Urban Issues and challanges

Urbanisation

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

Global pattern of urban change

Urbanisation is happening worldwide, but the rate is much faster in LICs and NEEs than in HICs.

Percentage of world’s population in urban areas

Approximately 56% (projected to reach about 68% by 2050).

Urbanisation rates in HICs vs LICs/NEEs

HICs already have high levels of urbanisation (slow growth); LICs and NEEs have the fastest rates of urbanisation.

Factors causing urbanisation

Migration (rural-urban) and natural increase (birth rate higher than death rate).

Natural increase

When the birth rate is higher than the death rate, causing the population to grow.

Megacity

A city with a population of more than 10 million people.

Change in number of megacities

In 1950 there were only 2; now there are over 30, with most growth in Asia and Africa.

LIC/NEE case study requirement

You must know one major city in an LIC or NEE (e.g., Rio de Janeiro, Lagos, Mumbai) covering location/importance, causes of growth, opportunities and challenges.

Location and importance of LIC/NEE city

Its location and why it is important regionally, nationally and internationally.

Main causes of growth in LIC/NEE cities

Natural increase and migration (rural-urban).

Social opportunities from urban growth in LIC/NEE cities

Better access to services (health and education) and resources (water supply and energy).

Economic opportunities from urban growth in LIC/NEE cities

Urban industrial areas can stimulate economic development (jobs, investment, formal and informal employment).

Challenges of managing urban growth in LIC/NEE cities

Growth of slums / squatter settlements.

Challenges in providing clean water, sanitation and energy in LIC/NEE cities

Many people lack reliable access to clean water, proper sanitation and reliable energy supplies.

Challenges in providing services in LIC/NEE cities

Unequal access to health and education services.

Unemployment and crime challenges in LIC/NEE cities

High unemployment (especially in the informal sector) and higher rates of crime.

Environmental challenges from urban growth in LIC/NEE cities

Waste disposal problems, air and water pollution, and traffic congestion.

Extra example for LIC/NEE cities

An example of how urban planning is improving the quality of life for the urban poor.

UK section requirements

Overview of the distribution of population and the major cities in the UK + a case study of one major UK city.

UK population concentration

Highest population density in the south-east; major cities include London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, etc.

Case study knowledge for UK city

Location and importance in the UK and the wider world.

Effect of national and international migration on UK cities

It contributes to population growth and changes the character of the city (more cultural diversity).

Social and economic opportunities created by urban change in UK cities

Cultural mix, recreation and entertainment, employment opportunities, and integrated transport systems.

Environmental opportunity created by urban change in UK cities

Urban greening (creating parks, green spaces, planting trees).

Social and economic challenges from urban change in UK cities

Urban deprivation and inequalities in housing, education, health and employment.

Environmental challenges from urban change in UK cities

Dereliction, pressure to build on brownfield and greenfield sites, and waste disposal.

Impact of urban sprawl

It affects the rural-urban fringe and leads to the growth of commuter settlements.

Extra example for UK

An example of an urban regeneration project (reasons why it was needed + main features of the project).

Urban sustainability

Meeting the needs of people living in cities now without damaging the environment or resources for future generations.

Key features of sustainable urban living

Water and energy conservation, waste recycling, and creating green space.

Urban transport strategies to reduce traffic congestion

Examples include improved public transport, congestion charging, cycle lanes, park-and-ride schemes, and integrated transport systems.

Brownfield site

Land that has been previously built on (often abandoned industrial land).

Greenfield site

Land that has never been built on before (usually countryside or farmland).

Preference for building on brownfield sites

It protects the countryside, uses existing infrastructure, and can clean up polluted land.

Urban deprivation

When an area suffers from a combination of social, economic and environmental problems (e.g. high unemployment, poor housing, low educational attainment).