Topic 5:Urban Futures

What is Urbanisation?

Urbanisation is the growth in the proportion of people living in cities.

Does over half the world’s population live in cities?

Yes.

What is the percentage of urbanisation around the world in 2030 and 2050 predicted to be?

It is expected to be 60% by 2030 and 70% by 2050.

What are the most urbanised countries and their growth rates?

• The most urbanised countries are mainly AC’s

• Urbanisation rates in these countries are now slowing down.

Where is the most rapid urbanisation now taking place?

The most rapid urbanisation is now taking place in EDC’s and LIDC’s.

Can you give two examples of urbanisation statistics for two different countries?

• Africa:40% urban and rapidly increasing.

• North America:over 80% urban and slowly increasing.

What has the growth been like in advanced countries?

• Cities in Europe/north America reached the peak of their growth in the 1950’s or earlier.

• The most sustained period of growth happened during the industrial revolution(late 1700’s to 1800’s).

• The ‘baby boom’ following the second world war and the building of new houses led to urban sprawl/the growth of cities.

• Most Ac’s now have populations that are more than 70% urban.

What has the growth been like in emerging and developing countries and in advanced countries?

• Cities in Asia and Africa have now overtaken the earlier cities of Europe and North America.

• Economic development in urban areas had driven rural-urban migration,causing younger people in rural areas to move to urban areas in search of jobs.

• Almost 200 million people moved to urban areas between 2000 and 2010

• The highest levels of grwoth are seen in Dhaka,Delhi and Lagos.

What are megacities?

Megacities are cities with a population over 10 million people.

Where are most of the world’s megacities now found in?

Asia.

What are the four main factors which cause cities to grow into megacities?

• Natural population increase

• Migration

• Coastal location

• Economic development

What are 3 advantages of megacities in LiDC’s?

• The gorwth of the informal sector allows local entrepeneurial talent to thrive.

• Megacities usually have lower infant mortality rates and higher life expectancy than rural areas.

• Provsision of education and basic infrastruture is often bettter than rural areas.

What are 3 disadvantages of megacities in LiDC’s?

• The government rarely supports the informal sector as it does not provide tax and only helps the urban poor

• Universities and health centres are usauuly in wealthier areas so are inaccessible to most of the population.

• people living in slums tend to occupy land that is not fit for development,so they can be at risk of landslides and floods.

How has the distribution of megacities changed since 1950?

• In 1950, there were only two megacities:New York and Japan.

• Now there are more than 30 megacities that are mostly found in Asia.

• Examples:Dhaka,Delhi and Mumbai.

What are world cities?

World cities are cities that are the most important cities in the global economy.

Why are world cities important?

They are hubs for international trade and for global communication networks.

What are 5 characteristics of World Cities?

• Cultural opportunities.

• Major centre for manufacturing.

• Headquarters of multinational companies.

• Home to an important stock exchange or major banks.

• Highly rated universities often specialising in research.

What are the two main factors for rapid urbanisation in LIDC’s?

• Rural to Urban migration:People moving from rural areas to live in the cities.

• Internal growth:When people who have moved to cities have lots of children.

What are 3 push factors for LIDC’s?

• Lack of job opportunites-jobs tend to be limited to agricultural work

• Few services such ad education and helathcare.

• Wages are at poverty levbels in many countries.

What are 3 pull factors for LIDC’s?

• Better healthcare systems and schools.

• Greater range of employment with higher wages

• More entertainment in cities.

What are 3 economic consequences of rapid urbanisation in LIDC’s?

• Growth of the informal economy: lots of unregulated, low-income jobs (street vendors, waste pickers).

• High unemployment:Urban population grows faster than formal job opportunities.

• Infrastructure can’t keep up:Poor transport, electricity and water supply slow economic progress.

What are 3 social consequences of rapid urbanisation in LiDC’s

• Rapid growth of squatter settlements:Overcrowded housing, limited access to clean water and sanitation.

• Overloaded services:Hospitals, schools, and sanitation systems struggle with demand.

• Increased health problems:Disease spreads due to poor hygiene, unsafe water, and pollution.

What are 3 environmental consequences of rapid urbanisation in LIDC’s?

• Pollution (air + water):Traffic, industry, and untreated sewage reduce air and water quality.

• Waste management struggles:Cities can’t handle the rising volume of solid waste.

• Loss of natural land:Urban sprawl destroys green areas, farmland, and habitats.

What is suburbanisation?

The movement of people form the inner-city to the suburbs.

what is counterurbanisation?

The movement of people from rural areas to urban areas.

What is re-urbanisation?

The movement of peopl back to inner city areas that have been redeveloped.

What are three causes and consquences of suburbanisation?

Causes

• Cheaper and larger housing in suburbs

• Improved transport makes commuting easier

• Desire for quieter, cleaner living environments

Consequences

• Inner-city areas lose population and investment

• Suburban areas expand and increase traffic

• Pressure on greenfield land and countryside

What are three causes and consquences of counter-urbanisation?

Causes

• People seek better quality of life in rural areas

• Increased home working reduces need to live in cities

• Rising house prices in cities push people out

Consequences

• Rural villages grow and may lose character

• Local services revive due to new residents

• Increased car use due to fewer public transport options

What are three causes and consquences of reurbanisation?

Causes

• Regeneration projects make inner cities more attractive

• New jobs and services created in city centres

• Young professionals prefer city lifestyles

Consequences

• Inner-city population rises again

• Gentrification can increase housing costs

• More investment improves services and facilities

What are the two case studies for this topic?

Mumbai abnd brindley place.