Final Blog: Dengue in India

Kristin Nicholson

November 30, 2012

 

In New Delhi, India, an area that is undergoing rapid and disorderly urbanization, there have been reports of a mosquito borne disease called dengue fever. According to the article, this disease was reported in just a handful of countries in the 1950s, and dengue is now endemic in half the world’s nations. The disease is life-threatening to a small percentage of those infected and is accompanied by extreme pain to all that are infected. According to the article, dengue advances to a life-threatening cascade of immune responses known as hemorrhagic or shock dengue in about 1 percent of cases.  High numbers of cases are being reported among tourists, which is causing the spread to other areas of the world. According to the article, health officials in Miami announced a case of locally acquired dengue infection last month. There are many areas present of standing water in India that contribute to the epidemic’s growth. The densely populated and crowded cities due to rapid urbanization are also contributors to this outbreak. Hospitals are overly full and feverish patients are sharing beds and ailing in hallways. An Indian doctor that specializes in tropical disease estimated 37 million dengue infections occurring every year in India, and around 227,500 hospitalizations as a result. In order to control the disease, trucks can be found spewing pesticides against mosquitoes on a regular basis in New Delhi, India.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/07/world/asia/alarm-over-indias-dengue-fever-epidemic.html?pagewanted=all

Blog 12

Kristin Nicholson

November 16, 2012

 

Asia is known for its blooming economy and progression. Recently, Asia has been experiencing several natural disasters, which have been putting stress on its economy. Asia’s geographic position puts it at a disadvantage when it comes to natural catastrophes. Asia has experienced much physical as well as economic damage since the 1980s. According to article, citizens of Asia are four times more likely to be affected by natural disaster than in Africa and 25 times more than in Europe or North America. So this is definitely an issue that needs to be addressed.

Losses due to disaster could add up to around $19 billion a year. The frequent occurrences of disasters and the ill preparedness will potentially halt economic growth and development. Areas that contain poorly managed rural land and deforestation most definitely intensify the impact of storms and rising sea levels. In order to lessen the unfavorable of effects of future disasters, more emphasis should be placed on disaster prevention. Emphasis on disaster prevention would be more beneficial than simply handling the effects after the disaster. Asia, one of the most rapid urbanizing continents, could be economically and physically devastated if these disaster prevention plans are implemented.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/14/business/global/14iht-report14.html

Blog 10: Sandy and Urbanization

Kristin Nicholson

November 4, 2012

 

The recent storm, Sandy, wreaked havoc upon the Eastern United States this past week.  With the proper resources, big United States cities that were involved in the storm, such as New York, were able to respond effectively and in a timely manner. The response time alleviated the possible massive disruption the city could have faced. Cities around the world ponder whether they would be prepared for storms such as Sandy. Asia will see more of these types of storms. Asia’s rapid urbanization and climate change will leave them especially vulnerable catastrophe. The hundreds of millions of urban poor residents are especially at risk. In the future, 60 percent of the world’s population increase will be in Asian cities. According to the article, of the cities that contain the largest numbers of people exposed to the risks of flooding caused by climate change, 5 of the top 10 are Asian. Even though these Asian cities may lack resources to help prepare for storms, there are less expensive ways to handle it. Rapid and accurate information sharing and timely decision making are keys to keeping down the damage that a storm causes. Areas that are densely populated, such as highly urbanized areas, are at risk for more damage from natural disasters. More people and less space make cities more vulnerable to disasters. Ways to keep damages at a minimum would be careful planning. Utilizing escape routes and implementing plans would help in times of storms.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/03/opinion/learning-from-superstorm sandy.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

 

 

Blog 8: Threat to India's Culture

Kristin Nicholson

October 21, 2012

Threatened Culture in India

In India, many ancient art forms are dying out and culture threatened due to a lack of interest and funding. This is an effect of globalization and urbanization across India. Purulia Chhau which is a form of masked dance performed by farmers in West Bengal to celebrate the harvest season is one type of traditional art form that is at risk for becoming extinct. Purulia Chhau is a masked dance with acrobatic and martial element which is performed to the beat of tribal drums. In the last five years, the number of Purulia Chhau dancers has dropped from 300 to 100 in West Bengal, due to a lack of funding and performance opportunities, as well as changing lifestyles in the region. There are other types of dance besides Purulia Chhau, which comes from the Purulia district of West Bengal.  Other forms of the dance include Seraikella Chhau, from Jharkhand, and Mayurbhanj Chhau, from Orissa. India’s physical culture such as its monuments, paintings and artifacts, can be preserved. India’s cultural heritage, such as performing arts or oral traditions is almost impossible to preserve with the lack of interest and funding. Not only are the dances at risk for extinction, but it has also changed to adapt to the younger generation influenced by popular media. Often there are concerns of sustainability and environmental protection when urbanization. This particular instance is a concern or lack of concern for the effects urbanization has on cultural heritage.

