Contemporary urban environments 2

What defines a world city?

A world city serves as a primary node in the global economic network with high-quality infrastructure, education, decision-making power, financial headquarters, communications, and multinational headquarters.

What are some reasons for increasing urban populations?

People migrate for opportunities to improve living standards, and natural increase is driven by higher birth rates due to improved healthcare.

What are push factors for urban migration?

Factors that drive people away from rural areas, such as lack of services, poor housing, poverty, and lack of safety.

What are pull factors for urban migration?

Factors that attract people to urban areas, including job opportunities, higher wages, better education, and security.

What does urbanisation refer to?

The growth of urban areas as populations migrate from rural to urban settings.

What is suburbanisation?

The movement of middle-class families from urban centers to suburban areas, facilitated by a public transport network.

What is the main characteristic of a CBD (Central Business District)?

The financial sector, featuring high-density buildings and minimal green space, with high-order retail and public transport access.

What is the significance of the Enclosure Acts in urban development?

These acts enclosed common land into private property, leading to unemployment and migration to industrial towns.

What triggered the creation of new towns under the New Towns Act of 1938?

To attract people from urban areas suffering from de-industrialisation, incentivizing a move to newly built towns.

What is urban regeneration?

The process of revitalizing and redeveloping urban areas, often through improvements in infrastructure and housing.

What are characteristics of the Inner City?

It typically has pollution, derelict land, terraced housing, and is a site for the industrial sector.

How did London's demographics change by the Victorian era?

The inner city developed with terraced housing for workers, while the middle class moved to newly-built suburbs.

What were the effects of the Great Fire of London in 1666?

It led to a clean slate for city planners, enabling the construction of stone houses and new sewage systems.

What is deindustrialisation?

A decline in manufacturing industries leading to unemployment and urban decay.

What is the Urban Development Corporation (UDC)?

A scheme set up to regenerate urban areas through public funding aimed at improving infrastructure.

What are enterprise zones?

Areas where new businesses benefit from low taxes and reduced regulations as an incentive to relocate.

What was the outcome of the City Challenge policy?

Cities submitted funding bids tailored to their needs, with successful cities receiving support for specific improvements.

What was the Favela Bairro project in Rio de Janeiro?

A long-term initiative to improve living standards in favelas by enhancing infrastructure and reducing crime.

How did cable cars in Rocinha initially impact community access?

They connected the favelas with the city but ultimately failed due to breakdowns and gang control.

What is socio-economic divide?

A disparity in wealth and resources among different social classes in urban areas.

What are the consequences of gentrification?

Increased property values and improvement in environmental quality, often at the cost of displacing local low-income residents.

How can urban areas address traffic congestion?

By implementing bike-sharing schemes, congestion charges, and improving public transport systems.

What is the Urban Heat Island effect?

The urban area becomes significantly warmer than its rural surroundings due to human activities and infrastructure.

What strategies are used for urban waste management?

Recycling, landfilling, incineration, and composting of organic waste.

What caused the pollution of River Don in the 1800s?

Exploitation for industrial use, leading to thermal pollution and various toxic pollutants entering the river.

When did the River Don flood, and what were the consequences?

In 2007, flooding led to significant damage in Rotherham and Sheffield, resulting in deaths and economic loss.

What is the significance of multiple deprivation?

A social condition often resulting from urban decay, characterized by high unemployment and lack of resources.

What role do local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) play in urban areas?

They facilitate collaboration between local authorities, businesses, and communities for regional economic growth.

What is the impact of globalisation on urban job markets?

Workers in HICs face competition from lower-paid jobs abroad, leading to job insecurity for local workers.

What benefits does urban regeneration bring to communities?

Improvements in infrastructure, reduced crime, and creation of higher-quality housing.

What were the features of London during the Elizabethan era?

High-density wooden buildings with little street planning and cultural institutions like the Globe Theatre.

What led to the decline of London docklands?

Containerisation and shifts in shipping technology made the docks unable to accommodate larger vessels.

What was a result of the 1944 Great London Act?

Restrictions on urban growth through the establishment of a green belt to protect rural areas.

What is the significance of the term 'counter-urbanisation'?

The movement of people from urban areas to rural areas, often in response to urban issues like overcrowding.

What are the positive impacts of gentrification on local businesses?

Higher property values attract new investments and higher-paying employment opportunities.

What are negative impacts of suburbanisation?

Lower-income groups are often left behind in urban areas, leading to socio-economic divides.

How does urban planning attempt to combat pollution?

By implementing stricter regulations, promoting green energy, and improving waste management practices.

What contributes to the urban microclimate?

Factors such as dense buildings, reduced vegetation, and increased industrial activities that alter local weather conditions.

What are some drawbacks of urban regeneration projects?

They may favor middle-class needs over the interests of existing low-income residents.

How can public transport aid in suburban areas?

By improving accessibility, making them attractive for families while reducing urban congestion.

What are the benefits of community engagement in urban projects?

It leverages local knowledge for tailored solutions, promoting a sense of ownership and satisfaction among residents.

What are the socio-economic effects of Brexit on urban areas?

Job losses primarily affected working-class individuals in low-skill industries, while middle-class jobs remained relatively stable.

How has the public perception of favelas in Rio changed?

They are increasingly recognized as integral parts of the city, leading to more inclusive governance efforts.

What led to the establishment of new towns in Britain post-WW2?

To provide quality housing and services for populations displaced by urban de-industrialisation.

What challenge does urbanisation present for local services?

Rapid population growth often overwhelms existing infrastructure and service provision.

What factors influence housing affordability in urban settings?

Market demand, property values, and the socio-economic status of local residents.

What solutions have been proposed to address the cost of living crisis?

Foodbanks, raising minimum wage, and establishing academies for education and skills training.

What is pollution's impact on urban health?

It can lead to respiratory illnesses, reducing the quality of life for urban residents.

What positives can come from well-planned urban regeneration?

Increased property values, improved community resources, and enhanced public safety.

What is the role of stakeholders in urban regeneration?

They ensure diverse input and investment in the planning processes for urban developments.

How does the geography of Rio affect urban development?

The surrounding mountains limit urban sprawl, concentrating growth into specific zones like favelas and suburbs.

What is meant by a 'dormitory town'?

A community where a large population lives but commutes to work in another area, often leading to socio-economic stratification.

What are the key characteristics of post-industrial society?

A shift towards service industries, technological advancement, and global interconnectedness.