Human Population and Urban systems

Particulate Matter (PM)

Tiny solid particles or droplets suspended in air.

PM2.5

Fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller.

PM10

Larger particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or smaller.

Primary Pollutants

Substances directly emitted and active in the atmosphere.

Natural Sources

Pollutants originating from natural events without human involvement.

Forest Fires

Natural events releasing smoke and particulate matter.

Dust Storms

Strong winds lifting dust from dry areas into the air.

Volcanic Eruptions

Natural events producing SO2 and ash into the atmosphere.

Anthropogenic Sources

Pollutants originating from human activities.

Agricultural Burning

Releases smoke and dust into the atmosphere.

Construction Sites

Sources of dust and particulate matter from machinery.

Industrial Processes

Factories emitting pollutants like NOx and PM.

Secondary Pollutants

Pollutants formed by reactions of primary pollutants.

Tropospheric Ozone (O3)

Forms when NOx reacts with sunlight, contributing to smog.

Beijing Air Pollution

High PM2.5 levels due to coal burning.

Los Angeles Ozone Pollution

Ozone levels high due to vehicles and sunlight.

New Delhi Air Pollution

Severe pollution from crop burning and vehicle emissions.

Air Pollution Management Strategies

Approaches to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

Sources of Pollution

Primary origins of harmful emissions in urban areas.

Cleaner Technologies

Innovative solutions that minimize environmental impact.

Sustainable Urban Living

Lifestyle choices that support environmental health.

Public Transport Systems

Transport networks designed to reduce private vehicle use.

Electric Buses

Buses powered by electricity to lower emissions.

Efficient Metro Systems

Subway systems designed for high passenger capacity.

Cycling Infrastructure

Facilities supporting bicycle use in urban areas.

Cycle Lanes

Dedicated paths for cyclists to ensure safety.

Cycle-Hire Schemes

Programs allowing public access to rental bicycles.

Pedestrianising City Centres

Restricting vehicle access to promote walking.

Emission Zones

Areas limiting access to low-emission vehicles.

Low Emission Zones (LEZs)

Zones restricting high-polluting vehicles in cities.

Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

Strict vehicle emission standards in London.

Congestion Restrictions

Limiting vehicle use during peak traffic times.

Chemical Reactions

Processes converting pollutants into less harmful gases.

Natural Screens

Vegetation barriers that filter air pollutants.

Green Walls and Green Roofs

Vegetated structures improving air quality and temperature.

Urban Heat Island Effect

Increased temperatures in urban areas due to development.

Wet Deposition

Acidic precipitation like rain, snow, or fog.

Dry Deposition

Settling of acidic particles on surfaces.

Leaching

Loss of essential nutrients from soil.

Soil Toxicity

Increased harmful metal mobilization due to acid rain.

Coniferous Forests

Forests sensitive to acid rain due to shallow roots.

Aluminium Solubilisation

Process where aluminium dissolves into water bodies.

Aquatic Toxicity

Toxic effects of aluminium on aquatic life.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Reduced availability of nutrients for plant growth.

Foliage Damage

Direct harm to leaves from acid rain.

Ecosystem Productivity

Overall biological productivity affected by nutrient loss.

Calcium Availability

Essential for aquatic invertebrates' shell development.

Corrosion

Degradation of construction materials due to acid rain.

Vehicle Exhausts

Main source of nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere.

Acidic Dust

Dry particles formed from acid gases and ash.

Impacts on Freshwater Habitats

Increased acidity harms fish and invertebrate populations.

Root Damage

Acid rain affects plants' ability to absorb nutrients.

Calcium Carbonate

Chemical compound in marble and limestone, formula CaCO3.

Taj Mahal

Famous marble monument in India affected by acid rain.

PM2.5 Particles

Tiny air pollutants that can cause respiratory issues.

Respiratory Issues

Health problems caused by inhaling harmful particles.

Pollution Management Strategies

Methods to reduce and control pollution effects.

Alternative Energy Sources

Renewable energy options to reduce fossil fuel consumption.

Scrubbers

Devices that remove pollutants from industrial emissions.

Ground Limestone

Material used to neutralize acidity in water bodies.

Acidified Lakes

Water bodies with lowered pH due to acid rain.

Re-colonisation Efforts

Strategies to restore ecosystems after pollution damage.

Lung Inflammation

Swelling of lung tissues due to harmful particles.

Asthma

Chronic respiratory condition exacerbated by air pollution.

Industrial Activity

Economic operations contributing to increased pollution levels.

Emission Regulations

Laws controlling the release of pollutants into the environment.

Urban Area

A built-up environment with a high population density and a large concentration of buildings and man-made infrastructure.

Urbanisation

The process by which an increasing percentage of a population lives in urban areas.

Urban Expansion

The growth of urban areas as they spread into surrounding regions.

Urban Ecosystems

Unique environments found within cities and towns where human activities interact with natural elements.

Biotic Components

Living organisms in urban ecosystems, including plants, animals, and humans.

Abiotic Components

Non-living parts of urban ecosystems, such as soil, water, air, and urban infrastructure.

Residential Gardens

Gardens in residential areas that provide habitats for plants, birds, insects, and small mammals.

Industrial Sites

Areas that include factories and warehouses, which may cause pollution but can be redeveloped with green spaces.

Inner-city Derelict Land

Abandoned land in cities that can develop biodiversity as nature reclaims it.

Traffic Corridors

Areas alongside roads and railways that form ecosystems with hardy plants and animals.

Waste Disposal Areas

Landfills and waste treatment plants that are part of urban ecosystems and can host certain species.

Urban Infrastructure

Buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures that are integral to urban ecosystems.

Urban system

A network of interconnected elements that work together to support life in a city or town.

Transport systems

Systems like roads, railways and buses that move people and goods in urban areas.

London's Underground

A major part of the city's urban transport system, helping to reduce road traffic.

Water supply systems

Provide clean water for drinking, washing and other daily needs.

Sewage systems

Remove and treat wastewater to prevent pollution and maintain hygiene.

Microclimate

A climate that cities create, often warmer than surrounding rural areas due to high concentration of human activities and infrastructure.

Urban wildlife

Plants and animals that are supported by urban systems in parks, gardens and green areas.

Urban waste and pollution

Large amounts of waste and pollution generated by cities, including solid waste, air pollution and water contamination.

Urban efficiency

Refers to how well a city uses its resources, including energy, water and transport systems.

Urban sustainability

Ensuring that urban systems can meet the needs of the present without harming future generations.

Sustainable cities

Focus on reducing their environmental impact by using renewable energy, reducing waste and promoting green spaces.

Linear metabolism cities

Cities that follow a 'take, use, dispose' approach, leading to high levels of consumption and pollution.

Circular metabolism cities

Cities that focus on recycling, reusing, and reducing waste, creating a closed-loop system.

Urban resilience

A city's ability to recover from challenges like natural disasters, climate change or economic crises.

Systems flow diagram

A representation of how resources (inputs) move through the city, are used, and generate outputs like waste and pollution.

Rural-urban migration

The movement of people from the countryside to cities in search of better living conditions, job opportunities, and safety.

Urbanisation pathway

The transition from LICs to HICs can be shown as a pathway over time as countries become more urban as they develop economically.

Push factors

Reasons people leave rural areas, including poverty, poor living conditions, and natural disasters.

Pull factors

Attractions of urban areas that draw people to move there, such as job opportunities and improved living conditions.

Solid domestic waste

Examples include rubbish and recycling.

Urban planning decisions

Decisions like building more green spaces that help improve urban efficiency and sustainability.

Waste management initiatives

Programs aimed at managing waste to improve urban environments.