Urbanization and Its Impacts

The video explores the impact of urbanization on land and water resources, focusing on the carbon and hydrologic cycles. It discusses the challenges of urban sprawl, pollution, and the urban heat island effect. The video also examines the relationship between city density and energy use, highlighting both the environmental issues and solutions that urban areas present.

What significant change in global population distribution occurred just before 2010?

• Half of the global population started living in urban areas

• Majority of the population moved to rural areas

• Urban areas became less populated

• Global population decreased significantly

How does urbanization affect the carbon cycle?

• Increases carbon output due to more vehicles and industries

• Increases photosynthesis

• Decreases carbon output

• Reduces the need for energy

What is a major consequence of increased surface runoff in urban areas?

• Reduced water pollution

• Decreased flooding

• Increased groundwater recharge

• Increased flooding during heavy rain events

What are brownfields?

• Green spaces in urban areas

• Abandoned industrial sites with potential contamination

• Newly developed residential areas

• Urban areas with abundant wildlife

What is the urban heat island effect?

• Urban areas are cooler than rural areas

• Urban areas have more green spaces

• Urban areas absorb and retain more solar energy, increasing temperatures

• Urban areas experience less pollution

What is a common reason people move to the suburbs?

• Desire for more space and lower crime rates

• More noise and light pollution

• Better public transportation

• Higher crime rates

How does urban sprawl affect air quality?

• Improves air quality

• Reduces air pollution

• Has no effect on air quality

• Increases air pollution due to longer commutes

What is the relationship between city density and energy use?

• Higher density leads to higher energy use

• Higher density leads to lower energy use

• Density has no impact on energy use

• Lower density leads to lower energy use

What is a potential health impact of urban sprawl?

• Increased physical activity

• Decreased commute times

• Increased stress and unhealthy eating habits

• Improved respiratory health

Which city is known for having a lower per capita petroleum use due to its density?

• Tokyo

• New York

• Houston

• Los Angeles