Case Study: Birmingham

Question 1

When did Birmingham suffer from deindustrialisation?

Answer 1

70s to the 80s there was a decline in metal working industries causing widespread unemployment poverty and dereliction.

Question 2

Where is the poor and the rich situated in Birmingham?

Answer 2

Poor in central Birmingham (Aston) and richer are in more rural areas further from the centre.

Question 3

What is the average income in the poorest area in Birmingham?

Answer 3

£19,000 per year.

Question 4

What is the average income of the richest area in Birmingham?

Answer 4

£37,000

Question 5

How many children live in poverty in Birmingham?

Answer 5

1000

Question 6

What percentage of people are unemployed in Birmingham?

Answer 6

6%
Higher in poorer areas

Question 7

What are the crime rates like in Birmingham?

Answer 7

High in the centre
Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting

Question 8

Is Birminghams population ethnically diverse?
What percentage of people are non white?

Answer 8

Yes
40%

Question 9

What are the economic inequalities between ethnic communities in Birmingham?

Answer 9

-Life expectancy is higher in areas with majority white population
-Many ethnic minorities face prejudice and discrimination.

Question 10

What are the issues of Birmingham’s air pollution?

Answer 10

Some areas have very poor air quality due to industry which causes acid rain and contributes to acidification in rivers that harms aquatic ecosystems.

Question 11

What is the water pollution like in Birmingham?

Answer 11

Many rivers very polluted from roads and industry. Has reduced population of insects.

Question 12

Does Birmingham have much green space?

Answer 12

No

Question 13

Is Birmingham at risk for flooding?

Answer 13

Lack of green space contributes to high runoff so flash floods are common.

Question 14

How much waste do Birmingham produce?

Answer 14

3.2 million tonnes per year

Question 15

How is Birmingham waste managed?

Answer 15

Majority of it is sent to landfill or incinerated.
Only 25% is recycled.

Question 16

How do extreme weather events affect Birmingham?

Answer 16

They don’t,
However number of extreme weather events is increasing.

Question 17

How has air pollution affected residents of Birmingham?

Answer 17

Respiratory problems and is linked to over 500 deaths per year.

Question 18

What are levels of obesity in Birmingham?
How many of these obese people say they would be fitter if there was more green spaces?

Answer 18

High
40%

Question 19

How does flooding affect Birmingham?

Answer 19

Damages properties and buildings

Question 20

How much damage did extreme weather events cost Birmingham in 2005?

Answer 20

£50 million

Question 21

How has dereliction affected Birmingham?

Answer 21

Aston (poorer areas) have larger numbers of derelict buildings which are targets for vandalism and make residents feel unsafe.

Question 22

What are the 4 key objectives of Birmingham city council to increase its sustainability?

Answer 22

-Improve transport links
-Redevelop derelict areas
-Increase green space
-Improve waste management

Question 23

How has regeneration of Birmingham changed its character and people’s perception?

Answer 23

Regenerating derelict areas has created a more pleasant urban environment attracting people to the city.

Question 24

How much has Birminghams population increased by since 2004?

Answer 24

10%

Question 25

How has redevelopments changed Birminghams character?
Include an example.

Answer 25

Redevelopment of city centre shopping areas like the bullring have increased the number of visitors.

Question 26

Where does Birmingham rank on the most popular shopping destinations?

Answer 26

2nd

Question 27

How many people visit Birmingham every year now?

Answer 27

On average 35 million people visit Birmingham per year.