SLC Geog A Level Blog | For Cambridge International AS and ...



SOME CASE STUDY SUMMARIES FOR UNIT 1 AS GEOGRAPHYThese are by no means all the examples we have discussed this year, but they are a good number of them! Good luck learning these facts! Flooding Hazard Example: Bangladesh Causes The country has a large population of 125million. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world Experiences floods/tropical storms every year The Ganges, Meghna and Brahmaputra all had their peak flows at the same time Sea level increasing 7mm per year, decreasing gradient of the river, which in turns slows the river, increasing flooding Global warming speeds up Himalayan snow melt Most of the country is less than 1m above sea level The country is criss-crossed by thousands of small rivers, creeks and canals. Drainage congestion doesn’t allow water to escape Impacts Flood waters used to: Replenish ground water reserves Provide nutrient rich sediment for vegetable production in the dry season Provide a resource for aqua-culture. Fish supply 75% of dietary protein and over 10% of annual export earnings Impacts of the flood are more catastrophic than the flood itself – spreads disease Building costs and maintenance costs – too high for Bangladesh to afford Earthquake Hazard Example: Armenian earthquake in 1988Measured 6.9 on the Richter scaleCaused by Arabian and Eurasion tectionic platesDepth of the quake was 5 km under surface25 000 people killed300 000 people injuredMost buildings did not withstand the quake – hence many deaths caused by collapsing buildings~ 200 strong aftershocks lead to even more severe effects Very vulnerable. Buildings constructed with weak materialsNo money for technologyPoor education – people did not know what to doChaos – nobody knew how many people are missing / where they areRescue teams could not get anywhere – all roads blocked 3.Local hazards : Attiki,Greece 1999 Attiki Earthquake Magnitude of 6.0 RichterOccurred on September 7, 1999, at 2:56:50 pm local time and lasted approximately 15 seconds in Ano Liosia. The tremor was epicentered approximately 17 km to the northwest of the city center, in a sparsely populated area near Mount Parnitha National Park. This proximity to the Athens Metropolitan Area resulted in widespread structural damage, 143 dead2,000 injured50,000 homeless53,000+ buildings damaged or destroyedNorthern Athenian suburbs of Kifissia, Metamorfosi, Kamatero and Nea Philadelphia worst affected. More than 100 buildings (including three major factories) across those areas collapsed trapping scores of victims under their rubble while dozens more were severely damaged. 1987 Heatwaves/droughtsSummer of 1987 saw temperatures as high as 44 degrees C and low wind speeds1000 people died in Athens – more than double the usual for this periodSmog also accompanied the heat wave so made the stress greater for the peopleElderly and retired people were particularly susceptible2960 people were administered to 68 Athens hospitals at this periodThe deaths were from heat stroke, heat exhaustion etc 2007 wildfires28 June 2007- 3 September 2007 over 3000 firest recorded across Greece A series of massive forest fires that broke out in several areas. In total 84 people lost their lives because of the fires, including several fire fighters.Significant parts of the Parnitha National Park were destroyed and in total, the fire burnt area of 153.8 km2.1994 Greek floodsFlooding constituted the second most frequent natural disaster in Greece during 1928–2005 (15 episodes; 23.4% of total) after earthquakes.It led to 78 deaths, 10,990 affected people and 719,518,000 US$ damage and repair costs (World Health Organisation 2005). 4.Multiple Hazard Hotspot: The Philippines Natural Hazards7000 islands at latitudes 5–20°N of the equator. Islands difficult to reach / warnWithin a belt of tropical cyclone storms (typhoons). Approx 6-7 major storms per year.1976 tsunamiThe dense oceanic Philippines plate is being subducted beneath Eurasian plate at a destructive plate margin June 1991 Volcanic eruption of Pinatubo, killed between 250-800 but many evacuated as US air base in area gave warnings and provided vehicles. Typhoon Yunya hit at same time.Tropical monsoon climate, subject to heavy rainfall which can lead to flooding and subsequent land sliding / mass movement made possible because of deforestation of many hillsides: Feb 2006 1,126 were killed by landslideDrought: April 1998 2.5 million affected severelyVulnerabilityLower middle income country: lower capacity to cope though has successes too. GDP $3300 PPPWith a rapidly increasing young population.Also urbanizing at an even greater rate, average densities for the whole country are high at 240km?, up to 2,000 per km? in the megacity of Manila (population 20m, growing 250 000 per year). Much of Manila at sea level.People are very poor and live coastally - making them very vulnerable to locally generated tsunamis and typhoon generated storm surges.The Philippines therefore experiences social and economic vulnerability & high risk5.Multiple Hazard Hotspot: California Approx. 