Section A: Urban issues and challenges key terms

urban change

the transformation and development of urban areas over time, influenced by factors such as population growth and economic shifts.

global pattern

the overall trend or distribution of urbanization and city development observed worldwide.

HICs

High-Income Countries, characterized by high gross national income per capita and advanced economic development.

LICs

Low-Income Countries, defined by low gross national income per capita and often facing significant developmental challenges.

Urbanisation

The increasing number of people that live in urban areas, often resulting from migration and natural increase.

Push-Pull Theory

A model explaining migration where 'push' factors drive people away from their origin and 'pull' factors attract them to a new location.

megacity

In Urban issues and challenges, megacity means a megacity is an urban area with a population of over 10 million people. This matters in Section A: Urban issues and challenges because it supports the learning objective to describe the emergence of megacities. Use megacity only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

urbanisation

Urbanisation is the process by which an increasing percentage of a population lives in cities and urban areas.

LIC

Low-Income Country, characterized by a gross national income (GNI) per capita below a certain threshold.

NEE

In Urban issues and challenges, NEE means newly Emerging Economy, a country experiencing rapid economic growth and industrialization. This matters in Section A: Urban issues and challenges because it supports the learning objective to use a major city in an LIC or NEE case study to explain location, importance and causes of growth. Use NEE only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

Urban growth

The increase in population and economic activity within a city, leading to expanded infrastructure and services.

Economic opportunities

Jobs, businesses, and investment prospects that arise from a city’s expanding population and market demand.

urban growth

The increase in the population and expansion of urban areas, often leading to challenges such as slums and congestion.

megacity

A city with a population of over 10 million people, often facing significant urban challenges.

Zoning

The allocation of land within a city into designated areas for specific uses, such as residential, commercial, or industrial, to organise development and protect vulnerable communities.

Mixed‑Use Development

A planning approach that combines residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within the same area to create walkable neighbourhoods, reduce travel needs, and provide services close to where people live.

population distribution

The arrangement or spread of people living in a given area, often analyzed in terms of density and patterns.

major cities

Large urban areas that serve as significant economic, cultural, and political centers within a country or region.

migration

The movement of people from one place to another, often for reasons such as employment, education, or better living conditions.

case study

An in-depth analysis of a specific example, such as a city, to illustrate broader concepts and issues.

urban regeneration

The process of improving and revitalizing urban areas that are in decline or facing challenges.

regeneration project

A specific initiative aimed at redeveloping and enhancing urban spaces to address social, economic, and environmental issues.

sustainable urban living

A lifestyle that aims to reduce the environmental impact of urban areas through practices such as water conservation, energy conservation, recycling, and maintaining green spaces.

water conservation

The practice of using water efficiently to reduce unnecessary water usage, essential for sustainable urban living.

urban transport strategies

Methods implemented in urban areas to improve transportation efficiency and reduce traffic congestion.

traffic congestion

A situation where roadways are unable to accommodate the volume of vehicles, leading to slower speeds and longer travel times.