3.2.1 Urban Issues and Challenges — Topic Overview

This topic examines the rapid growth of urban areas globally and the challenges that arise in both LIC/NEE cities and HIC cities.

Global urbanisation

Urbanisation: the increase in the proportion of a population living in urban areas. The world is now >55 % urban (UN, 2020). Urbanisation is driven by: rural-to-urban migration (push/pull factors) and natural population increase within cities.

Megacities: urban areas with populations >10 million. In 1950 there were 2; by 2023 there are over 35. Most growth is in LICs and NEEs (newly emerging economies) — Lagos, Dhaka, Mumbai.

Urbanisation in LICs/NEEs

Rapid, unplanned urbanisation creates challenges:

• Squatter settlements / informal housing (favelas, slums, shanty towns): lack of clean water, sanitation, electricity; insecure land tenure; high crime rates; overcrowding
• Traffic congestion: poor public transport; rapid car ownership growth
• Pollution: air pollution from industry and traffic; water pollution from untreated sewage
• Unemployment and informal economy: many migrants find only informal work

Opportunities: access to healthcare, education, employment; cultural mixing; economic growth.

Urban planning responses: site-and-service schemes, self-help housing projects (e.g. Dharavi redevelopment in Mumbai), new road construction, waste management improvements.

Urbanisation in HICs

Urban change in the UK: de-industrialisation → urban decay → brownfield regeneration. Case study: East London / Stratford (2012 Olympics legacy). Challenges: social deprivation in inner cities and outer estates; urban sprawl and loss of greenfield land; inequality.

Urban sustainability: features include renewable energy, public transport, green spaces, recycling, mixed-use development, local food production. Examples: BedZED (Beddington Zero Energy Development, London), Freiburg, Germany.

Exam focus

• Know one LIC/NEE city case study (e.g. Mumbai, Rio de Janeiro, Lagos)
• Know one UK city case study (e.g. London, Manchester, Bristol)
• Evaluate urban sustainability strategies