Urban Futures

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering urban trends, growth rates, challenges, and case studies of Lagos and London as detailed in the Urban Futures lecture notes.

How do urban growth rates vary in parts of the world

Greatest rates: African LIDCs, and Asian EDCs

Slow rates: European, North American, and Oceanian ACs - with counter-urbanisation happening

Define urbanisation

The increase in the proportion of people living in built-up, urban areas (towns and cities)

Define urban growth

The physical expansion of built-up areas

World City

A city that makes a significant contribution to the global economy, acting as a major center for finance and housing headquarters for TNCs and banks.

Megacity

A city with a total population exceeding 10 million people; these are currently mostly located in Asia.

Change in megacities since 1950

In 1950: only 2 megacities - New York and Tokyo

Now: over 30 - most in less developed regions

Why do some cities grow into megacities?

Natural population increase: better urban healthcare, so death rates fall and life expectancy increases

Migration: people migrate in search of employment

Coastal location: port cities enable trade

Economic development: trade promotes business, resulting in more jobs and attracting more people

Push Factor

Negative factors that encourage people to leave rural/countryside areas

Examples of push factors

• Poor access to services

• Lack of jobs

• Low pay

• Rural areas are isolated

Pull Factor

Positive factors that attract people to urban areas

Examples of pull factors

• high availability of jobs

• higher pay

• improved access to services (shops, entertainments, and transport)

• More opportunities to socialise

Natural Increase

A cause of urban growth where most migrants are of working age (young) and often have children once they have moved to the city.

What is informal housing?

Homes built by migrants close to cities on any available land that is often suitable for formal building

Informal housing location examples

• Close to industrial activity or railway tracks

• On steep and unstable slopes prone to landslides

• On marshy land

Informal economy

Rapid urban growth has resulted in the growth of an informal economy. Migrants often have limited education and skills so are forced to find their own employment.

Examples of informal jobs

• Waste picking

• Car washing

• Shoe shining

• Casual labour on building sites

Characteristics of informal economy jobs

• Unsafe and unhealthy working conditions

• No legal rights or access to sick/holiday pay

• Low or irregular income

• Pay no taxes, so no direct contribution to country’s GNP

• Low levels of skill and productivity

• Long working hours

Consequences of rapid urban growth in LIDCs

• Uncollected waste = health hazard and pollution

• High density = spread of disease

• Limited access to services

Suburbanisation

City —> suburbs

Causes of suburbanisation

• Quick public transport to city centre

• More space/greenery

• Cheaper land

Consequences of suburbanisation

• Increased demand for suburban public services

• Increased traffic congestion and pollution

• Derelict areas in inner city

• Urban sprawl (ever expanding cities)

• Pressure to install greenbelts

Counter-urbanisation

Cities —> rural areas

Causes of counter-urbanisation

• People looking for improved quality of life

• Businesses looking for space to expand on cheaper land

Consequences of counter-urbanisation

• Creation of dormitory villages with breakdown of community spirit

• Gentrification / house prices rise

• Decline of urban areas

Re-urbanization

People moving back into cities

Causes of re-urbanisation

• Government encourage people back into cities

• Urban regeneration brings buildings back to use

• Young people move for higher education and job opportunities

Consequences of re-urbanisation

• Increased city growth

• Increased traffic congestion and pollution

• House prices rise, low income people priced out

Green Belt

A zone of open countryside surrounding a city where further building is restricted to prevent urban sprawl.