impacted Brazil’s economy in 2015?
A deep recession
This recession led to increased unemployment and social unrest.
What is the unemployment rate in the favelas of Rio?
Over 20%
This high unemployment rate contributes to economic challenges.
What percentage of total income is earned by the richest 1% in Rio?
12%
This contrasts sharply with the income of the poorest 50%.
What percentage of total income is earned by the poorest 50% in Rio?
13%
This highlights the economic disparity in the city.
What is a significant characteristic of employment in the favelas?
Most work in the informal economy
Jobs include street vendors, drivers, labourers, maids, and artisans.
Fill in the blank: The ‘Schools of _______’ program aims to improve education for young people in violent areas.
Tomorrow
This initiative addresses educational deficiencies.
What are Police Pacifying Units (PPUs) intended to do?
Reclaim favelas from gangs
PPUs are part of the effort to reduce crime and restore order.
True or False: The majority of Rio’s 3.5 million workers have formal employment.
False
One-third do not have formal employment.
What is a major issue related to crime in Rio?
Robbery and violent crime
Powerful gangs control drug trafficking in favelas.
What type of economy do many residents of the favelas rely on?
Informal economy
This economy often lacks legal protections and benefits.
What are some of the solutions implemented to tackle high unemployment?
Free childcare for teenage parents and courses for adults
These initiatives aim to improve education and employment opportunities.
What is one major environmental challenge facing Rio?
Air pollution
Air pollution causes 5000 deaths per year in Rio.
By what percentage has the number of cars in Rio grown in the last 10 years?
40%
The increase in cars contributes significantly to air pollution.
What solution has been implemented to address air pollution in Rio?
Metro expansion
Expanding the metro aims to reduce the reliance on cars.
How many deaths per year are attributed to air pollution in Rio?
5000
This figure highlights the severity of the air pollution issue.
What is the daily amount of raw sewage polluting Guanabara Bay?
200 tonnes
This significant amount contributes to the decline of fishing in the bay.
What percentage of Guanabara Bay is reported to be polluted?
90%
The high level of pollution poses health risks to residents.
What is one consequence of the pollution in Guanabara Bay?
Decline in fishing
Fishing has declined due to the high levels of pollution in the bay.
What has been built to help reduce water pollution in Rio since 2004?
12 new sewage works
These works cost US$68 million and aim to improve water quality.
What is a challenge faced in waste collection in the favelas of Rio?
Few proper roads and steep slopes
This makes it difficult for waste collection lorries to operate effectively.
What innovative solution has been set up to deal with waste in Rio?
Power plant to produce methane from rotting rubbish
This biogas production helps manage waste and generates energy.
What type of waste contributes to the pollution in Guanabara Bay?
Industrial waste
Along with raw sewage, industrial waste significantly impacts water quality.