Abstract This paper comparatively examines the urban forms of Toronto and those of Beijing in the People's Republic of China. The paper particularly emphasizes the environmental problem of air pollution in both cities. The paper argues that the primary source of Beijing's air pollution today is the city's antiquated dependency upon coal as the fuel of choice for both personal use as well as for the vast industries situated near the city. The paper then shows how the solutions developed for the air pollution problem in Toronto could be applied to Beijing.
From the Paper "One study of Beijing residents' views on this issue yielded surprising results. It was found that the citizens of Beijing proper (i.e., the core of the city, and its more built-up areas) were willing to pay a proposed tax for a reduction in the air pollution of Beijing. Interestingly enough, however, the case was very different in the suburban areas of the city, where residents were not as willing to pay for better air quality. It should be noted that there was a socio-economic difference between these two groups, with the urban dwellers being of a higher class and economic status. (Wang et al 196)."
Abstract The history of hukou and the evolution of peasant enclaves in the city of Beijing suggest that spatial segregation can be both an economic pressure and a social choice of a migrant worker. This and combination of globalization and high migration has resulted in emerging problems of socioeconomic and spatial segregation. This essay discusses the perspective of three articles on this issue.
From the Paper "The history of hukou and the evolution of peasant enclaves in the city of Beijing suggest that spatial segregation can be both an economic pressure and a social choice of a migrant worker. In the article, "Social Polarization and Segregation in Beijing," the authors Gu and Liu indicate that the city has developed two distinct classes that are both spatially and socially segregated (Gu, 211). Pointing to globalization and foreign investment as a reason for economic segregation, their approach is to explore the reasons for poverty and segregation of the migrant workers in that city in terms of similarities with Western countries (Gu, 204)."
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of air pollution in Toronto. The mistakes Toronto is making are observed in a discussion of other cities. Solutions are proposed, but are developed through the three questions.
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of urbanpollution in the United States. Specifically, it examines information about the growth of cities and this growth's affect on the natural environment (past, present, and future). The paper looks at the causes of urbanpollution such as automobile fumes and the effect they have on nature. Solutions offered for urbanpollution in the paper include the introduction of wastewater treatment plants in major cities and removing urban dumps to more rural areas.
From the Paper "Large cities such as Chicago are seeing good results in lessening pollution from creating environmental rebate programs that reward citizens for conserving energy. They have developed an extremely progressive renewable energy credit, and many people have installed solar panels to aid in the heating and cooling of homes and businesses. They have also created an effective public transportation system that does away with the need for owning an automobile, further cutting down on one of the major polluters in our cities today. "More than 1.5 million Chicagoans use public transportation offered by the Chicago Transit Authority each day, and a growing network of bike trails and commuter routes link the surrounding communities" (Ivanko and Kivirist 116). Chicago has set an example many other cities could afford to follow, if they want to contain their urban pollution rather than continue adding to it as more people and vehicles clog the cities."
Abstract This paper presents a brief on the issue of urban poverty in, Toronto, Canada's largest city. Specifically, the paper argues that poverty must be addressed quickly - both through an improved remedial education system and via an improved social welfare safety net that distributes monies more efficiently. The paper explores the matter within an international context and suggests that urban poverty is a problem Toronto can overcome, even if other cities have faltered in combating it.
Table of Contents:
Issue
Analysis
Recommendations
From the Paper "Thirdly, the city of Toronto has no justification for not turning its many brown fields into sites whereupon affordable apartment complexes for low-income individuals can be built. This would be an effective use of available land, would allow the city to make a profit, and would reduce the strain upon the city's over-burdened social welfare and shelter programs. Of all of the recommendations outlined above, giving the less-fortunate the tools they need to fend for themselves is the most productive measure the city can enact if only one option is available."
This paper compares the urbanpollution problems of Toronto and Beijing by evaluating the consequences of different environmental forms and how each city is addressing this pollution.
Abstract This paper explains that Beijing is very much a heavy industrial city dominated by fuel and material processing facilities with a high population density although signs of western-style suburbanization are appearing. The author points out that Toronto, which is cleaner and less dependent upon massive industrial works, is well-known for carefully weighing the implications of various urban design proposals upon local communities and has a less dense population; however, this city has the problem of more local vehicles causing far too much greenhouse emission. The paper stresses that China is not doing its part to combat global warming. The paper concludes that Beijing's infrastructure pales alongside Toronto's because its mass as a global "mega-city" makes it difficult for city planners to construct a city capable of comfortably accommodating its population.
From the Paper "At this juncture, it is appropriate to look more closely at Toronto in terms of its urban build form and in terms of commonplace life-style activities in the city that have some environmental impact. Unsurprisingly, the habitation density in the outer part of the city is much lesser than it is within the interior. The buildings are more widely-spaced and more diminutive in height; there are also many plazas and these plazas tend to have small retail stores within their embrace that accommodate almost all of the needs of a local inhabitant. Finally, there is plenty of "green space" in this area."
