Contemporary Urban Environments 9

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Atmospheric pollution is often a problem in urban areas.

In many developed countries, reliance on fossil fuels is decreasing, and use of less-polluting energy sources is increasing. As a result, air quality in many cities has improved since 1950. However, car ownership is increasing, and congestion can cause signficant atmospheric pollutions.

Many developing countries and emerging economies still rely heavily on fossil fuels to meet their energy needs. Increases in industrial activity and car ownership, combined with a lack of regulation of emissions, means that atmospheric pollution is often severe.

In many developed countries, there are strategies to limit air pollution, such as promoting 'green' modes of transport.

In the developing world, there has been some progress towards reducing urban air pollution, e.g. most countries have phased out the use of leaded petrol. However, progress is slow.

Water pollution is also common in cities.There are several reasons for this:

  • Cities have a high population density, so they produce a lot of waste. This includes wastewater and sewage, as well as oil and metals on road surfaces from cars. These pollutants can enter watercourses.
  • Many cities have a high concentration of factories, which may discharge industrial waste into watercourses.

Water pollution can cause damage to ecosystems, and contaminated drinking water can cause health problems, e.g. dysentery and cholera.

Water pollution can be managed through laws to stop discharge of untreated waste from industries and provision of plants to treat wastewater. Strategies, such as catchment management and SUDS can also help.

In developed countries, there are strict regulations about discharge of untreated water, and water quality is monitored. However, litter dropped in or around water and pollutants in surface runoff still cause pollution.

In many developing countries and emerging economies there are few regulations and inadequate provision of treatment facilities. This means that untreated industrial waste and sewage often enter waterourses and water pollution is common.

Urban dereliction happens when economic activity in urban areas declines and buildings become run down. It often follows a pattern:

  • The movement of manufacturing overseas and the decentralisation of industry leads to industrial decline. Many unemployed people leave urban areas in search of work.
  • If…

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