40 million people.Megacity of Los Angeles, millionaire cities of San Diego, San Francisco. SANSAN corridorGeophysical hazards: the San Andreas fault (part of a broader fault zone) marks a conservative plate boundary where two coastal plates slide past each other, parallel to the plate margin at differential speeds. An earthquake of Richter Scale 7 or above would have massive impacts. The soft basin sediments in LA lead to rapid shaking with 5 major earthquakes being recorded in the last 100 years. Earthquakes when shallow are more destructive.Loma Prieta earthquake in San Francisco, 17 October 1989 Magnitude 7.1 63 dead $6 Billion damages 1018 homes destroyed Northridge earthquake in Los Angeles 17th January 1994 Magnitude 6.7 57 dead 12 599 buildings damaged 9000 homes and businesses without water for several days Range of atmospheric hazards - fog, drought and associated frequent wildfires.El Ni?o — La Ni?a oscillation: winter storms, especially during El Nino years lead to floods in the Los Angeles and San Gabriel rivers (with deforested hill sides).El Nino is part of a cycle of approximately 7 years, in which 1-2 years occur as El Nino years and 1-2 occur as La Nina. El Nino is defined as an abnormal warning of surface ocean waters in the Eastern Pacific El Nino years, air currents move eastwards across the Pacific, brining moist air to South America and the eastern Pacific. The California coast is also affected by this current, bringing torrential rain – causing floods and landslides. In La Nina Years involve current reversing to move across the Pacific towards Australia, bringing moist air. Warm dry air blows over California from the American deserts, bringing drought and the threat of forest fires to California. Summer drought problem in a Mediterranean climate, especially in Southern California, but more marked in La Ni?a years.Advection fog occur when cool air from cold offshore current drifts inland and meets warm air (especially in Summer). Climate conditions combine with car pollution to generate photochemical smog which collects in the basin.Landslides take place in heavy winter storms where hillsides have been burnt by wildfire and eroded.Risk of erosion along coast near Malibu and Santa Monica (related to ENSO cycle).Only sophisticated management prevents California from becoming a disaster zone (measured in mortality). NB prediction of earthquake activity is not possible even with technology. GDP $47 000 PPP6.Impacts of Climate Change: AfricaBackground Africa makes the least contribution to global warming worldwide However, it experiences a large number of the consequences Predicted temperature change 4-5°C higher than the global rate Rainfall is likely to increase in the equatorial region, but decrease to the north and south of that band. Impacts Water Issues Water regulated by access to hydro-electric power, domestic and industry Many of the larger rivers (River Nile) are internationally shared – causing conflict Could lead to wars, global migrations and famine Food Insecurity 70% of population are subsistence farmers, many of whom will not be able to feed themselves if the water supplies dry up Increased locust plagues may also threaten food supplies – even for commercial farmersNatural Resources Loss of biodiversity due to climate change will threaten poorer people who are dependent on wildlife Loss of safari tourism industry in places like Kenya as the Big 5 wild animals will die out. Health Vector borne and water borne diseases could increase with climate change - higher medical expenses80% of remedies rely on wild plants that are under threat. Development of Coastal Zones 60% of Africans live in coastal zones - affected by sea level rise?Make shanty towns in cities such as Accra, Freetown and Lagos will developCoastal zones are at risk of coastal erosion and rising sea levels Desertification Major destroyer of grassland Increased by unreliable or decreasing rainfall 7.Impacts of Climate Change: Arctic 3-4C warming since the 1950s6-8C warming by 2100 