Thesis Abstract

Urban areas around the world face various challenges that impact the well-being of their residents and the overall functionality of the city. This research project aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the challenges faced by urban areas in different regions, focusing on commonalities and unique aspects of these issues. The study will investigate key challenges such as urban sprawl, inadequate infrastructure, pollution, crime, and social inequality. By comparing urban challenges across different regions, this research seeks to identify patterns and trends that can provide valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and other stakeholders. One of the main objectives of this research is to understand how the context of each urban area influences the nature and intensity of its challenges. For example, developing cities in emerging economies may face different challenges compared to established cities in developed countries. By examining these differences, this study aims to highlight the importance of tailored solutions that take into account the specific characteristics of each urban area. Furthermore, this research will explore the interconnected nature of urban challenges and how they can exacerbate each other. For instance, inadequate infrastructure can contribute to environmental degradation, which in turn affects public health and quality of life. By analyzing these interrelationships, this study aims to provide a holistic perspective on urban challenges and the need for comprehensive solutions. In addition, this research project will investigate the role of governance and policy in addressing urban challenges. By comparing different approaches taken by cities around the world, this study aims to identify best practices and lessons learned that can inform future policy decisions. Overall, this comparative analysis of urban challenges aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on urban development and sustainability. By highlighting commonalities and differences in urban challenges across regions, this research seeks to provide insights that can help improve the quality of life for urban residents and create more sustainable and resilient cities for the future.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

Hurricane Sandy has delivered another painful reminder that urban areas need to find new ways to confront the increasingly difficult task of flood preparation. A flood occurs “when water runoff from the land exceeds the capacity of the stream channel.

”Flood Risks Excepting the Inner Mountain West and Southern California, a map of vulnerable flood areas picks up almost all major urban areas in the United States.Flood Risks Between 1929 and 2003, urban floods in the United States caused an estimated $171 billion in property damage.Flood Risks Floods have caused the most losses of any natural disaster in the United States.5 Billions of dollars have been invested in flood prevention structures.

But, as “first responders” in the battle to prevent and respond to flood damage, local governments will see urban flood damages rise for four primary reasons. First, federal flood control policy over eighty years has created the illusion that infrastructure and post-disaster relief can provide maximum protection from flood damages. Second, more cost-effective avoidance strategies, such asless intensive flood plain development and restoration, have been undermined by the federal flood insurance program, which has encouraged intense development in river and coastal flood plains instead of redirecting it to less vulnerable areas.

Third, global climate change is projected to produce more intense flood and coastal storm surge events. Fourth, damage prevention responsibility is being de facto devolved to local governments as the federal government and the states, with notable exceptions, are investing less of the scant, available dollars in flood infrastructure construction.Flood Risks