urban issues and challenges- Rio opportunities and challenges

define urbanisation

the increase in the proportion of people living in towns and cities rather than rural areas

define megacity

a city with a population of over 10 million people

explain why cities grow: natural increase and rural-urban migration

1. natural increase
when the birth rate is higher than the death rate, causing the population in cities to grow naturally

2. rural–urban migration
when people move from rural (countryside) areas to cities to find better jobs, education, healthcare, and living opportunities

where is rio de janeiro located and why is it important?

location:

coastal city in the south-east of Brazil, on the atlantic ocean

importance:

• one of the largest cities in Brazil

• major tourist destination with famous beaches and landmarks

• important economic and cultural centre for Brazil

how has rio grown?

rio has grown rapidly due to rural–urban migration and natural increase, causing the population to rise from about 3 million in 1950 to over 12 million today.

why is healthcare a challenge and how is it solved?

challenge:

many people live in favelas where there are few doctors and a lot of overcrowding and poor sanitation. this means that many people get ill. as a result of this disease spread rapidly and easily

solution:

the government train locals living in slums to carry out first aid and treat common diseases, this prevents the spread of disease

why is education a challenge and how is it solved?

challenge:

in favelas, education is only free for children under 14 years old and many families cannot afford to send their children to school. there is also a lack of trained teachers and universities in favelas.

solution:

the government give out grants to the poorest families to pay for their children’s education. the government also train locals to become teachers and built a university in Santa Marta, the first university in a favela

why is energy a challenge and how is it solved?

challenge:

many favelas are connected illegally to electrical supplies, which can be unsafe, unreliable and cause power shortages.

solution:

the government and companies install proper electricity connections, giving homes access to safe and reliable energy

why is unemployment a challenge and how is it solved?

challenge:

many people in favelas find it hard to find a stable job as jobs are often far away low-skilled or require education they don’t have

solution:

local businesses are set up and training is given out while the government support families financially while encouraging them to find jobs

why is crime a challenge and how is it solved?

challenge:

there is a lot of poverty and unemployment which leads people to turning to crime, like stealing and working for drug lords and gangs which can cause major violence, harming families

solution:

policing units (UPPs) are set up in favelas so that less crimes are committed and people are encouraged to find jobs

why is air pollution/traffic congestion a challenge and how is it solved?

challenge:

high crime rates means people find it safer to drive when travelling, meaning there is a major increase in cars on the road

solution:

improving public transport

why is water pollution a challenge and how is it solved?

challenge:

open sewers run off into rivers meaning that rivers and bays become dirty so there is an increase in disease and poor health

solution:

3km of new sewage lines were fitted into favelas

why is waste pollution a challenge and how is it solved?

challenge:

streets are full of rubbish and waste is thrown into bays and rivers as it is hard to collect waste from favelas as most are built on mountains

solution:

the government find new ways to collect waste by creating a biogas power plant where methane gas released from rotting waste is turned into energy that powers the favelas