Urban Issues and Sustainable Development

Question 1

What are the three main contemporary urban issues?

Answer 1

Atmospheric Pollution- particulate and photochemical
In HIC’s fossil fuel usage is decreasing, but CAR OWNERSHIP is increasing, increasing congestion.
LIC’s/ developing countries still high fossil fuel usage

Water Pollution- sewage, rainwater run-off, oil from cars, leachates from industries= damage to ecosystems, contaminated drinking water= cholera.
-Legislation regarding discharge of untreated water, SUDS, Education

Dereliction- economic activity declines- run down buildings= crime and vandalism in area, brownfield st
-eg: Detroit- formed small community groups, new housing in derelict area and green spaces.

Question 2

What is one strategy that takes urban dereliction specifically towards the land/ brownfield sites?

Answer 2

LAND REMEDIATION- removal of pollutants and contaminants from brownfield site to allow new developments.

Question 3

How do cities impact the environment on a local scale?

Answer 3

Air pollution- climatic dome, water pollution, flooding and decreased biodiversity/ green spaces.

Question 4

How do cities impact the environment on a global scale?

Answer 4

Increased demand for resources eg: food, water, waste

Increase gg emissions= global climate change.

Question 5

Define eco-logical footprint?

Answer 5

The amount of land an individual needs to produce everything they consume and to absorb their waste.

Question 6

What factors affect eco-logical footprints?

Answer 6

1. Wealth- more waste is created and more is consumed in richer countries
2. Size of the city-you can travel on foot/ bike in compact cities= less pollution
3. Quality of public transport= less pollution.

Question 7

What are the dimensions of sustainability?

Answer 7

1. NATURAL= environment, waste and resource management= RENEWABLE ENERGY+ GREEN SPACES
2. PHYSICAL= support of people living there, must provide enough resources, housing, safe water
3. ECONOMIC= maintaining economic growth with no negative impacts (social segregation), well paid jobs due to PROVISON OF TRANING, increased education
4. SOCIAL= the quality of life through availability o basic services, good conditions eg: AFFORDABLE, GOOD QUALITY HOUSING.

Question 8

Problems that dimensions of sustainability face?

Answer 8

Investment shortages
Rapid growth is too fast and cannot provide enough new services
Not correct infrastructure eg: roads are too narrow for cycle lanes.