Unit 6 pt.2

What is urban sustainability?

designing and managing cities to minimize environmental impact while improving quality of life, ensuring resources are available for future generations.

What is mixed land use?

a single planned development designed to include multiple uses, such as residential, retail, educational, recreational, industrial, and office spaces.

What is walkability and why is it important?

designing cities so people can easily walk to places; it reduces car use, lowers pollution, and improves health.

What is smart growth policies?

policies that aim to limit sprawl and promotes sustainable practices like compact building, public transit, and green spaces.

What is New Urbanism?

A design movement promoting walkable neighborhoods, mixed-use development, and community-oriented living.

What are greenbelts?

Protected areas of open land around cities that limit urban sprawl and preserve nature.

Benefits of sustainable urban design?

• Reduces urban sprawl

• Improves transportation & walkability

• Provides diverse housing

• Increases quality of life

• Promotes environmental sustainability

Criticisms of sustainable urban design?

• Can increase housing costs

• May cause social segregation

• Can reduce historical or cultural character

What is quantitative data in urban geography?

Numerical data (like census data) used to measure population size, density, and demographic changes.

What is qualitative data?

Descriptive data (like interviews or observations) that shows people’s experiences and opinions about urban life.

How is census data used in cities?

It tracks population changes, economic conditions, and demographics to help plan infrastructure and services.

How do geographers use urban data?

To analyze patterns, understand causes/effects of urban change, and guide decision-making in planning.

What are common social and economic challenges in cities?

• Housing shortages

• Discrimination

• Unequal access to services

• Crime

• Environmental injustice

What is redlining?

A discriminatory practice where banks deny loans to residents in certain neighborhoods based on race or ethnicity.

What is blockbusting?

Real estate practice where agents encourage white residents to sell cheaply by creating fear of minority groups moving in. Then up-charged the cost to residents of colors.

What are zones of abandonment?

areas that have been largely deserted due to a lack of jobs, declines in land value, and falling demand

What are squatter settlements?

Informal housing areas where people live without legal land ownership, common in developing cities.

What is gentrification?

Process where wealthier people move into poorer areas, increasing property values and often displacing original residents.

Pros and cons of gentrification?

Pros: improved infrastructure, economic growth
Cons: displacement, higher cost of living, cultural loss

What is urban renewal?

Redevelopment of old or damaged urban areas, sometimes displacing communities.

What is inclusionary zoning?

Policies requiring affordable housing units in new developments.

What are major sustainability challenges in cities?

• suburban sprawl

• sanitation

• climate change

• air and water quality

• the large ecological footprint of cities

• energy use

What are brownfields?

Abandoned or contaminated industrial sites that can be cleaned and redeveloped.

How can cities improve sustainability?

• regional planning efforts

• remediation and redevelopment of brownfields

• establishment of urban growth boundaries

• farmland protection policies