Geography – Urban growth | e-Consult

Introduction: This question requires a broad understanding of urban growth patterns and their associated challenges. A strong answer will define the different types of urban growth, provide specific examples, and analyze the interconnectedness between growth patterns and contemporary urban issues.

Body:

• Urbanisation: Discuss the challenges associated with rapid urbanisation, such as infrastructure strain, informal settlements, and unemployment. Example: Lagos, Nigeria. Consider the impact on services, housing, and environmental quality.
• Suburbanisation: Explore the problems arising from suburban sprawl, including car dependency, social segregation, and environmental degradation. Example: Atlanta, USA. Discuss the impact on transport networks, greenfield development, and community cohesion.
• Urban Sprawl: Analyse the environmental consequences of urban sprawl, such as habitat loss, increased carbon emissions, and water pollution. Example: Greater London, UK. Consider the role of planning policies and transport infrastructure in exacerbating or mitigating sprawl.
• Counter-urbanisation: Examine the socio-economic factors driving counter-urbanisation and the challenges it poses to central urban areas (e.g., declining economies, skills shortages). Example: Manchester, UK. Discuss the impact on local economies and the provision of services.
• Re-urbanisation: Evaluate the successes and failures of re-urbanisation initiatives, including gentrification, regeneration projects, and the challenges of managing diverse communities. Example: Bristol, UK. Consider the impact on housing affordability, social inequalities, and cultural identity.
• Urban Renewal/Regeneration: Assess the effectiveness of urban renewal schemes in addressing urban decline, considering both physical and social aspects. Example: East London, UK. Discuss the role of government policy, private investment, and community engagement.

Conclusion: Summarise the key challenges and argue whether the different types of urban growth are collectively exacerbating or mitigating these challenges. Consider the role of policy and planning in shaping future urban development.