In what ways does urbanisation influence hazard risk?

Urbanisation increases hazard risk by concentrating populations and infrastructure, often in areas prone to natural disasters.

Urbanisation leads to higher population densities in cities, which means that more people are at risk when a natural disaster occurs. For example, earthquakes can cause more casualties and damage in densely populated urban areas compared to rural areas. The concentration of people also means that emergency services can be overwhelmed, making it harder to respond effectively to disasters.

Additionally, urbanisation often involves the development of infrastructure such as buildings, roads, and bridges. While this infrastructure is essential for modern living, it can also be vulnerable to hazards like floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Poorly constructed buildings are particularly at risk of collapsing during an earthquake, while inadequate drainage systems can lead to severe flooding during heavy rains.

Urban areas are also more likely to be located in hazard-prone regions. For instance, many cities are built along coastlines, making them susceptible to tsunamis and hurricanes. Others are situated near fault lines, increasing the risk of earthquakes. The expansion of cities into previously undeveloped areas can also disrupt natural landscapes, making them more prone to landslides and other hazards.

Moreover, urbanisation can exacerbate the effects of climate change, which in turn increases hazard risk. Cities often have higher levels of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global warming. This can lead to more extreme weather events, such as intense storms and heatwaves, which pose additional risks to urban populations.

In summary, urbanisation concentrates people and infrastructure in hazard-prone areas, often without adequate planning or resources to manage the increased risk. This makes urban areas particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, highlighting the need for effective urban planning and disaster preparedness.