Relationship between housing and the environment / people

Impact of Housing on the environment:

• The use of natural resources, leading to:

  • Depletion of forests

  • Over-extraction of water resources

• Pollution, such as:

  • Land pollution

  • Water pollution

Use of natural resources

The Indonesian capital of Jakarta is home to 10 million people but it is also one of the fastest-sinking cities in the world.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44636934

The rapid rate at which Jakarta is sinking is partly down to the excessive extraction of groundwater for use as drinking water, for bathing and other everyday purposes by city dwellers. Piped water isn't reliable or available in most areas so people have no choice but to resort to pumping water from the aquifers deep underground.

But when groundwater is pumped out, the land above it sinks and this leads to land subsidence.

– Water pollution

○ Rivers near slum areas may become badly polluted because they are used for washing, garbage and sewage disposal

○ Contaminants from sewage may seep into groundwater and pollute nearby water sources such as wells

– Land pollution

○ Lack of proper garbage disposal system may lead to dumping of garbage into open drains and areas outside the houses

○ Example: Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is polluted as a result of the dumping of untreated sewage from nearby slums

Polluted waterway next to squatters in Manila

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/05/29/1921826/mmda-squatters-buildings-occupy-50-metro-manila-waterways

How does Access to housing affect people?:

• Provision of Basic needs: housing provides people with shelter and protection from extreme weather. This makes people feel safe. In addition, formal housing developments allow people to have access to sanitation, which reduce the outbreak of diseases among people.

• Presence of amenities: the presence of amenities also raises the quality of life amongst its residents. For example, in formal housing developments, residents can have access to food via grocery shops and markets; they can also visit clinics that provide medical services in the vicinity. This makes life easier for the residents.

• Presence of communities: housing will also provide residents with spaces for social gatherings. For example, community centres and playgrounds. These spaces allow residents to get to know their neighbours and make friends. The sense of camaraderie and community spirit will lead to a sense of belonging and inclusivity for the residents, allowing them to have a higher quality of life.