Urban Expansion

How does land use affect food production?

Q1. What is urban expansion?

By Depleting Resources

Earth’s population has increased from 1 billion to more than 7 billion people in the last 200 years. The
growing human population has created a greater need for natural resources. This need has created
problems for ecosystems. Cutting down trees removes a resource that many organisms need for food and
shelter. The loss of many trees in an area can affect shade and local temperatures. These changes can
disturb ecosystems. The overuse of resources causes them to be depleted or used up. Resource depletion
occurs when a large fraction of a resource has been used up. Fresh water was once a renewable resource.
But in some areas, humans use fresh water faster than it can be replenished.

Q2. List 3 reasons why population growth affects environments.

By Destroying Habitats

Human population growth in and around cities is called urbanisation. Urban growth often destroys natural
habitats. Roads can divide habitats and prevent animals from safely roaming their territory. If animals
cannot interact with each other and their surroundings, the ecosystem will not thrive. An ecosystem may be
converted into housing and shopping areas that further shrink habitats. This can bring humans and wildlife
into contact. Kangaroos, deers, and even coyotes have become common sights in some suburban areas.
Every habitat has its own number and variety of organisms, or biodiversity. If a habitat is damaged or
destroyed, biodiversity is lost. Because living things are connected with each other and with their
environment, loss of biodiversity affects the entire ecosystem.

Q3. What are the consequences of destroying natural habitats?

Q4. Describe the changes of Guangzhou using the image on the board.
Q5. Complete the cloze passage below.

Sydney is Australia’s largest ____________. By 2055, it is estimated that more than 8 ___________
people will call Sydney____________. Challenges come with living in the city such as the
____________ of living, cost of housing, ____________ and commute times and ____________
opportunities.

Word Bank
traffic, million, city, home, employment, cost.

Currently, the Sydney Basin ____________ approximately 500 000 tonnes of ____________, including
eggs, fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy. This ____________ about 20 per cent of the Sydney
____________. If current development trends continue, by 2031, Sydney will lose 60 per cent of its total
food ____________. The Sydney basin will produce about 220 000 tonnes of food by 2031. Areas that
will experience a ____________ in food production will see an increase in urbanisation. Housing
developments in the Wollondilly, Liverpool, Penrith, and Hawkesbury areas are expected to
____________ support a growing Sydney population.

Word Bank
food, supports, rise, production, decline, produces, population.

The New South Wales Government is planning to ____________ outdoor spaces, housing affordability
and job opportunities throughout the Greater Sydney Metropolitan area. By 2020, the Parramatta CBD
would offer over ____________ jobs that support the health, education, ____________ and finance
sectors. Marsden Park, Campbelltown, and ____________ are developing a high-value economic zone
especially for ____________ and ____________ activities.

Word Bank
Penrith, 100,000, industrial, business, retail, improve.