Task 3

Write one or two questions about urban problems in MEDCs and in LEDCs  for the other groups using the text below.

• Urban Problems in MEDCs

Urban areas in MEDCs have experienced a range of problems in recent years. These include:

Traffic problems. Car ownership and commuting means an increase in congestion and pollution.

Decline in industry. As older manufacturing industries have closed they have left empty, derelict buildings towards the centre of the city. Modern industries need more space so tend to locate on the edge of the city.

High unemployment in inner city areas (where the old industries were once located) leads to social problems.

Changes in shopping have also caused problems. City centre locations are no longer favoured. There has been a recent growth in out of town shopping centres, which has led to the decline of many CBDs (central business districts).

• Urban Problems in LEDCs

Rapid urbanisation in Less Economically Developed Countries (LEDCs) is causing many problems. Many new migrants to cities in LEDCs cannot afford housing. They are forced to build temporary accommodation in spontaneous settlements. These settlements are commonly known as 'shanty towns'. They are also called favelas (Brazil) or bustees (India). Three main features of a shanty town are:

1. Houses are made from scrap materials such as wood and metal sheeting
2. Often housing is do not have services such as sanitation, water or electricity.
3. The settlements are usually very overcrowded.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is an example of a city with a large area of shanty settlements or favelas.