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