Urban issues and challenges Flashcards
Mega city definition
An urban area where the population exceeds 10 million people
Urbanisation definition
The increasing proportion of people living in urban areas (towns and cities)
Why does urbanisation occur
- Natural increase - better healthcare and younger population
- Location - better trade, ports and transport
- Rural-urban migration - most migrants are young, go to cities for jobs and education
- Economic development - trading cities good for business, grown economically (create jobs - attract people)
Push factors (push people away from countryside to major cities)
Land scarce
Political/religious persecution
Civil war
Flooding
High crime
Drought
Crop failure
Lack of safety
Poverty
Over population
Lack of services
Pull factors (attract people to major cities)
Lower risk from natural hazards
Higher employment
More wealth
Hope for a new life
More fertile land
Promise of freedom (religious/political)
Better services
Safer, less crime
Political stability
Good climate
Mechanisation definition
Industry taken over by the use of machines - less jobs needed as machines do the work
Population density definition
The measurement of the number of people in an area - calculated by dividing the number of people by the area
London location
South east England
On both sides of the River Thames
50 miles upstream from its estuary on the North Sea
UK
Population statistic for London
World’s 14th largest capital city
Travel hub statistic for London
Global hub which connects the UK to the rest of the world
Tourism statistic for London
30 million tourists (2017)
Finance statistic London
Londoners earn 23% more than the UK average
Education statistic London
60% Londoners have a degree
Business statistic London
London stock exchange is the largest in the world
Job statistic London
800,000 people commute to London for work every day
Cultural diversity statistic London
Over 2 million don’t speak English at home
Green space statistic London
London has 8 royal parks
E.g Hyde park
How is London influential nationally and internationally within the UK
Job opportunities - 800,000 people commute to London for work every day - this would attract working migrants and international businesses, resulting in a greater income, which is important for the UK
Global hub which connects the UK to the rest of the world
Lots of people come into London every day for work, needs good transport, public journeys have increased by 40% since 2000, meaning more and more are using transport - UK heavily relies on this income
Big population (8.7 million) - all these people can contribute to new ideas and job offers which can help nationally and internationally
Impacts of migration
- Number of migrants is increasing
- Immigrants are generally younger
- 26% of doctors are immigrants
- Concern that immigrants are stealing education from British - foreign students usually perform better - people usually migrate for jobs/education
- More diverse economy - London’s economy makes £34 bn towards UK public finances
- People believe they take jobs from Londoners - however they create business opportunities and increase wages
Cultural impact of migration on London
London riots - divided society, social breakdown, lack of role models, social reform
Chinese culture - major celebrations in London (Chinese new year), largest celebration outside Asia, inclusive, music and dance
London arts and heritage - 74% minorities in non-skilled roles within arts, diversity issues, need more education for minorities in arts sector and role models
Diversity schemes - needs support and sustainability, leaders to retain people on the scheme into jobs, make everyone aware of the opportunities
Opportunities of living in London (5)
- Cultural mix
- Recreation and entertainment
- Employment opportunities
- Transport
- Urban greening
Opportunities of living in London - cultural mix
Cultural mix = a place which has more than one culture living in close proximity
London is one of the most diverse places on earth and is getting much more diverse, in three boroughs white people are now the minority
Advantages: provides high amounts of diversity, enriches cultural life in London, London benefit from cultural events
Disadvantages: economically poorer groups live in minority parts, multiple languages - translation problems
Opportunities of living in London - recreation and entertainment
Diverse range of bars, restaurants and street entertainment
Lots of famous sporting events take place - London 2012 Olympics used major London stadiums - massive crowds and diversity
Tower of London is popular
Many cultural tourist attractions e.g. Natural History Museum - very popular among tourists
Opportunities of living in London - employment opportunities
- Productivity in London is 40% higher than UK average
- Major world financial centre
- Residents in London are more likely to be employed in managerial, professional occupations compared to the UK
