what is sustainable development
developement that meets the need of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own need
what is a city
urban area within a country
what are the features that make cities unique
- large population size
- built up area
- high population density
- range of function
explain large population size
(how it makes a city unique)
- cities have many people who live and work in them
- they have a large population size compared to other locations in the country
- countries use different guidelines to identify their cities (e.g. minimum population size)
explain built up area
(how it makes a city unique)
- the land is mostly covered by buildings
- cities have extensive infrastructure
- usually provided by the government
explain range of functions
(how it makes a city unique)
- a range of functions and activities
- e.g. administrative functions and commercials and educational activities
- provides a range of ammenities
explain high population density
(how it makes a city unique)
cities typically have a higher population density compared to other areas in their country
how to calculate population density
number of people living in an area / land area
definition of ammenities
facilities that allow people to live comfortably
definition of infrastructure
basic services
what is the relationship between cities and rural areas
- Cities rely on rural areas for much of their food supply.
- Rural farmers bring their goods to markets in the cities to sell.
- Rural inhabitants also go to the city for amenities that are not available in the countryside or villages e.g. Specialized medical care, University education, Goods that are only found in certain shops in cities
how do cities affect their inhabitants and their enviornment
- provide opportunities for inhabitants
- challenges (on the environment)
what are some opportunities for the inhabitants
- education and employment
- good location for businesses and industries
- technological innovation
explain education and employment
- Cities are centres for learning. They contain many educational institutions like vocational schools and universities that enable people to gain education.
- Education → useful knowledge and skills → Employment → Higher income → able to purchase goods and services for higher quality of life
explain good location for businesses and industries
Cities have good infrastructure, large populations (many workers and customers) and services available.
explain technological innovation
- High concentration of skilled workers
- education institutions and government funding encourages technological innovation.
examples of technological innovation
- shading
- transport
- vegetation
- building facade
- water bodies and features
example of shading
(+ explain)
sheltered bus stops and covered walkways → installed to provide shade and shield from rain
example of transport
(+ explain)
use of public transport → cycling, walking → help to reduce heat production from transport sector
example of vegetation
greenery on roofs and building facades → prevent sunlight from heating up the buildings
example of building facade
light-coloured surfaces → help reflect sunlight to reduce heat absorption
example of water bodies and features
ponds and pools in the design of urban spaces → help prevent overheating
what are the challenges on the enviornment
- water pollution
- air pollution
- competition of natural resources
explain water pollution
- water supplies in cities are often affected by improper management of household and industrial waste due to inadequette or broken sewage systems
- waste is disposed directly or leaked into waterways → water quality ↓
- threatens human and aquatic life
