Urban challenges 4-6

Urbanisation

The process by which cities grow and develop as more people move from rural to urban areas.

Londinium

The name given to London when the Romans established it as a walled settlement around 43AD.

Industrial Revolution

A period in the 19th century when industrialisation began to accelerate, leading to mass urbanisation.

Tidal River

A river that experiences changes in water level due to tides, which affects navigation and port activity.

Megacity

A city with a population over 10 million.

Gentrification

The process through which urban areas are transformed by the arrival of wealthier residents, often displacing poorer residents.

Natural Increase

The growth of a population through the excess of births over deaths.

Social Deprivation

The lack of resources, services, and standards of living that are essential for a decent life.

Containerisation

A system of intermodal freight transport using standard-sized containers, which led to the decline of dock jobs.

Crossrail

A new underground rail link designed to enhance connectivity in London that was due to open in 2018.

Brownfield Site

Previously developed land that is typically underused or derelict and may need decontamination.

Greenfield Site

Undeveloped land which has not been previously built on, often used for agriculture or natural habitat.

Urban Greening

The process of increasing and improving green spaces in urban areas.

Congestion Zone

A defined area in a city where drivers have to pay a fee to reduce traffic congestion.

London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC)

An organization established in 1981 to regenerate the London Docklands area.

Silicon Roundabout

An area in London known as a hub for technology and startups, particularly around the Old Street Roundabout.

Demographics

Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it.

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.

Air Quality Management Area

A designated area where air pollution levels exceed acceptable standards and management measures are put in place.

Waste Reduction Strategy

Efforts focused on reducing the amount of waste produced and increasing recycling rates.

Life Expectancy

The average period a person is expected to live, based on statistical averages.

Public Transport

Transport services that operate on the open market for the general public, including buses, trains, and subways.

Economic Regeneration

The process of reinvigorating the economy of an area through investment and development.

Environmental Regeneration

Restoration and improvement of the natural environment in an area that has been degraded.

Housing Shortage

A situation where the demand for housing exceeds the supply available.

Sparsely Populated

An area where fewer people live per square kilometer.

Densely Populated

An area where many people live per square kilometer.

Job Migration

The movement of people from one area to another in search of employment opportunities.

Net Migration

The difference between the number of people immigrating and the number of people emigrating from a location.

East India Dock Basin

A site in London that features the first bird sanctuary as part of environmental regeneration efforts.

Flats and Offices

Residential apartments and commercial spaces that have transformed old industrial buildings.

Cultural Diversity

The existence of various cultural groups within a society, contributing to a rich social fabric.

Urban Sprawl

The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land.

Public Hygiene

The science and practice of maintaining health and preventing diseases in communities.

Green Spaces

Parks and other open areas planted with grass, trees, and other vegetation in urban settings.

High-Rise Developments

Buildings that are taller than the surrounding structures, often used for residential or commercial purposes.

Transport Hub

A central location for transferring between different modes of transport.

Carbon Footprint

The total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product.

Suburban Growth

The expansion of urban areas into nearby rural areas, often resulting in the development of single-family homes.

Flour Mills

Industries located near docks that process grains into flour.

Public Transport Accessibility

The degree to which public transport systems are available and reachable for the general population.

Life Expectancy Disparity

Differences in life expectancy between different areas or populations, often linked to socio-economic factors.

Narrow Roads

Roads that are often insufficient to handle high traffic volumes, particularly in older urban areas.

High Density Housing

Residential buildings that accommodate more people within a smaller area, often seen in urban environments.

Methane Production

The emission of methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas, often originating from landfill sites.

Rail Passenger Journeys

The number of trips made by passengers using the train services.

Environmental Problems

Negative impacts on the environment, often caused by human activity, such as pollution and habitat destruction.