6 5 urbanization problems
TRANSCRIPT
6-5 Urbanization Problems
6-5 What Are the Major Urban Resource Environmental Problems?
Learning Goal:Most cities are unsustainable because of high
levels of resource use, waste, pollution, and poverty.
Urban LivingWhat percent of people in US live in cities?79% of Americans live in citiesWhat percent of people in US live in cities?50% of world population lives in cities
Why????Come to cities for jobs, food, housing, education,
better health care, entertainment
Disadvantages of Urbanization Unsustainable systems (2% land – 75 % resources)Lack of vegetationWater problems Pollution and health problemsNoise pollution
Fig. 6-13, p. 110
Stepped Art
1973 2003
Fig. 6-14, p. 110
Economic Effects
Urban Sprawl
Natural Capital Degradation
Loss of cropland
Loss of forests andgrasslands
Loss of wetlands
Loss andfragmentation ofwildlife habitats
Land andBiodiversity
Increased use of surfacewater and groundwater
Increased runoff andflooding
Increased surface waterand groundwaterpollution
Decreased naturalsewage treatment
Water
Increased energy useand waste
Increased air pollution
Increased greenhousegas emissions
Can enhance climatechange
Energy, Air,and Climate
Decline ofdowntown businessdistricts
Increasedunemployment incentral city
Loss of tax base incentral city
Mexico City Large population - 20 millionSevere noise, water, and air pollution50% unemployment100,000 premature deaths per year
Mexico City3 million without
sewerFecal snowGeography
contributes to air pollution
Progress – tree planting and lower air pollution