GCSE AQA Geography - urban growth

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts in GCSE AQA Geography related to tectonic hazards and urbanisation.

What is urbanisation?

The increase in the proportion of people living in towns and cities.

Where is urbanisation happening fastest?

In LICs (Low Income Countries) and NEEs (Newly Emerging Economies), due to high rates of rural-urban migration and natural increase.

What are the causes of urbanisation?

Rural-urban migration and natural increase (higher birth rates than death rates).

What are push factors for rural-urban migration?

Lack of jobs, poor healthcare, low education opportunities, conflict, and natural disasters in rural areas.

What are pull factors for rural-urban migration?

More jobs, better healthcare, improved education, and higher living standards in cities.

What is a megacity?

A city with a population of over 10 million people.

What are favelas?

Illegal squatter settlements on the edge of cities, often built without basic services or planning.

How is Rio managing urban growth?

Favela Bairro Project: upgrading infrastructure, providing education and healthcare, legalising land ownership.

What is sustainable urban living?

A way of living in cities that uses resources efficiently and ensures a good quality of life for future generations.

What are features of sustainable urban living?

Water and energy conservation, waste recycling, creating green spaces, and efficient public transport systems.

What is urban planning?

The process of designing and managing the development of cities to ensure sustainable growth and meet future needs.

What is urban sprawl?

The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding countryside, often causing environmental damage.

How can urban sprawl be reduced?

Using brownfield sites, green belts, encouraging higher-density housing, and better public transport links.

Why is traffic management important?

To reduce congestion, improve air quality, save time, and enhance quality of life in urban areas.

How can traffic be managed sustainably?

Park and ride schemes, congestion charges, cycle lanes, integrated public transport, and pedestrianised zones.

Case Study: Sustainable urban living - Freiburg, Germany

Freiburg promotes sustainability through renewable energy, green spaces, water recycling, and eco-friendly transport.

Freiburg - Sustainable strategies

40% of the city is forested, 90kg of waste recycled per person, energy from solar and biomass, green roofs, car-sharing schemes.

Rio - Opportunities created by urban growth

Better access to education and healthcare, job opportunities in the formal and informal sectors, improved infrastructure.

Rio - Challenges caused by urban growth

Overcrowded favelas, poor sanitation, high crime, traffic congestion, pollution, and unreliable services.