http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/19/ancient-farmers-dances-threatened-with-extinction/

Blog 7-Shanghai's Dilemma

Kristin Nicholson

October 12, 2012

Staggering Property in China

Skyscrapers and high rises have been home to China since the beginning of their urbanization projects in the 1990s. The Shanghai Tower, which will be a 2,073 feet glass building, is a proposed addition to China’s skyline in 2014. These building projects have been the foundation of China’s economy and contribute to its change in economy by creating jobs and multimillionaires. It is projected that at least 10 percent of China’s gross domestic product comes directly from the construction and real estate sectors. According to the article, construction in China has accounted for more than 40 percent of the growth in demand for steel and 10 percent for copper. Just as urbanization has been one of China’s main sources of economic growth, it has been a source of deterioration also. As a result, property prices have fallen and down payments and interest rates have risen. According to the article, the ratings agency Standard & Poor’s said in a recent report that Chinese real estate developers headed into 2012 facing record-high debt maturing within 12 months and a liquidity drain. As a result of China’s rapid urbanization, migrant workers from poorer, rural areas, as well as foreign investors are continuing to move to cities like Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai. This creates a high demand affordable housing and principal commercial space.

This is yet another story that characterizes the double sided story of urbanization. Though urbanization brings prosperity to a city’s economy, there are also negative impacts of these projects. In this case, the abundance of buildings has created high interest rates and rise in property prices. Even though there is a rise in property prices, workers are still attracted to the cities for jobs and residential spaces.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/11/business/global/in-rush-to-build-property-stumbles.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&

Blog 6: A New City

Kristin Nicholson       

October 5, 2012

Charter City in Georgia

In Zugdidi, Georgia, they are making way for a modern city. Georgia is situated near the Black and Caspian Seas. Zugdid, Georgia is city of about 65,000 that has been gradually losing population. There is a proposed new city and maritime port on the coast. This potential city is being planned with hopes of attracting more people from rural areas. This city would contain distinct regulatory and judicial systems that could attract foreign investors to build factories. The proposed site is at the edge of the Kolkheti wetlands. According to the article, hopeful government officials think that this new city could attract half a million residents in a country of about 4.5 million that is neither growing in population nor urbanizing. As usual, with the prospect of a new city, some citizens welcome the city while others have their doubts. Some people are skeptical about the environmental concerns. Since the proposed site is a wetland area, many believe that the soil will not support the projected high rise buildings. With no investors committing to the $600 million to $900 million project, there are also financial concerns surrounding this urbanization project.

Not surprisingly, there is a dilemma with the proposed project. Build a new city to attract more people and businesses or possibly lose millions of money along with fragile natural habitats? There are many examples of projects such as these that were successful. An example includes charter cities in China that were very prosperous, attracting much economic growth to the area.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/world/europe/in-georgia-plans-for-an-instant-city.html?pagewanted=2&ref=georgia&_r=0

Blog 5-Rapid Climate Change in Coastal Areas: Venice Lagoon

Kristin Nicholson

September 28, 2012

Blog 4

Research by the University of Southampton showed that the sea surface temperature in coastal regions in Venice is rising as much as ten times faster than the global average. Researchers believe this temperature elevation is a consequence of ‘urban heat island effect'. The urban heat island effect is the process of regions experiencing rapid industrial and urban expansion. This rapid growth produces heat, which makes the area warmer than its surroundings. Jobs as well as the Venetian economy rely on the fishing industry. In turn, the fishing industry is dependent on the temperature of the coastal seawater in the Venice. Researchers report that a rise in sea surface temperatures in the coastal zone reduces oxygen levels and dislocates fish and other aquatic life.

Yet another instance of urbanization poses a threat to the environment. Urban growth in coastal areas contributes to the global warming problem we are facing. Temperature levels can possibly cause the aquatic life to no longer thrive. To protect the coastal habitats measures will need to be taken to lessen the temperature rise.  More research should be conducted before and during the urbanization of these seaside cities. A limit of infrastructure and/or population should be placed on cities undergoing urbanization. Using infrastructures that are earth friendly is another way to combat the environmental damages of urbanization. Not only will this temperature rise affect marine life, but it will also deter economic growth. This is mostly true because seaside cities usually thrive on the fish and other life that inhabit it.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120928125306.htm

Blog 4: Urbanization Bad for Environment

Kristin Nicholson

September 21, 2012

3:33pm

As results of more people are moving into cities around the world those cities are getting bigger and bigger. According to the article, for the first time in human history, more than half the world’s population was living in towns and cities in 2008. Urbanization is growing at a very fast pace, with people moving from villages and towns to cities. Urban areas such as Times Square or India cover approximately 3 to 5% of global land. This percentage is projected to increase rapidly by 2020. Most of the expansion will be in Asia and Africa. The authors point out how this urbanization could lead to environmental problems.

