Living in City: What Are The Problems and How Do We Solve It?

Urban communities have a higher level of demographic complexity. Both the ties that bind urban communities together and the ties that bind communities to the places where they dwell are weaker. This is since residents of metropolitan communities frequently have a diverse background, lack strong interpersonal ties, and are typically unfamiliar with one another and the history of natural disasters in their areas.

According to an assessment by Srivastava and Shaw (2016), these problems are what lead to other issues like: Difficulty in enlisting involvement because of disparities in economic levels, standards of living, and lifestyles between urban and rural populations. Those who live in cities, whether they are administrative staff or workers, frequently have to travel further to get to work and are subject to more stringent time restrictions than those in rural areas. Sensitive systems and communities: Urban systems are more complex and sensitive to influences that are not directly under the ward/administrative community's control. For instance, we must take watershed-scale factors into account while examining a city's water supply system downstream.

A lack of methods for evaluating the effects of local institutions, such as laws, rules, and social norms, as well as the degree of decentralization. Having trouble gaining the backing of local governments: Local governments in metropolitan areas are under more strain and have more priorities, especially those related to socioeconomic development. Because they do not rank them as their top priority, local government authorities may not agree with the suggested adaptive measures. various effects of erosion on various homes. Because the selection and definition of groups differs from rural areas, it is challenging to confirm information and identify groupings. Due to their hectic lives and work schedules, urban dwellers may experience time constraints that lead to hurried and inadequate assessment.

In terms of livelihoods, urban inhabitants are both numerous and quite diverse. Across time and space, they are unstable. The type of livelihoods varies as well. As a result, analysis is more difficult than in rural areas and information quantification and accuracy are lower.

The emphasis of iGeo 2023's subject is on original solutions to problems that cities face. Geography aids in understanding the intricate relationships that exist in urban settings between people and their surroundings. Inclusion is a crucial component. No of their age, gender, color, or socioeconomic level, everyone should be able to access metropolitan areas. This entails planning cities that encourage biking, walking, and public transportation accessibility. It also entails ensuring that everyone has access to fundamental amenities like clean water, healthcare, and education.

Sustainability, which includes developing ecologically friendly cities, utilizing renewable energy sources, and lowering waste and pollution, is another crucial factor. Designing cities that are economically viable also entails establishing jobs and growth possibilities. Generally, the emphasis of the iGeo 2023 topic is on innovative uses of geography to create livable, sustainable, and inclusive cities.

References :

Huy Nguyen, Stephen Tyler, Thi My Thi Tong. 2018. Co-management model on urban riverbank erosion management in Can Tho city, Vietnam. Science and Technology in Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia. Academic Press. Pages 161-173

Srivastava, Itin, Shaw, Rajib. 2016. Enhancing City Resilience Through Urban-Rural Linkages. Urban Disasters and Resilience in Asia. Butterworth-Heinemann. Pages 113-122.