urban issues and challenges Flashcards
how has urbanisation happened at different rates in different parts of the world?
most of worlds richer countries over 60% population live in cities, south and south east asia
in poorer countries this is 20% (african countries like niger, uganda and malawi
in more developed regions urban population grows slower but is higher to begin with this is opposite for less developed regions
what are the causes of urbanisation in different parts of the world?
-natural increase (birth rate higher than death rate)
-more well paid jobs
-higher standard of living
-friends and family already living there
-farming hard and poorly paid
-drought and other climate hazards reduce crop yields
-few doctors or hospitals
what is the emergence of megacities?
population over 10 mil, most megacities are in LIC’s and NEE’s there are 3 types
-slow-growing (europe, north america, tokyo, LA, 70%+ urban and no squatter settlements)
-growing (south america, south east asia,beijing, 40-30% urban and under 20% sqautter sttlement)
-rapid growing (africa, south asia, mumbai, population under 50% urban and over 20% squatter settlements)
why is mumbai important nationally and internationally?
nationally
-economic hub (indias GDP and tax revenues, home stock to major exchanges)
-transport and connectivity
-cultural influence
-urbanization and migration (rural migrants)
internationally
-global financial centre (attracts international investors and businesses)
-cultural exchange
-trade and industry (ports crucial imports & exports, key node in global trade)
why and how has mumbai grown?
natural increase. high fertility rate 2 children per women, grows 5% each year 1 mill xtra per year.
located by coast transport goods and job opportunities fast growing economy
what are the opportunities in mumbai?
-trade on the coast
-access to services (healthcare 10% indias employment there)
-low crime rate most crime on edges
-education and water (stand taps & bowsers)
what are the challenges in mumbai?
-bad working conditions and no minimum wage or electrical outputs
-limited education
-4000 cases of sickness per day
-informal jobs money earnt cant be used for services
how can mumbai plan to improve the quality
-improve public transport
-addressing housing and infrastructure
-environmental sustainability
-healthcare access
-educational improvements
-economic opportunities and employent
why is birmingham important nationally and internationally?
nationally
-economic hub (centre for manufacturing, finance and services)
-transport links (M6,M5,M42 and home to airport for passengers and goods in uk)
-urban regeneration (redevelopment of city centre and new infrastructure like HS2)
internationally
-international trade & investment (location means trade in europe, multinational companies headquarters there)
-cultural diversity (imigrant population is big reflected in food music and festivals, tourism)
-events and conferences (regularly hosts international events conference and exerbitions, BI motor show)
why and how has birmingham grown?
-migration due to cheaper housing, green city eg cannon hill park and vibrant culture (economic growth
-good education
-industrial revolution, strategical location raw materials accessible and development of various industries like metalworking
what is the impact of national and international migration on the growth and character of birmingham?
national:
-steady population increase and urban growth due to opportunities
-cultural influences from different regions
-bring skills and labour help fill gaps in local workforce
-put pressure on housing markets, increased construction, urban sprawl
-social tensions from different regions
international:
-ethnic diversity
-help in economy with healthcare, manufacturing, retail and construction also growth of service industries
-ethnic neighbourhoods or enclaves more densely populated areas with facilities tailored to people of etnicity
-youthful workforce also higher demand in education
what are the opportunities in birmingham?
-education and culture (5 unis over 50,000 students, youthful population and therefore largest number of buisiness start ups outside london, historical & cultural factors e.g. hippodrome, museums and art galleries)
-integrated transport system (2014 plan put forward to integrate transport, ensuring rail, bus and tram systems easy to use so new train system & improved rail link & development of cycle and walkways)
-HS2 (cut times from B to london from 1 hr 21 to 49 mins
Grand central station (world class station, large concourse more commercial facilities, improves links with surrounding areas, new john lewis 650 jobs)
what are the challenges in birmingham?
-urban deprivation (declining industryled to brownfield sites fallen into dereliction and urban deprivation, 2015 ranked 3rd most deprived city in england)
-environmental challenges (air pollution is major problem due vehicles &modern heat systems, nitrogen oxide one of worst pollutants from diesel engines
-urban sprawl/housing (building on greenfield &brownfield sites, brown expensive, green is cheaper but long term environmental effects, leads urban sprawl and congestion and air pollution
-waste disposal (2015 only 30% birminghams waste recycled contributed to wider environmental impacts like production of methane & greenhouse gasses.
how has birmingham undergone regeneration?
physical: brownfield redevelopment site, boat transport, looks more attractive & modern, maintains historical features
social: plenty jobs, leisure, recreation & entertainment facilities
economic: transport links, job opportunities & variety, buisness and science parks blue chip firms
environmental: cleaner canals, cycle paths, more green space than any other european city
how do people live more sustainably in birmingham?
-brownfield regeneration-preserves natural areas and reduces urban sprawl
-cycle lanes-reduces carbon emissions
-renewable energy
-water conservation- encourages low flow taps & showers also promoting use of rainwater harvesting systems
how are transport strategies used to reduce traffic congestion?
encourage use of public transport like busses which has a network connecting different parts of the city and surrounding areas, trains city is connected to others, birmingham metro (trams) quick & convenient to travel round the city centre. birmingham has developed cycling lanes to encourage a more sustainable way of travel reducing traffic
