Environmental Challenges in LIC/NEE Cities: Case Studies

Megacity

A megacity is an urban area with a population of over 10 million people.

Natural increase

Natural increase is when the birth rate is higher than the death rate.

Urbanisation

Urbanisation is the process where more people live in urban areas.

Push factors

Push factors are reasons that drive people away from rural areas, such as lack of jobs or income in farming.

Pull factors

Pull factors are reasons that attract people to cities, such as more job opportunities and better access to services.

Multiplier effect

The multiplier effect is when one investment in an area leads to further economic growth.

Environmental challenges in LIC/NEE cities

LICs and NEEs often experience rapid, unplanned urban growth, lack of regulation, informal housing, and limited investment in infrastructure.

Air Pollution

Air pollution is caused by heavy traffic, industrial emissions, and burning of waste.

Health risks of air pollution

Health risks include asthma, lung disease, and reduced life expectancy.

Management strategies for air pollution in Rio

New express bus lanes (BRT) and expanded metro reduced car use and emissions.

Management strategies for air pollution in Curitiba

BRT system with dedicated bus lanes and bi-articulated buses resulted in 25% lower fuel use than similar-sized Brazilian cities.

Water Pollution

Water pollution occurs when raw sewage and industrial waste are dumped into rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

Consequences of water pollution

Water pollution can cause disease outbreaks, damage wildlife, and pollute drinking water.

Lack of regulation

Lack of regulation refers to insufficient rules on waste, pollution, and construction.

Informal housing

Informal housing includes slums or favelas built on unsuitable land.

Limited investment in infrastructure

Limited investment in infrastructure refers to inadequate development of sewage, roads, and clean energy.

Heavy traffic

Heavy traffic contributes to air pollution in urban areas.

Industrial emissions

Industrial emissions are pollutants released into the air from factories and industries.

Burning of waste

Burning of waste contributes to air pollution and can release harmful substances into the atmosphere.

Public transport

Public transport refers to systems of buses, trains, and other vehicles that carry passengers in urban areas.

Rio de Janeiro

City facing significant pollution issues, especially with 55 rivers polluted around Guanabara Bay due to poor sewage systems.

Curitiba

City known for its cleaner environment, but water quality in rivers is threatened by illegal settlements and flooding.

Management Strategies

Approaches taken by cities to address environmental challenges and improve urban living conditions.

Guanabara Bay Cleanup

$68 million project aimed at cleaning up Guanabara Bay through sewage treatment works, with limited success.

Flood-Absorbing Parks

Parks built in Curitiba to absorb floodwaters, resulting in reduced pollution and flooding.

Waste Management

Challenges include lack of rubbish collection, leading to waste being dumped in streets and rivers.

Disease

Health issues caused by poor waste management, as waste clogs rivers and spreads illness.

Visual Pollution

Aesthetic degradation caused by litter and waste in urban environments.

Rochinha

A poorer area in Rio de Janeiro with limited waste collection services.

Green Exchange Programme

Curitiba's initiative that separates organic and non-organic waste, recycling over 66% of waste and providing food for the poor.

Traffic Congestion

A major challenge causing air and noise pollution, economic losses, and unsafe conditions for cyclists and pedestrians.

Car Ownership in Rio

Very high levels of car ownership contributing to severe traffic congestion.

Narrow Mountain Roads

Geographical feature in Rio de Janeiro that exacerbates traffic congestion.

Integrated BRT System

Curitiba's bus rapid transit system that has reduced car use and improved commute times.

Olympics Investment

Event that spurred short-term improvements in Rio's public transport but did not resolve long-term congestion issues.

Urban Planning

Curitiba's model of linear urban planning that has been copied by other cities like Bogotá.

Community Engagement

Essential for Rio to improve urban sustainability and follow Curitiba's successful model.

Long-term Investment

Necessary for infrastructure improvements and consistent service provision in urban areas.