Urbanization and Sustainability Flashcards

Flashcards about urbanization, urban planning, and sustainability from an Environmental Science lecture.

What is the primary focus of Chapter 16?

Urbanization and its impact on the environment and sustainability

What demographic trend characterizes the modern era?

A rapid shift towards becoming a predominantly urban species

What do cities function as, according to the lecture?

Networks connecting people, things, and information

What are some environmental and human health effects associated with urbanization?

Pollution, resource strain, and potential for disease

What opportunities do cities provide for sustainable living?

Potential for efficient resource use, innovation, and cultural activities

What are the characteristics of slums and suburban sprawl?

Slums: substandard housing and lack of services; Sprawl: low-density, resource-intensive development

How can planning, participation, and design contribute to better cities?

By developing more livable, sustainable, and resilient urban environments

What is a key characteristic of urban areas?

Large numbers of people living together in dense settlements working nonagricultural jobs.

According to the UN, how quickly are cities growing?

More than 1 million people per week

What is a major environmental cost of building cities?

Transformation of natural landscapes and habitats

How has urban development impacted wetlands?

Altered or eliminated significant portions, such as in Florida and California

What are some consequences of resource extraction and waste generation in urban areas?

High levels of pollution and an increased ecological footprint

What is an 'urban penalty'?

Health problems associated with urban living

What has reduced infant mortality rates in urban areas globally?

Improvements in sanitation and public health

What is the trend of urbanization in developing countries compared to the US and Europe?

Happening at a much faster rate

What is the prediction for China's urbanization by 2035?

70% urban

What happens to wages and wealth as a city's population increases?

They usually increase

What is the effect of moving to a larger city on income?

Potential to earn 15% more income

What is an economy of scale in the context of urban density?

Per capita cost for services decreases due to the increasing scale of operations

What results from sharing heating and cooling in multi-unit buildings?

Efficiency gains and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

What is a slum or informal settlement?

An urban area characterized by substandard housing, lack of property ownership, inadequate services, and high poverty

What are the expected figures for the population that lives in slums by 2030?

The number of nearly 1 billion people is expected to double.

Why did slums arise in the 19th century?

Industrialization and lack of policies governing living conditions

What were some common conditions in 19th-century slums?

Poor ventilation, lack of indoor plumbing, sewage in open ditches, and air pollution

What is 'bright lights syndrome'?

The perception that cities are places of greater opportunity, excitement, and freedom

What is the 'informal economy'?

Small entrepreneurial ventures that operate beyond government regulation and taxation

What does the UN Human Settlements Program recommend for slums?

Upgrading existing infrastructure rather than relocating residents

What coincides with improving slum conditions?

Economic growth, rising wages, and improved health and safety regulations

What is suburban sprawl?

The spread of urban populations away from city centers to widely dispersed areas with lower densities

When does sprawl occur?

When policies increase land supply for development while reducing commuting costs

What are a metropolitan area and a megalopolis?

Metropolitan area: Clusters of densely populated suburbs and cities; Megalopolis: A chain of adjacent metropolitan areas

What are 'one-use zones' in suburbs?

Distinct zones that serve one particular purpose, like residential, shopping, or offices

How is sprawl typically built?

For cars, with extensive streets, driveways, and parking lots

What is DU/acre and FAR?

DU/acre: Dwelling units per acre; FAR: Floor-to-area ratio

What are some problems of suburban sprawl?

Consumption of undeveloped land, reduced pedestrian travel, increased vehicle ownership, and ecosystem replacement

What is urban planning?

The development of guidelines to shape the future of an urban area

What does urban planning consider?

The scale of the project and integrating natural and human-built aspects

What is The High Line?

A public park built on an elevated freight rail line in Manhattan

What are cities promoting to improve urban life?

Mixed-use areas with housing, shops, restaurants, and public amenities near public transportation

What is bus rapid transit?

A bus system with dedicated lanes and traffic signal priority

How can trees and curbside parking contribute to walkability?

By serving as a buffer between the sidewalk and traffic

What is green infrastructure?

A wide variety of green spaces incorporated into urban life

How do park-like rooftops, bioswales, and rain gardens improve urban spaces?

Improve heating/cooling, reduce stormwater runoff, and decrease potable water use

What do rating and certification systems do for sustainable structures?

Set standards and incentives

What is the focus of modern urban planning?

Mixed-use areas and integrating aspects of daily life near public transport

How do transit-oriented developments foster alternative transportation?

They improve community walkability and mass transit use

What opportunities do urban areas provide for lowering environmental impacts?

Green building practices and green infrastructure

According to the lecture, what has increased in size while meeting the needs of fewer people?

Suburban home sizes

What does green infrastructure building incorporate?

A wide variety of park systems into urban life

What has been the most successful public transport?

Rail transit