urban environments

What is urbanisation?

The increase in proportion of people living in towns and cities

What is a megacity?

A city with a population of more than 10 million

Suburbanisation?

Movement of people from urban areas to rural areas/ smaller towns

What is a brownfield site?

Land previously been used for industrial or commercial purposes but it now abandoned and awaits redevelopment

What is a greenfield site?

Land that has never been built on, usually found on the rural - urban fringe

What is segregation?

The separation of different groups of people, often based on ethnicity or income within an urban area

Describe global urban situation trends versus the last 50 years

Urbanisation has been rapid in developing countries and emerging countries due to rural —> urban migration and high natural increase. In developed countries, urbanisation has slowed and counter urbanisation or suburbanisation are more common

What are the cuases of suburbanisation?

Improvised transport links to allow communities to work / school

Desire for better living conditions and more space

What causes suburbanisation?

High property prices and congestion in cities

Improved internet and transport links allow remote work

Higher standard of living

People seek a quieter, more rural lifestyle

What factors have led to the emergence of mega cities?

High rates of rural to urban migration

High natural increase ( birth rate > death rate)

Name on environmental issue linked to the growth of mega cities

Air pollution

Analyse the distribution of mega cities?

Most are located in Asia and developing / emerging countries due to rapid population growth and industrialisation

What are the problems associated with rapid urbanisation?

Congestion

Pollution

Crime

Unemployment

Pressure on infrastrucutre

Poor waste disposal

Identify two environmental problems caused by rapid urban growth

Air pollution and water contamination

What are the factors affecting urban land use patterns?

Accessibility - areas near transport hubs attract businesses

Locational need - industries may cluster

Explain why land use varies across an urban area

Land is more expensive near the city centre, leading to high - rise buildings

On the outskirts, land is cheaper, so low - density housing or retail pars are common

What is the rural urban fringe?

The area at the edge of an urban area where urban and rural land uses mix

What land uses are common at the rural - urban fringe?

Housing estates

Science and business parks

Retail outlets

Industrial estates

State one land use associated with the development of the rural - urban fringe.

Retail parks or housing estates

Suggest one reason for differences in pollution levels between two cities

One city may use more public transport, reducing vehicle emissions

Identify one advantage of building on a brownfield site

Reduces loss of countryside

Suggest one cause of air pollution in cities

Traffic emissions

Explain two strategies used in Masdar City to promote sustainable living

Renewable energy Utilisation - Masdar City harnesses solar power through rooftop panels and one of the Middle East’s largest photovoltaic plants, ensuring that all energy consumed is from renewable sources

Water conservation measures: the city employs smar water consumption systems in buildings, aiming to use 54% less water than the UAE average. Additionally, 75% of hot water is provided via thermal receptors and water is sourced from desalination plants powered by renewable energy

Discuss one challenge Masdar City faces in achieving its sustainability goals.

A significant challenge is the high capital investment required to develop such an advanced economy - city. The substantial financial resources needed can limit the scalability and replication of Masdar’s model in other regions, especially those lacking similar economic means

Describe two ways Curitiba has addressed urban sustainability

Integrated public transport system: implemented Rede Integrade de Transporte, a bus rapid transit system with dedicated lanes, efficient boarding processes and affordable fares, encouraging public transport use over private cars

Green space development: the city increased green spaces form 0.5m² to 52m² per person. Creating parks that serve recreational services and flood control, while also preventing the spread of informal settlements

Explain how Curitiba’s waste management system contributes to sustainability

Innovate waste management includes a recylcing program were resident, especially low - income areas, can exchange collected waste for food or bus tickets. This promotes recylcing but also supports social welfare and reduces pollution

How does Masdar city reduce its energy consumption?

Rooftop solar panels and a large photovoltaic plants for renewable energy. Buildings are designed to reduce the need for air conditioning and artificial lighting

What system does Masdar City use to conserve water?

Smart water consumption systems are installed to reduce water use by 54%, and 75% of hot water is provided by rooftop thermal receptors

How does Masdar city manage waste?

Strict recylcing rules, ban on plastic and lifestyle eduction promoting repsobility

What is one limitation of Masdar city as a sustainable model?

Requires high capital investment and relies on a lot of renewable energy

What transport system did Curitiba implement to reduce car use?

Bus Rapid transit (BRT) system with triple articulated buses running every min during rush hours

How has Curitiba reduced urban pollution through its transport system?

Buses run on biofuels, significant reducing air pollution

How does Curitiba deal with floods?

Parks around the cities have lakes that act as neutral control systems

How is Curitiba promoting waste recylcing and helping low income residents?

Through a scheme that pays people in fruit and vegetables for collecting garbag

What self-help strategy is Curitiba using to deal with favelas

New suburbs are being built to replace slums with guidance and support from city authorities

Why is Curitiba considered a model for sustainable urban planning?

Due to its integrated approach to transport, recycling, flood control, and housing—making 99% of its residents happy with the city. Additionally, costa are lower compared to Masdar city in UAE