considered a distinct possibility Increased river discharge10% decline in snow cover since late 1970s10-20% decline in snow cover expected by 2070Precipitation increased 8% since 1900, mostly as rain; further increases expected Permafrost has warmed by 2C since 1970s; shifts northward of the permafrost zone of 100s km are expected. Tundra ecosystems get lost Spread of species such as the spruce bark beetle in Alaska Increase in boreal forest fires in Arctic Russia – loosing vital carbon sinks 24 villages in Alaska threatened by flooding Thin ice makes hunting more dangerous Ice used to protect settlements, now they are in dangerNegative multiplier effect in Marine Ecosystem At current rates 50% of Arctic ice will be lost by 2100The arctic ecosystem is highly vulnerable as it is deeply adapted to an intense, seasonal climate. It relies upon a continuous, very cold winter.There is evidence that this winter is fast disappearing to be replaced by more variable cold-thaw conditions which lead to iceing, fails to kill pests, and promotes waterlogging. Many species are not in a position to migrate to new latitudes, and others which depend directly on sea ice may simply disappear.Summary of observed and potential ecological impacts:Area of concernObserved impactsPotential impactsOutbreaks of insects Spruce bark beetle is already on the rise; up to 2 million hectares of spruce forest already damagedLikely to increase, as 2 year + hard frosts become rare and beetle larvae surviveForest firesAreas burned have doubled in western North America since the 1970sA further 80% increase in annual forest fires is expected by 2100AgricultureLittle impact so farSignificant changes could increase growing seasons, allowing more land to be converted to grazingPolar BearsGrowing concern over falling numbers in some regionsAn ice free Arctic could see populations crash, as bears rely on ice for transport; populations used to isolation are unlikely to survive increasing contact with Browns and GrizzlysIce dependent sealsThese are seals which give birth on sea ice, and haul themselves onto sea ice e.g. ringed sealsSimilar to polar bears, many species so depend on sea ice that their populations may become extinct. Cod and ShrimpThese fisheries have already been observed as closely related to climateCod populations could expand hugely as climate warms, whereas shrimp populations are likely to crashTundra Plants Vegetations zones are already changing, with and advance of forests and loss of grassland If permafrost continues to melt, long term waterlogging will significantly change flora and insect life over large areas, with knock-on effects to large mammals.Ice crusting This occurs when unexpected winter thaws are followed by fresh snowfall; this prevents Lemmings, Musk Ox and Caribou from digging through the snow to foragePopulation collapses are highly likely due to winter starvation 8.Transnational Company Example: Tesco Stores in Japan, China and India Over 48,000 stores overseas Planning controls less restrictive outside UK Wages in India and China are 50p per hour Make ?3000 per minute 60% of international products come from Asia Online shopping advances Merger with Samsung TNC 9.TNC: McDonalds and GlobalisationMcDonald's is a service sector TNC which is at the forefront of globalisation. McDonald's started in 1955 in San Bernardino, CaliforniaIt now operates in 120 countries across the world with 30,000 plus storesLargest fast food company in world50 million people a day use it’s restaurants1200 restaurants in UK alone serving 2 million customers a dayIts profits go to the USA, where it is basedMany of the McDonalds stores are run as franchises – where someone (often a previous McDonalds employee) pays maybe 250,000 pounds and promises to run it for at least 20 yearsProfits circulate locally and there is a multiplier effectThey are quite a radical TNC and try to source products locally to be sustainable(as this is what the customers want these days) Anywhere in the world the packaging and tables are quite similar – customer culture share commonalities!The brand and experience is the same and this makes people feel secure – and it spreads western cultureThe sign is instantly recognizable – the golden arches!!!! In Windsor, UK they do not have the sign of the golden arches at the door as they could not get planning permission as it is opposite the castle!There are some local variations – GLOCALISATION -Such as beer available in Germany.Prices vary to reflect wages and costs of supplies. In the UK an average meal is 4 pounds but in USA