Urban System Growth (DP IB Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Bridgette Barrett
Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn
Infrastructure Improvements
As urban areas grow, the need for infrastructure and services increases
The urban population needs:
Access to clean water
Sanitation
Waste disposal
Transport facilities
Telecommunications networks
Successful urban areas ensure that infrastructure and services increase at the same rate as the population
This ensures that they are able to:
Support and attract economic activity
Minimise the risk of disease
Reduce congestion
Minimise pollution
Many cities struggle to meet the challenges of providing effective infrastructure
This is a particular issue in LICs
In LICs, cities are rapidly expanding, posing greater challenges with:
Traffic congestion
Air pollution
Unclean water
Poor telecommunications
The disposal of waste
Access to clean water and sanitation
Providing access to clean water and sanitation involves creating:
An infrastructure of pipes to deliver clean water
Treatment works
Toilets
Urban system growth requires adequate and reliable water supply and distribution systems
Infrastructure improvements includes upgrading pipes, pumps, valves, meters, treatment plants, reservoirs, etc.
This can reduce water loss, improve the quality of the water, and increase drought resilience of urban areas
Along with providing clean water and hygiene facilities, sanitation also deals with the management and disposal of human and animal waste
Sanitation improvements have several positive impacts on urban system growth, including:
Helping to improve hygiene and reduce the spread of waterborne diseases
Enhancing quality of life and well-being
Attracting investment and economic activity
Protecting the environment
Waste disposal
Increased population leads to issues with waste
The UN estimates that urban areas produce between 7 to 10 billion tonnes of waste each year
Poor waste disposal increases:
The spread of diseases
Air, water and land pollution
Waste disposal is a major challenge to urban system growth
Waste disposal affects:
The environmental quality and health of the urban residents
Involves the collection, treatment, and disposal of solid and liquid wastes generated by urban activities
Infrastructure improvements can involve:
Waste management systems that minimise waste sent to landfills or being burned
Waste to energy facilities
Improved waste collection
Low-emission waste collection vehicles
Education of the public regarding waste reduction and use of biodegradable materials
Transport facilities
Increased use of private cars and growing populations have led to more pressure on urban transport systems
Efficient transport is essential for moving goods and people around urban areas
Poor transport infrastructure leads to:
Air pollution
Traffic congestion
Telecommunication networks
Access to efficient telecommunications is essential for economic development because it:
Helps improve communication between businesses, residents and governments
Improves opportunities for remote work and education
Increased access to information and services
Telecommunications include:
Telephone
Internet access
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