Urban Environment Key Words

Burning wood or other vegetation to produce energy/heat/electricity. 

Old industrial or housing area that has become run down or derelict.

Does not use resources that create carbon dioxide.

Where a person's quality of life falls below a level that is regarded as the acceptable minimum by the government of a country.  

Places where economic/social and environment conditions are very poor. 

Homes that have a minimum impact on the environment.

The impact of an individual on earth (measured in hectares per person).

Settlements that do not harm the environment. 

Low-lying area next to a river that is vulnerable to flooding. 

All parts of the system fit together to make it efficient. 

The age a person can expect to live to at the the time of birth.

A city of 10 million people or more.

Death rate, usually expressed as deaths per 1000 of the population. 

Organisation that is independent of government control, usually charitable organisations such as Water Aid, Oxfam, Save the Children.

Where smog combines with sunlight to form ozone, causing serious health problems such as breathing problems, eye irritation, vomiting.

People take responsibility for improving their own living conditions.

Where people have no legal rights over the land on which they live.

Often called shanty towns in developing countries; also called favelas in Brazil, barricades in Peru, bustees in India.

Mixture of smoke and fog.

Outlying districts of a town or city, often dominated by housing. 

Meeting the needs of people without damaging the environment or exploiting resources. 

Tidal wave caused by undersea earthquake. 

The process of urban growth.

Where a built up area has a higher heat than its surroundings. 

Improving social and/or economic conditions in run down urban areas.

The outward growth of urban areas.

Intentional damage of property.