it is 3 pounds and in Sri Lanka 1 pound. Social Impactssharing of Western Culture across the world bringing with it new diets not previously seen in these countries.The introduction of another culture can result in the loss of some traditions. In this example, the introduction of fast food may lead to loss of traditional foods. One possible effect of McDonald's expansion could be an increase in the obesity rate of these countries, Another social impact is the lifestyles of the workers. In 2000 accusations were made against McDonald's that sweatshop labour was being used in factories creating happy meal toys in Shenzhen, China. Although McDonald's denied that they knew anything about this the accusation damaged their reputation. McDonald's has also tried to create a positive image the idea of corporate responsibility such as the Ronald McDonald house charities that offer help and support to families with sick children through independent charities supported by McDonald's. Through the money donated they have made 400 rooms for families every night of the year.McDonald's also offer some employees that chance to acquire qualifications while working there.Economic ImpactsMcDonald's employs more than 1.7 million people, and train their employees. In the U.K they offer employees the chance to gains qualifications from apprenticeships up to foundation degrees.In 2011 McDonald's gross profit was 10.69 billion dollars – which had gone up from 9.6 billion in 2010. In 2007 McDonalds spent 460 million pounds through its UK supply chainThis money went to 17,000 farmers working with 6000 food supply companiesEnvironmental ImpactsOne environmental impact that sticks in peoples’ brains is the allegation that McDonald's fuels that deforestation of the Amazon. In 2006 Greenpeace published a report called "Eating Up the Amazon" this traced soya beans grown in illegally deforested areas to McDonald's used as chicken feed and then served up as Chicken McNuggets. Again McDonald's denied these claims.McDonald's tries to reduce the environmental impacts in the U.K with the following policies:Bins provided outside each store and litter patrols at least twice a day outside each restaurant to pick up any litter. However this litter is not recycled it is often sent to landfill.75% of company owned McDonald's restaurant recycle all their cardboard. This figure is planned to increase to 100% in the following yearUsed cooking oil is collected and reused as bio-diesel to power the McDonald's Delivery fleet.10.NAFTA : a Trade Bloc (+ advantage and – disadvantage)On the USA On Canada On Mexico +All 3 countries are better off with free trade as they specialise in producing what they are best at-Free trade with Mexico would result in wage and benefit reductions if US firms are to remain competitive against cheap Mexican labour-Environmental groups saw more severe environmental damage in Mexico as the environmental laws are lax and often not enforced+Multinationals have moved operations to Mexico have gained higher profits-Growth of the visible trade deficit worth 16% of US trade-Mexican trucks are allowed full access to American highways but they don’t limit the time drivers are allowed to stay behind the wheel+Visible trade with US increased 80% in the first 5 years of NAFTA +Visible trade with Mexico has doubled to reach $9 billion in 1998+US investment in Canada reached $147 billion in 1998, up 63% from 1993+More than 1 million new jobs created since its start+In 1998, 68% of FDI in Canada came from US and Mexico-Concerns from environmental groups regarding damage+Forcing Mexican companies to adopt higher foreign standards and business practices+Makes it impossible for Mexico to go back to poor political choices from the past+Mexico has reduced or zero tariffs with 60% of the world-Many believe Mexico has become trade dependent – 88% of export go to the US-Mexican government did little to prepare the country for the significant changes e.g. before NAFTA farmers were protected by import tariffs and government-price guarantees – now unable to compete with large scale farmers in USA and Canada-Maquiladoras11.Switched On Country Example: China Recent economic growth – 1995 GNP per capita $995 and in 2005 $1700Natural resources – coal oil and gas with recent HEP (Three Gorges) and nuclearGood geography - near emerging markets of S Korea, Taiwan and IndiaMassive population of 1.3 billion plus who are hard working and motivated 600,000 engineers trained in China per yearWorkers from rural areas arriving in city (often without permit) are sometimes