Urbanization and Environmental change: Local Effects of the International Coastal Road on Burg Elburullus City

Abstract

Between 1950 and 2050, the percentage of the world's population that lives in towns is predicted to increase from 30% to 66%. This rapid increasing has urbanization and environmental consequences for local communities. Coastal slums especially deltas are one of the most affected zones by urbanization. The Nile Delta in Egypt is an example of such a growing area. In 2002, the International Coastal Road (ICR) was established in the north of the Nile Delta. Due to its geographical location on the south of Mediterranean Sea coast and EL-Burullus Lake, Burg EL-Burullus city was affected by the (ICR) construction. (ICR) added a large area to the old city of Burg EL-Burullus. The ICR had many positive effects locally and internationally, But if the (ICR)'s side effects are not avoided by well studying, the problems will be further complicated by another urbanization project like proposed railway line. The use of time series maps shows that the city of Burg ELburullus is one of the cities that has undergone the most Environment and physical changes, since the area which is cut off from the lake and used as an extension of the city. The added area has reached half the area of the old city. The researcher's observation numerous changes in the new expansion area. The changes had significant impacts at all economic, social, and environmental levels, but the focus of the study was clearly on the environmental and physical impacts, then the research reaches to reflections of urbanization in environmental Impacts on Existing urban areas.