Tags: suburbanization, greenhouse gas, vehicles industry mega-city
Abstract This paper examines contemporary urban issues in Toronto and other Canadian cities. The author explores the concept that all cities faces challenges unique to their population. An example is where one city struggles to integrate new residents, other cities may struggle to keep its youth from relocating elsewhere. The paper concludes that each city struggles with its own specific urban issue.
From the Paper "Contemporary urban issues abound in Western cities. In fact, it can seem at times as if cities themselves exist without end of problems for policy and city planners to surmount. These problems are diverse and can encompass topics such as affordable housing, reliable public transportation, or infrastructure limitations. All of these problems, and many more, plague all Canadian cities to varying degrees. For example, one city might struggle with managing an influx of new residents while another city struggles to keep its youth from relocating elsewhere. Every city has urban issues that need to be
Abstract The paper discusses how the urban areas of Ontario and Toronto are experiencing urban sprawl. The paper describes the characteristics of urban sprawl and how it can be measured. The paper looks at urban sprawl's negative impacts on the environment, taxpayers and on the population's cultural and social life. The paper offers recommendations for future land-use development that will sustainably manage growth and discourage urban sprawl.
Outline:
Issue
Analysis
Recommendations
From the Paper "Urban sprawl is not easy to define. "To paraphrase the United States Supreme Court's long-ago ruling on pornography, most people can't define sprawl--but they know it when they see it" (Fulton et al, 2001). Urban sprawl is a phenomenon that occurs around metropolitan areas, usually represented by suburbs, and it involved the spread of cities and the urbanization or areas around it previously undeveloped, used for agriculture or green fields and forests.
"There are several characteristics of urban sprawl by which it can be recognized. First, the land-use is segregated and usually entails single use zoning. This means that residential, commercial and industrial areas are separated from one another. Often there are large undeveloped, empty areas between them. Because these areas are separated, traveling from one to the other can only be done with a car."
Tags: suburbs, cities, urbanization, fields, low-density, development
Abstract The paper refers to problems of the late 20th century urban growth in Toronto, in keeping with various North American centres. The paper discusses solutions ventured in USA and UK. The paper includes much commentary on the increased class gap in the last decades due to neo-liberal economic planning and policies and the needs to address re-development in ways that unifies the public. The paper has references to hyper-urbanization and its typical dangers, positive correctives in UK/USA and a broad bibliography.
From the Paper "This paper addresses 20th century cities having grown unchecked that require urgent responses, in relation to the central Canadian city of Toronto. Ideals of urban renewal, or urban 'regeneration' point to problems shared by various cities in the developed West, and beyond. A strong argument is made for the more cultural problems of overgrown cities that aggravate other problems, promising worse situations in the future, unless alterations are made. Jane Jacobs noted in, "The Death and Life of Great American Cities," that several American cities had 'run their courses', in the forms they had had and needed redevelopment."
Abstract The paper examines Toronto and Seoul, South Korea and their air pollution problems as a result of growth and development in their respective countries. The paper explains that the main source of air pollution is cars and trucks. The paper also discusses how Toronto has emphasized public transit as a solution, while the government of Seoul has emphasized new technologies and the development of new methods of public transportation.
Outline:
Introduction
Toronto Seoul
From the Paper "The city of Toronto, with a population of 2.4 million people, lies at the heart of the Greater Toronto Area; an urban region with a total population of 4.6 million people. When environmental scientists and geographers discuss environmental questions for Toronto it is often necessary to take into consideration the megacity as a whole for issues of pollution and environmental impact are felt region-wide in such a sprawling urban environment. Indeed, as was noted in the urban cross-section that was conducted which compared and contrasted two urban forms in Toronto, the phenomenon of urban sprawl is a primary characteristic of the urban forms in Toronto. Moreover, transportation infrastructures were identified as key determinants of the urban forms in both the northern Toronto and downtown core areas, with the primary difference being the increased role of public transit in the downtown core."
This paper discusses the problems of urbanization, industrialization, and housing security in China and India as their populations immigrate from rural to urban areas.
Abstract This paper explains that the spectacular growth and development of the urban habitation over the past 16 years is just the beginning of a gigantic phase of extension. The author points out that China's ecological problems from the speedy urbanization and industrialization process in the recent decades generate social effects, causing a great deal of harm to human health, instigating economic and welfare suffering, and harming the environment in both urban and rural areas of China. The paper relates that, because of increasing industrialization and urbanization, the majority of the Indian cities have exceedingly compact habitation that results in overcrowding, clogging, obstruction, traffic jams, air pollution, noise pollution, as well as major deficiencies of vital requirements and necessities of life
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Impact of Urbanization, Industrialization And Housing Security on China
Ecological Problems in Urban China
The Problem of Water and Cleanliness in Urban China
The Problem of Clearance of Waste-Water in Urban China
The Problem of Air Pollution in Urban China
The Impact of Urbanization, Industrialization And Housing Security on India
Conclusion
From the Paper "The velocity of urbanization and industrialization was extremely slow prior to the late 1970s when contrasted with other developing states. The proportion of urban inhabitants was 11.2 in 1950, and still barely 17.9 by 1978. This low degree of urbanization had been the consequence from purposeful procedures of restraining rural-urban immigration and urban increase. Economic restructurings have since accelerated the industrialization and urbanization procedures. Large numerals of towns, as well as, cities have surfaced, at the same time as old cities are quickly increasing their managerial spheres."