treated badly with pr conditions and wages may be withheldDivided country with massive growth in Shanghai and some cities and rural areas like Sichuan lack developmentGovernment incentives, cheap labour and a huge market of 1.3 billion + attract FDI and TNCs 12.Switched On Country Example: India 6% annual growth rate Brain Gain Migration back from North America and Europe Cheap food imports are hurting farmers in India, who make up 70% of the population European companies suffering as Indian companies make the same goods at 20% of cost Large gap between rich and poor Service sector worth $25 Billion Bangalore is India’s fastest growing city Development of outsourcing eg UK call centres close and now in IndiaProficient in English language due to colonial past so helps to make India more interconnected 13.Switched off/Disconnected Country Example: North Korea Countries that are more isolated from global networking, and not so much part of the global community, are known as disconnected countries. The exam board often refer to these as ‘switched off’ countries.Leadership and the government is the main reason for the lack of networking!! Kim Jong-un is the supreme leader of North Korea, the son of Kim Jong-il (1941–2011) and the grandson of Kim Il-sung (1912–1994). North Korea is run as a single party state from Pyongyang. North Korean media are under some of the strictest government control in the world. The North Korean constitution provides for freedom of speech and the press; but the government prohibits the exercise of these rights in practice.There is now a 3G mobile phone company with 1 million subscribers in Feb 2012. Restrictions have included a ban on cell phones from 2004-2008 and the removal of Internet access from individual phones.Ordinary North Koreans do not have access to the global Internet network, but are provided with a nationwide, public-use Intranet service called Kwangmyong, which features domestic news, an e-mail service, and censored information from foreign websites (mostly scientificTourism and travel is banned – and only restricted permits are given for foreigners to enter and North Koreans to leave. North Korea is one of the world's most militarized countries, with a total of 9,495,000 active, reserve, and paramilitary personnel. Its active duty army of 1.21 million is the 4th largest in the world, after China, the U.S., and India. It is a nuclear-weapons state and has an active space programNorth Korea has long maintained close relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Russia. The fall of communism in eastern Europe in 1989, and the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991, resulted in a devastating drop in aid to North Korea from Russia, although China continues to provide substantial assistance. North Korea continues to have strong ties with its socialist southeast Asian allies in Vietnam and Laos, as well as with Cambodia.Laos Inaccessible Lack of transport Agriculture is the main industry – subsistence is 85% Unreliable climate Cambodia War devastated country in the 1980’s Conflict between government and communists Vietnam invaded in 1978 and left in 1989 leaving Cambodia to pick up the pieces Became a fragile democracy in 1989 International ties were isolated, and the country received foreign aid Agriculture is main economic sector Low labour costs Government invests incentives for TNCs High levels of foreign debt (Russia) Vietnam War (1957 – 1975) Isolation Deltaic (made up of deltas, rivers) Physical geography Inflexible political/ economic situation14.Changes in Britain’s population since 1901Changing factorHow this has changedFamily sizePopulation rise from 37m in 1901 to 61 million in 2007. In 2011 it reached 63.2 billion. Even though household size has fallen (small families, gay couples, pensioners and divorcees) life expectancy has risen. This increases extended households.Population structure UK now has a top heavy population structure. In 1931, just 7% were aged over 65 and 24% under 16. However nowadays it has changed to 16% and 19% respectively. Life expectancy has also risen to 77 (men) and 82 (women) in 2007.MigrationThe UK is more mobile now. People now migrate towards settlements with service jobs, generally, towards the south – east. 26% of the UK now live in London. Counter – urbanisation now exists as well as age selective migrations.EmploymentIndustrial decline and manufacturing decline have changed where people live and what jobs they are employed in. There's been a move towards ‘white collar’ service work. See diagram