Global Cities: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions

Rio de Janeiro location

Located in Southeast Brazil, on the Atlantic coast.

Rio de Janeiro global importance

Major port for oil, major manufacturing hub, and hosted the 2016 Olympics.

Cultural significance of Rio

National cultural capital with universities, research centres, and international companies.

Social challenges in Rio

Rapid urban growth has caused housing shortages, especially in favelas.

Healthcare inequality in Rio

In some areas, life expectancy is 45 years; others 80+.

Education drop-out rates in Rio

High after age 14 due to child labour or drug gangs.

Access to basic services in Rio

Lack of access to clean water, electricity and sanitation in poorer zones.

Favela Bairro Project

Upgraded housing and provided electricity, sewage, and clean water.

Legal rights in Rio's favelas

Legal rights were given to landowners.

Education and health services in Rio

Improved education and health services.

UPPs in Rio

Introduction of UPPs (police units) to reclaim areas from gangs.

Bristol location

Located in the South West of England near the M4 and M5.

Bristol's significance

Two major universities make it a student hub.

Bristol international airport

Boosts connections.

Global industries in Bristol

Includes Aardman Animations and high-tech sectors.

Bristol Green Capital

Green Capital of Europe in 2015.

Social inequalities in Bristol

Stoke Bishop: Affluent suburb with high university attendance and life expectancy of 83.

Deprivation in Bristol

Filwood: Deprived area, 36% students get top grades, high crime and unemployment.

Healthcare access in Bristol

Uneven access to healthcare and green spaces across the city.

Temple Quarter Regeneration

Redeveloped a previously derelict area of Bristol.

New developments in Temple Quarter

New homes, offices, creative hubs (e.g. Engine Shed), and electrified train lines.

Transport improvements in Bristol

Improved transport links and employment opportunities.

Economic significance of Nigeria

Fast-growing economy due to oil exports, Nollywood, and manufacturing.

Nigeria's population

Most populous African country.

Nigeria's regional power

Regional power and member of OPEC and UN.

Nigerian economy development

Shift from agriculture to industry and services.

Oil in Nigeria's economy

Oil accounts for over 75% of export earnings.

Foreign investment in Nigeria

Foreign investment from China and Western nations.

Shell's impact in Nigeria

+ Created 65,000 jobs and built infrastructure like pipelines.

Shell's benefits in Nigeria

+ Provided skills and training.

Environmental damage from Shell

- Oil spills caused severe environmental damage, especially in the Niger Delta.

Local conflict due to Shell

- Profits mostly go overseas; causes local conflict.

International aid to Nigeria

UK provides aid for health (e.g. HIV programmes) and education.

Limitations of aid in Nigeria

Limited by corruption and diversion of funds.

Insecurity in Nigeria

Insecurity (e.g. Boko Haram) disrupts distribution.

Infrastructure issues in Nigeria

Infrastructure (bad roads) hinders delivery.

UK economy changes since 1800s

Shift from primary (agriculture) to secondary (industry), now to tertiary and quaternary sectors.

Deindustrialisation in the UK

Led to closure of traditional manufacturing.

Growth sectors in the UK

Growth in finance, IT, media, and science sectors.

Post-industrial economy in the UK

Growth of tertiary (services) and quaternary (research and development) sectors.

Business parks in the UK

Business parks and science parks developed (e.g. Cambridge).

Workforce in the UK

Highly educated workforce fuels innovation.

Environmental impacts in the UK

Include traffic and pressure on greenfield sites.

Reducing the North-South divide

Enterprise Zones with tax breaks and superfast broadband.

Northern Powerhouse plan

To invest in cities like Manchester and Leeds.

HS2 rail project

To improve transport links and balance economic opportunities.

Tourism in Jamaica

Tourism = 24% of Jamaica's GDP.

Jobs from tourism in Jamaica

Over 200,000 jobs, especially in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

Infrastructure investment in Jamaica

Investment in infrastructure: roads, airports, ports.

Local businesses in Jamaica

Encourages small local businesses and cultural tourism.

Problems with tourism in Jamaica

Seasonal and low-paid jobs.

Seasonal and low-paid jobs

Jobs that are temporary and often do not provide a living wage.

Environmental degradation

The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as coral reefs and deforestation.

Wealth distribution in tourism

The majority of wealth generated from tourism goes to large companies and hotels rather than local communities.

Infrastructure in Jamaica

Infrastructure outside tourist areas remains poor.

Ecotourism

Tourism focused on the environment, such as in the Blue Mountains and local guesthouses.

Community tourism schemes

Tourism initiatives that involve and benefit local communities.

Marine conservation and education

Efforts to protect marine environments and educate the public about them.

Cultural heritage promotion

Activities aimed at preserving and promoting local cultural practices.

UK's energy mix since 1990

A decline in coal usage (now <3%) and an increase in gas and renewables like wind and solar.

Nuclear energy contribution

Nuclear energy remains a steady contributor to the UK's energy mix.

Net zero emissions goal

The UK's aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Pros of renewable energy in the UK

Renewable sources reduce CO₂ emissions and are sustainable with low maintenance.

Cons of renewable energy in the UK

Renewable energy can be expensive to set up and is dependent on weather, causing visual and noise pollution.

Fracking

A method of extracting shale gas by injecting high-pressure water into rock.

Controversy of fracking

Fracking is opposed due to the risks of earthquakes and water pollution.

UK's energy sustainability improvements

Investments in renewables, promoting home insulation, developing smart meters, and cutting fossil fuel use.

Freiburg as a sustainable city

A green city in Germany focused on sustainability with extensive recycling and energy-efficient buildings.

Energy management in Freiburg

Focus on renewable energy sources and district heating systems using biomass.

Water management in Freiburg

Rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse, and green roofs to manage water sustainably.

Green space management in Freiburg

40% of the city is forested, with parks and green corridors integrated into urban planning.

Tor Quarry location and importance

Located in Somerset, SW England, it is a major supplier of limestone for construction.

Environmental impact reduction at Tor Quarry

Regular monitoring of noise, vibrations, and water quality, along with landscaping and rail transport.

Restoration of Tor Quarry

The quarry has been restored to create wildlife habitats and lakes, with replanting for biodiversity.

Importance of sustainable quarrying

Reduces long-term environmental damage while maintaining resource supply and community involvement.

Chambamotera micro-hydro scheme location

Located in Southern Malawi, it addresses limited rural electricity access.

Function of the Chambamotera micro-hydro scheme

Generates electricity using water from a small river via a gravity-fed turbine system.

Benefits of the Chambamotera scheme

Provides clean electricity for 200+ households, reduces deforestation, and improves local quality of life.

Sustainability of micro-hydro schemes

Utilizes local resources, is cheap to build and run, and empowers communities while reducing fossil fuel reliance.