As urbanization will bring more prosperity to economies, it could possibly lead to problems. This would happen because of a lack of planning for the environment. In countries developing countries where biodiversity is concentrated, urbanization could take a toll on the precious flora and fauna of the world. More buildings mean less land for plants in animals and more endangered species. In other words, they would be moving people in while dislocating the wildlife that once lived there. With careful planning, this displacement could be avoided. With the rampant occurrence of urbanization, this planning would be very hard to maintain. Building “green” eco-friendly buildings is one way developers could decrease the effect urbanization has on the environment. Preserving natural habitats of exotic plants and animals is another way to avoid the negative effects of urbanization.

http://science.time.com/2012/09/18/urban-planet-how-growing-cities-will-wreck-the-environment-unless-we-build-them-right/

Blog 3: Crime rate and Migration

Kristin Nicholson

September 14, 2012, 4:51 pm

Crime and Migration in Mumbai, India

 

There is a definite correlation between crime rates and migration in different Indian cities. Crime rates in Maharashtra are on the rise while rates in Mumbai, India are declining.  Crimes are becoming uncontrollable in the city of Maharashtra. According to the article, reported the Mumbai police web site reported that crime in the city decreased by 8 percent. The city police reported about 19,000 major crimes like murders, burglaries and thefts, which is a decrease from approximately 21,000 cases last year. The migration rate for the city is also dropping. This city was once known for its popularity in migration. Many residents are moving to northern districts. Much of this rate decrease is due to an increase in housing and property prices in Mumbai. It is reportedly much harder to find jobs in Mumbai, which is another reason for the movement out of the city. This decrease is evident in cities throughout India.  A writer from Economic and Political Weekly, Amitabh Kundu, said in an e-mail interview that “exclusionary urbanization” is the reason for the change. As the researchers explain in their paper, “Urban centers have become less hospitable to and less accommodating for the poor.” It is very challenging for poor, unprofessional workers to find work in this city, therefore they are moving out of the city to find more work. The purpose of urbanization is being reversed in this Indian city. In theory, urbanization creates more jobs, allows for them to be centrally located in big cities and bring wealth to the city. Unfortunately, there are always downfalls to good ideas with good intentions.

http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/10/despite-outcry-crime-and-migrants-falling-in-mumbai/

Blog 2 Student Loans

Kristin Nicholson

Tuition for college students is undoubtedly expensive and is still on the rise. After graduation, students are not only left with the woes of finding a promising job/career; they are also left with the financial burden on student loans.  More and more people are taking out government-backed student loans every year.  The amounts of people that have defaulted at least 12 months behind are also growing. According to the article, an estimated 5.9 million people nationwide are behind in their payments. Martin explained how nearly one in every six borrowers with a loan balance is in default totaling around $76 billion. Students from New York University led a protest, objecting their growing debt while attending college. While students are left to pay their student debts, the Department of Education and debt collection agencies are extensively profiting. A former student in the article explained how she has changed her phone number four times in order to avoid embarrassing and harassing phone calls from debt collection agencies.  The government will do anything in order to get the money owed to them. Actions such as wage garnishing and seizing tax refund checks are just a few off the ways. With a debt recovery rate of nearly 80 percent, it is no mystery why the government doesn’t offer more credit counseling and debt prevention. Student loans unquestionably make up a fair amount of the government’s revenue. Ashton suggested how student loans might be a “new oil well” for the accounts receivable management industry. In today’s society, a bachelor’s degree is needed at the least to move toward social mobility. Expensive tuition and escalating student loans are factors that are making the move even harder.

 

 

 

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/09/business/once-a-student-now-dogged-by-collection-agencies.html?_r=1&hp

Blog 1, Asian Urbanization

 Kristin Nicholson

August 31, 2012

4:44pm

 

India and China are faced with the possibility of more urbanization. To some, urbanization is the recipe for a promising economic future. Others feel that it means poverty for the people that would be affected. This course of the development will be dependent upon the way the Chinese and Indian governments handle the change.  According to Stephen Green, “There is a huge debate raging about urbanization and land reform, but it looks as if the party is moving in favor of small-town urbanization”. Researchers conclude that villages and cities are thrive upon each other. Urban life in India would not be a great endeavor yet it would be necessary for its potential growth.

This is a very relevant and important issue. In agreement with the author, I feel as if urbanization could be a positive or negative approach. Urbanization in this area will definitely create more jobs. Unfortunately, when new jobs are created other jobs are downplayed. The effects of job loss could be lessened. The Chinese and Indian governments could implement a plan to employ education and skills training in order to keep the population up to date with the urbanization.



http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/03/business/global/03iht-inside.html