p 122 Philip Allan. Social status and aspirationsSocial mobility has increased meaning that more people are moving around, and out of poverty into the middle classes. More people going into further education and into non – manual work.EthnicityAround 8% of the UK are made up of minority groups. From 1950s a large scale migration from the UK’s former colonies and then the expansion of the EU in early 2000 both changed the ethnic make up of the UK. Segregation exists in some districts.15.Ageing population in UK60% of British are working and have to pay taxes. These taxes must pay the pensions to the 21% of the population that are retired Dependency looking worse in the future with 56% of the population in 2030 working paying 26% of people who will have retired There is a big difference between retired people – people in their 60s are very different and active compared to those in their 80sPositivesVoluntary charitable work eg retired people often run second hand shops in UKSpending money on goods and services eg golf and cruises – grey consumersBringing wisdom and experience to some sectors – eg many people work as consultants into their 70s or 80sElderly homeowners can borrow money from the banks and the bank then reclaims this money on their death from the money from the sale of the house – called equity releaseMany own stocks and shares so make new profits and pay taxes on these NegativesEconomic costs – providing health care, retirement homes and a pension(to those over 65) is going to become increasingly expensive (Baby boomers will cost ?30 billion a year by 2026)Housing costs are paid by the government for those who have no savingsGovernment gives free TV license to those over 75 and 200 pounds of free winter fuel tooTrain and bus passes may be issued free - expensive Housing shortages due to longer life expectancy eg at the coast in BournemouthHouse prices have trebled from 1995-2005 in some UK seaside towns so young people who are first time buyers get pushed out of the market Emotional burden on younger and middle aged people to take care of older relativesMore degenerative illnesses to deal with eg Alzheimers16.Migration into the UK1948 Black Caribbean – (566,000) SS Windrush brought Jamaicans to London to help rebuild post war and many work on the Underground/Tube1960s Pakistani (750,000) and Indian (1million)- initially men migrated alone to escape poverty. Now large concentration in E and W Midlands, Yorkshire and NW where there were jobs at the time. Late 1960s/70s Bangladeshis –(280,000) men mainly and then followed by families in 1980s. Over 75% in London Vietnamese boat people – (20,000) refugees fleeing Vietnam war mainly came in via Hong Kong1972 expulsion of Ugandan Asians by Idi Amin – 30,000 asylum seekersBlack Africans from former colonies 480,000Ethnic Chinese from Singapore, Malaysia and mainland China – 47% in London and SE. Many set up businesses like takeaway shops etc Many recent arrivals are students. 1990s Balkans as conflicts there – Croatians, Bosnians and KosovansAsylum seekers from Iraq, Somalia and Zimbabwe and Kurds2004 onwards A8 Accession countries(see separate case study below) as opening of EU borders17.Post Accession Labour Flow: Poland ?UK Background May 2004, 8 European States joined the EU 62% of EU immigrants are Polish By 2008, around 700,000 Poles working in the UK Most located in Anglian Region Least located in Wales The UK’s A8 rural hotspots are: Boston, Peterborough, Fenland, Herefordshire and Dungannon.In 2007 10% of the people living in some rural areas were immigrants.Hotspot areas include:65000 in the east (vegetable picking), 59000 in London, 51000 in the Midlands and 32000 in Scotland. (fishing industry)Push and Pull Factors Employment Low salaries in Poland (?200 per month) High unemployment in Poland (20% - 25%) Survey shows economic reasons are most common for emigration in Poland. Welfare Once an EU National has been living and working in Britain for 12 months, they are entitled to the same level of child support (?941 per year) as any other British citizen. The Polish annual child support benefit is only ?160. Polish are allowed access to NHS and unemployment benefits. Society and Government Better standard of living in UK More social opportunities in UK Polish government is still not truly democratic Young dependants feel the country is being run by the older generation Scottish government trying to persuade Polish to fill jobs in the labour market. Impacts on the Host Country (UK) Impacts on the Source Country (Poland) ? British supermarkets have Polish sections ? Government intervention to encourage Poles to return. Offering more lucrative salaries. ? 