Urbanization & Housing

Why do cities become overcrowded despite offering many opportunities?

Cities offer opportunities but cause overcrowding.Urban centers provide better jobs, education, and healthcare, attracting large populations. However, the high influx of people often exceeds the city's capacity to accommodate them, leading to overcrowding and strain on services.🔹 Example: In cities like Mumbai, the promise of employment has led to overpopulation and severe housing shortages.

How do housing prices affect urban living?

High housing costs lead to homelessness.As cities grow, demand for housing increases, driving up prices. This trend makes it hard for low-income individuals to afford accommodation, often resulting in homelessness or informal settlements.🔹 Example: In San Francisco, skyrocketing rents have contributed to a visible increase in the homeless population.

What are the effects of poor city planning?

Poor urban planning worsens traffic and pollution.Inadequate planning can result in inefficient transport systems and infrastructure, leading to severe traffic congestion and air pollution, impacting quality of life.🔹 Example: Jakarta faces daily gridlocks due to poor road networks and insufficient public transport.

What makes urban areas more livable?

Green spaces improve urban livability.Parks and natural areas in cities help reduce pollution, provide recreational areas, and support mental well-being, making urban life more pleasant and sustainable.🔹 Example: Singapore has invested heavily in urban greenery, earning it the nickname “City in a Garden.”

How can technology help cities grow sustainably?

Smart cities use tech for better infrastructure.Smart technologies help manage traffic, energy use, and waste efficiently. These innovations make cities more sustainable and responsive to the needs of citizens.🔹 Example: Barcelona uses IoT sensors to monitor traffic and waste, improving city services and reducing costs.

Rapid urban expansion /ˈræpɪd ˈɜːrbən ɪkˈspænʃən/

Fast growth of cities in terms of size and population.🔹 Example: ___ has led to the loss of farmland around the city.

Housing affordability crisis /ˈhaʊzɪŋ əˌfɔːrdəˈbɪləti ˈkraɪsɪs/

A situation where average people cannot afford housing.🔹 Example: The ___ in big cities forces many to live far from work.

Sustainable urban planning /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈɜːrbən ˈplænɪŋ/

Designing cities in a way that supports long-term environmental and social goals.🔹 Example: ___ includes building green infrastructure and preserving public spaces.

High-density living /haɪ ˈdensəti ˈlɪvɪŋ/

A large number of people living in a small area.🔹 Example: ___ is common in cities like Hong Kong where land is limited.

The urban–rural divide /ˈɜːrbən ˈrʊrəl dɪˈvaɪd/

The differences in opportunities, services, and living conditions between cities and countryside.🔹 Example: The ___ often pushes rural residents to migrate to cities.

Smart infrastructure solutions /smɑːrt ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər səˈluːʃənz/

Using advanced technology to improve city infrastructure.🔹 Example: ___ help manage electricity and water use efficiently.

Congestion and pollution /kənˈdʒestʃən ænd pəˈluːʃən/

Traffic jams and harmful substances in the air, common in crowded cities.🔹 Example: ___ are major issues in developing megacities.

Public transportation systems /ˈpʌblɪk ˌtrænspərˈteɪʃən ˈsɪstəmz/

Networks of buses, trains, subways, etc., for public use.🔹 Example: Efficient ___ reduce traffic and emissions.

Green architecture /ɡriːn ˈɑːrkɪtektʃər/

Environmentally friendly building design.🔹 Example: ___ uses natural light and ventilation to cut energy use.

The rise of megacities /ðə raɪz əv ˈmeɡəsɪtiz/

The increase in the number of very large cities with over 10 million people.🔹 Example: ___ is driven by rural-urban migration and economic growth.