Urban environments

Question 1

What is agglomeration?

Answer 1

The clustering of people and businesses in one area, leading to benefits from shared infrastructure and services. Often marks the beginning of urban growth.

Question 2

What is Urbanisation?

Answer 2

Growing population living in urban areas, driven by rural-urban migration and natural increase.

Developing regions have seen rapid urbanisation, while developed nations face slower growth or even urban decline.

Question 3

What is Suburbanisation?

Answer 3

Expansion of urban areas into surrounding suburbs due to improved transport and desire for more space.

Question 4

What is Counter urbanisation?

Answer 4

The movement of people from urban to rural areas due to urban overcrowding, high costs, and lifestyle changes.

Question 5

What is Re-urbanisation

Answer 5

The return of populations to city centres due to urban renewal, improved safety, and attractive amenities.

Question 6

Describe the Global Trends of urbanisation in last 50 years.

Answer 6

Urbanisation has accelerated, especially in Asia and Africa. The percentage of urban dwellers rose from 37% in 1970 to over 56% in 2020, projected to reach 68% by 2050. The largest cities are now predominantly in the Global South.

Question 7

How does economic development drive urbanisation?

Answer 7

Industrialisation and growth in services attract job seekers to cities.

Question 8

How does Population Growth drive urbanisation and Megacity growth?

Answer 8

This is the increase in the number of people in a country or region, due to higher birth rates, lower death rates, and migration.

Question 9

How does Rural-Urban Migration drive urbanisation and Megacity growth?

Answer 9

Driven by push factors (poverty, mechanisation) and pull factors (jobs, education).

Question 10

How does Economies of Scale drive urbanisation and Megacity growth?

Answer 10

These are cost advantages gained by large-scale production. As companies produce more, the cost per unit falls.

Question 11

How does the Multiplier Effect drive urbanisation and Megacity growth?

Answer 11

initial investment (like building a hotel or road) leads to a chain of spending, which creates more jobs, income, and further development.

Question 12

Describe Zoning in urban land use and planning

Answer 12

Cities are divided into zones (commercial, residential, industrial), shaped by land value, accessibility, and economic functions.

Question 13

Land Values

Answer 13

Highest at the CBD and decrease outward. Expensive central areas are used intensively.

Question 14

Describe the Urban Structure Models

Answer 14

Burgess (concentric), Hoyt (sector), and others illustrate typical urban patterns.

Question 15

Identify different land use through Satellite Imagery

Answer 15

Used to identify land use types (residential, industrial, green space) and monitor urban change. Helps planners manage growth and development.

Question 16

How are slums an urban challenge in Mumbai, India (developing country)

Answer 16

About half the population lives in informal settlements like Dharavi. Issues include overcrowding, lack of sanitation, and health risks.

Question 17

How is an informal economy a challenge in Mumbai, India (developing country)

Answer 17

Includes street vending, recycling, and small-scale production. Offers livelihoods but lacks security and regulation.

Question 18

How is Pollution an urban challenge in Mumbai, India (developing country)

Answer 18

Water (e.g. Mithi River), air, and land pollution are major issues, worsened by industrial waste and poor waste management.

Question 19

How is low quality of life an urban challenge in Mumbai India (developing country)

Answer 19

Poor infrastructure, overcrowding, limited services, and high crime rates reduce life expectancy and quality of life.

Question 20

Strategies that make urban living more sustainable in Mumbai, India.

Answer 20

Waste Management: Segregation at source, waste-to-energy plants, and rehabilitation of dumpsites (e.g. Gorai).

Question 21

Strategies that make urban living more sustainable in Mumbai, India.

Answer 21

Transport: Metro expansion, electric buses, and pedestrian improvements aim to reduce congestion and emissions.

Question 22

Strategies that make urban living more sustainable in Mumbai, India.

Answer 22

Education and Health: New schools and clinics, public health drives, and improved sanitation in slums.

Question 23

Strategies that make urban living more sustainable in Mumbai, India.

Answer 23

Employment: Formal job creation, skill training, entrepreneurship support, and economic zone development (e.g. BKC).

Question 24

Strategies that make urban living more sustainable in Mumbai, India.

Answer 24

Housing: Slum Rehabilitation Scheme (SRS) offers free flats to slum dwellers; challenges include design and qualification.

Question 25

How is Food Supply an urban challenge in London (developed country)

Answer 25

99% of food is imported, creating a large carbon footprint.

Question 26

How is Energy and Resources an urban challenge in London (developed country)

Answer 26

High consumption leads to a large ecological footprint. The city targets zero carbon by 2030.

Question 26

How is Transport an urban challenge in London (developed country)

Answer 26

Congestion, pollution, and ageing infrastructure remain issues. Public transport is extensive but under pressure.

Question 27

How is waste an urban challenge in London (developed country)

Answer 27

London produces millions of tonnes of waste. The aim is 65% recycling by 2030.

Question 28

How is Environmental Impact an urban challenge in London (developed country)

Answer 28

Climate resilience, flood management (e.g. Thames Barrier), and urban greening are priorities.

Question 29

How is Social Segregation an urban challenge in London (developed country)

Answer 29

Stark wealth and health inequalities between areas (e.g. Kensington vs. Newham).

Question 30

What are the strategies that make living more sustainable in London?

Answer 30

Waste: Expanding recycling, investing in waste-to-energy, promoting circular economy.

Question 31

What are the strategies that make living more sustainable in London?

Answer 31

Transport: Congestion Charge, ULEZ, electric buses, expanded cycling infrastructure, and Crossrail.

Question 32

What are the strategies that make living more sustainable in London?

Answer 32

Energy and Climate: Energy efficiency retrofits, renewable energy, and smart infrastructure.

Question 33

What are the strategies that make living more sustainable in London?

Answer 33

Education and Health: London Challenge improved schools; NHS and community health initiatives combat disparities.

Question 34

What are the strategies that make living more sustainable in London?

Answer 34

Housing: London Plan supports affordable housing and brownfield redevelopment; 15-minute city model is gaining ground.

Question 35

What are the strategies that make living more sustainable in London?

Answer 35

Equity: London Living Wage, regeneration of deprived areas, community support projects, and inclusive governance.

Question 36

Describe Rural urban fringe development in London

Answer 36

The edge of London hosts housing, retail, and business parks. These developments benefit from transport access and lower land costs.

Question 37

Greenfield vs Brownfield in London?

Answer 37

London prioritizes brownfield, but some Green Belt release is being reconsidered. New development must be well-planned, with transport and amenities.

Question 38

How is a rural urban fringe managed?

Answer 38

Includes recreation, agriculture, and linking green spaces (e.g. All London Green Grid).

Question 39

What is a Brownfield?

Answer 39

Reuse of old industrial land within cities. Environmentally preferable, often has infrastructure in place.

Question 40

Qualitative Methods of assessing environmental quality in Urban areas?

Answer 40

Environmental Quality Surveys (EQS) using scales for cleanliness, noise, greenery, safety, etc. Resident perceptions from interviews and questionnaires Observational data, photos, and field notes

Question 41

What is a Greenfield?

Answer 41

Undeveloped land on the outskirts. Offers more space but risks sprawl and ecosystem damage.

Question 42

Quantitative method of assessing environmental quality in Urban areas?

Answer 42

Air and water pollution levels (e.g. NO₂, PM2.5, fecal coliform) Noise levels (decibels) Green space per capita Traffic counts Environmental indices (e.g. IMD)