50 Polish Saturday schools ? Shortage of skilled construction workers ? Polish history and culture may be taught to English pupils ? By 2007, 35% of construction jobs could not be filled. ? Migrants have fuelled economic growth ? Media campaigns used to persuade staying A large number of the 1.4 million eastern European migrants previously living in the UK left and returned home in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Almost half of the A8 migrants have returned home, leaving 700,000 in the UK. The reasons relate to the global economic downturn and social reasons: when it joined the EU in 2004, Poland’s unemployment was at 20%, whereas the British economy was strong and there were plenty of jobs. The Polish currency (the zloty) has since strengthened against the pound making work in Britain less rewarding for migrants. But now the UK economy is struggling while Poland’s is actually growing healthily (in fact it is the world’s 20th largest!). Warsaw has an unemployment rate below that of London and some Polish firms are flourishing and can put together attractive financial offers to entice people back home. Many young, well-educated Poles have been doing demeaning work in Britain for which they are overqualified. They are glad to return home for more rewarding employment, closer to their families. 18.Retirement Flow to a Mediterranean Location: UK ??Spain Background Almost 1 Million British people live in Spain 80,000 of them are retired Climate is the key reason for migration Health and slower pace of life was second most important With employment and work being the least influential factor Push and Pull Factors Mediterranean Climate Temperature usually around 10°C warmer than in the UK Sunnier and Less rain Communications Networks Advances in technology and the introduction of cheap airlines makes travelling to and from Spain cheap and easy Eg EasyjetLifestyle of Spanish People Slower pace of life Low crime rates Absence of ‘Youth Culture’ in popular migration destinations Golf courses in plentiful supplyCost of Living Still receive UK pension Taxes in Spain are lower than in the UK General day to day costs are lower in Spain Property Market House prices in UK are high – can sell for a high value House prices in Spain are low – can buy for a low value Making profit Health Care In the past people have been scared to migrate as they don’t feel foreign health care is reliable Nowadays Brits are entitled to use free health services in Spain, so are comfortable 19.Megacity Example: Los Angeles Second largest city in the USA It forms part of the SanSan urban corridor, connecting San Francisco to San Diego. It had a population of 3.8 million in 2007, with a population density of 3000 per km?. It is located near the Pacific coast in Southern California. Los Angeles is both a Megacity, and a world city. It does not exist in isolation, but has global connections with many other cities. Why did Los Angeles grow? Arrival of railway in 1876 stimulated rapid growth, with half a million people arriving in 40 years. Discovery of oil Opening of a Ford car plant and other manufacturing industry Development of the film industry in Hollywood in the 1920’s and 1930’s By the late 1970’s it was the fastest growing city in the USA Sub-urban Sprawl Arrival of electric tramways in the 1920’s and 1930’s, and later motorways, meant people could live further away from work on their own land. The 1980’s saw urban growth spreading to mountains and deserts, 2 hours travelling time from LA. Reasons for this include: Cheap fuel High personal mobility Accessibility Better schools and services Safer neighbourhoods Impacts of this include: Congested motorways Air pollution Loss of farmland Decline of central Los Angeles Other Problems facing LA Housing shortages – caused by high rates of migration Urban tension – due to ethnic differences (riots in 1965) Work – deindustrialisation results in loss of manufacturing jobs Water – piped from 350km away causes disputes with neighbouring states Transport – there are 10 million vehicles on the road, only 30% of people use public transport Health and Education – many migrants are excluded because they cannot afford these services Waste – 24 million people produce 50 000 tonnes of waste every day Massive Energy Usage Sustainability in LAThe City of Los Angeles seeks to conserve and enhance the environment and lives of residents in the City's neighbourhoods