Abstract The book and the two articles chosen for review were selected as they represent critical "bookends" in the field of Canadian urban geography during the formative period in which immigration transformed physical and social landscapes of Canada's cities. As this review demonstrates, while Donald Kerr's and Jacob Spelt's "The Changing Face of Toronto: A Study in Urban Geography" explores the geography of Toronto as both a "natural" and a human construct, articles by Carlos Teixeira and Gilles Lavigne on how Portuguese immigration has shaped residential neighbourhoods in Montreal and Toronto focus on the human element in the shaping of space.
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that transportation woes are a problem that every city must confront at some point. With this in mind, the writer looks at the phenomenon of spatial mismatch and explores to what extent Toronto's poorest residents are concentrated in one place, while the job opportunities are concentrated elsewhere. The paper then examines how public transport in Toronto is letting those residents down as they seek employment opportunities. The paper analyzes studies which explore spatial mismatch in large urban centers and offers a critical analysis of one such source in particular by Karen Chapple. The paper also assesses what the study means for transportation geography/planning in Canada's largest city. In addition, the paper compares what Toronto appears to be presently doing - or is looking at doing in the near future - vis-a-vis transportation geography planning and what it should be doing. In the end, the paper concludes that Toronto should be devoting less time to a proposed Spadina Subway expansion and more time to a complex network of bus rapid transit (BRTs) and light rail transist (LRTs) systems that will actually cost less money in the long run.
Outline:
Introduction
A Review of the Karen Chapple Article
Implications of Her Article for Toronto What Toronto is Doing Versus What it Should Be Doing
Conclusion
From the Paper "The implications of the Chapple article for Canada's largest metropolitan center should be fairly obvious - even if this paper is more generally concerned with the geographical mismatch between jobs and poor job-seekers than is Karen Chapple. To start with, it is duly noted by Jean-Paul Rodrigue in his online text, The Geography of Transport Systems, that mobility is a reliable predictor of economic development. In other words, (urban) economies which develop a diversified and prosperous business and professional climate do so because human resources are readily connected to employment opportunities; at the same time, transportation networks link together all of the various aspects of production. Again, where there is mismatch there will be economic dysfunction and bridging the gap between the job-giving and the job-seeking will help cities like Toronto ameliorate their social ills."
Tags: infrastructure, land, transportation, system, urban, center
Abstract The paper examines the environmental issues in Lake Simcoe, one of the popular summer resort areas in southern Ontario. The paper discusses the effects of urbanization, recreation and water pollution on the lake and its marine life. The paper also shows how air pollution affects the lake, directly and indirectly. The paper calls for each one of us to do our part in the conservation effort.
Outline:
Introduction
Urban sprawl
Lake Simcoe and Recreation
Impact on Marine Life
Air Pollution on the Watershed
Conclusion
From the Paper "Lake Simcoe is one of the popular summer resort areas in southern Ontario [1]. This body of water is located between the Georgian Bay and Lake Ontario and is often used for recreational boating and fishing [2]. The Lake Simcoe watershed and the Nattawassaga watershed are the two major sources feeding Lake Simcoe and cover 744 square kilometres surrounding most of the lake and is currently a hot spot for environmental action. Not only does the general population around the lake depend on it as their drinking water, but the lake itself is responsible for generating more than $200,000,000 per year in recreational revenue [4]. So it is disturbing to know that urbanization is leading to the pollution of the lake in terms of increasing levels of sewage, air pollution, and phosphorous among others [5]."
Abstract This paper discusses the problem of water pollution and its effects on the economy and personal lives of China's citizens. In particular, the paper focuses on the water pollution problem in the city of Shenzhen in the Guangdong province. The paper explains how the process of urbanization has contributed to the water pollution problem, looks at how water pollution can undermine an entire city by affecting the economy, environment, and people of the area and discusses what will happen if the problem is not addressed as well as what measures can be undertaken to reduce the amount of water pollution in the region.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The City of Zhenzhen
The Problem
Polluted Water Sources
Causes of Water Pollution Outlooks
Conclusion
From the Paper "In China, urbanization has been occurring at a rapid pace; in the year 1986 China's state council officially designated 29 new cities. This addition of new cities, many located in rural areas away from the largest metropolitan areas of China has resulted in major urbanization of the country in the last thirty years. The province of Guandong is undergoing major growth and change; the city of Shenzhen is one example of this rapid growth."
