Urban issues and challenges (AQA) GCSE

define urban areas

urban areas tend to be town and cities with large population density

define rural areas

rural areas ten to have a small population density and large proportion of open, green spaces

why might rural - urban migration be growing

• healthcare

• built better warning systems for natural disasters

• better knowledge of midwifery which reduce pregnancy fatalities

push factors for rural areas

• mainly farming. Intensive work and not paid well

• climate change - soil becomes poorer quality

• access to services are limited - eg: local hospitals

• tend to be isolated - electricity & water are limited

pull factors of cities

higher paid jobs - more oppurtunities

better education for children

public transport

Don’t need to travel far for hospitals and medical care

city life is more entertaining eg: more shops

define megacities

megacities are defined as cities with populations over 10 million people

what interest might the government have for the city

• attracting high income investors

• may want to protect city’s culture and it’s national identity

  • more sustainable government

problems with government expanding cities

• healthcare & education

• squatter settlements

• air pollution

• waste & sewage

• unemployment

why is healthcare and education a problem if the government wants to expand the city

as cities’ population increases —> doctors & dentists demand increases

as cities’ population increase —> oversubscribed school in your area

why is squatter settlements a problem if the government wants to expand the city

• locals don’t pay rent —> could be evicted from house any time

• high crime rate —> no patrol police and o street lights at night

• no water piped or electricity cables established

• infectious diseases and fire could spread —> many fatalities

why is unemployment a problem if the government wants to expand the city

informal work:

no internet to find jobs

• street sellers

• house, help & cleaners

• rag picker

why is air pollution a problem if the government wants to expand the city

traffic congestion increases —> greenhouse emissions are produced

• increased air pollution can cause

  • respiratory issues eg: asthma, lung disease

  • 5.5 mil people dies from polluted air

why is waste & sewage a problem if the government wants to expand the city

squatter settlements = residents abandon waste on street —>rats spread the disease & poisonous chemicals —> hazardous to wildlife & humans

ways the government is managing the city

improving city life

improving the economy

helping the poorest

protecting the environment