without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. The Clean Tech Corridor is the cornerstone of the Mayor’s vision to put Los Angeles at the forefront of the clean techrevolution and to transform the old, downtown industrial core into an incubator for green jobs, technology and the growth of LA’s economy. It will bring together researchers, designers and manufacturers dedicated to the development of clean technology products and solutions to climate change challenges. In 2007, the City adopted GREEN LA: An Action Plan to Lead the Nation in Fighting Global Warming and they have already hit a major milestone by meeting the Kyoto targets for reducing greenhouse gases, four years ahead of schedule.GREEN LA goes further by setting the goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent below 1990 levels by 2030; increasing the City’s use of renewable energy to 40 percent by 2020 and over 50 more initiatives that will reduce the City’s carbon footprint.With the Clean Air Action Plan, Los Angeles is leading the fight to clean our air by reducing dirty emissions from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which account for 20 percent of the toxic air emissions in the South Coast Air Basin, by 45 percent by 2011.The City’s transformation of its fleet of vehicles – street sweepers, refuse trucks, buses and passenger vehicles – to alternative fuel vehicles is working to improve the air quality in Los Angeles. Mayor Villaraigosa has opened thirty-five (35) new or expanded parks and increasing the City’s recycling, or diversion rate, to 70 percent during his administration.And in 2006, the Mayor was very proud to help release the first flow of water in the Lower Owens River in 95 years.20.Megacity Example: Mumbai Most populous city in India, 14 million in 2007 and set to be 26 million by 2020 Densely populated 30,000 people per km squaredCommercial capital of India – 33% of India’s tax from there and 40% of international flights arrive thereGlobal hub for TNCs as gateway between West and China in EastMost of money from Indian TNCs like Bata Steel, out-source work and Bollywood 60% live in poverty Slums: Dharavi – the ‘largest’ and most organized slum/shanty town in Asia 100,000 people live and work there on 220 heactares of land near the airportLand is worth up to 10 billion dollars where the shanty is Streets are 1-2m wideGoods worth 500 million pounds made here80% of waste is recycled and in Dharavi, nothing is considered rubbish 10 people die on the overcrowded railway system everydayMassive traffic congestion too Vision Mumbai –sustainable management strategy Aims to create a sustainable city which is good for both the people and the environmentTransport2008 first metro line An elevated highway called Sealink as it goes along the coastline25km bridge over the Bay of Mumbai to link the city with neighbouring town160 energy efficient trains are being added to earn carbon creditsHousing200,000+ illegal slum dwellers moved and 45,000 shanties across city destroyedDharavi has its own redevelopment projectModern industry receiving 1.3m square land for every square metre of housing they buildEnvironment325 new open parks builtEmploymentHoping to increase 8-10% growthWith 200,000 new jobs in service sector eg finance and entertainmentAlso 200,000 jobs in business park near airport with computer assembly and fashion21.Fairtrade: soleRebels, EthiopiaStarted by Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. soleRebels began in 2004 as an idea: to bring jobs to the community, Zenabwork, a small village in Ethiopia, a place where there literally were none.Using the community’s incredible artisan skills and channelling them into a sustainable, global, fair trade footwear business. The soleRebels brand is being enjoyed by people in over 30 countries around the world.They could source and make almost ALL the materials locally, thereby creating an export product from 100% local inputs.This allowed them to make the traditional local shoe made from a recycled car tire, that has existed in Ethiopia for a LONG time and modernise it a bit for fashion!Collections of superFresh, comfy + cool sandals, flip flops and shoes featuring recycled car tire soles and an array of recycled and sustainable ingredients like hand spun + hand loomed organic fabrics and a pallete of unique natural fibers including organic pure abyssinian jutes and PURE Abyssinian KOBA are proving to be very popular.Advertised in Oprah magazine, sold online and even sold by Amazon ................
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