P2 - Unit 2A - Urban Issues and Challenges (HIC) Flashcards
Define Population Distribution:
How people are spread out over an area
Define Population Density:
The number of people per square km.
Calculated by diving the total population by the total area.
Define Urbanisation:
The increase in the proportion of people living in the cities, resulting in their growth.
How is the UK’s population distributed?
One of the most urbanised countries in the world (85% of people live in cities), however the population is unevenly distributed
- highest population density in the south east
- sparsely populated in the north(except for Edinburgh and the Glasgow corridor)
Where are the cities in the UK located?
-in flat low-lying parts of the country
-on the coast or near major rivers
(the UK has a high level of urbanisation and a number of large cities but no megacities)
How are UK cities growing?
- fastest growing cities are in south east England (also has the fastest growing economy)
- slowest growing cities in the UK are in the north (due to decline of industry and loss of jobs)
What is our case study for a major city in the UK?
London
Where is London located in the UK?
found in the South East of England
-its location has been influential in its growth
What is the importance of London within the UK?
- it is the capital city
- its centre has the densest population of the UK
- host the parliament
- by far the UKs wealthiest city
What is the importance of London globally?
- one of the most globalised, connected and influential places
- part of Europe’s economic core(producing a majority of the GDP of Europe)
- has global reach through its major airports(Heathrow, Gatwick), economic pull via the City of London and the stock exchange
- has headquarters of many large international companies (and British ones)
What are the causes of the growth of the population of London?
- internal migration
- international net migration
- natural change/natural increase has been positive(more births than deaths)
What are the impacts of national and international migration on London?
- London’s population is higher than it has ever been
- London has a youthful population(more natural increase)
- London is the most diverse city(40% born abroad)
- Changed the character of London (one of the most multicultural places, with many different races, cultures and languages)
What social opportunities has urban change had on London?
cultural mix
recreation and entertainment
What economic opportunities has urban change had on London?
recreation and entertainment
employment
integrated transport system
What environmental opportunities has urban change had on London?
urban greening
How is cultural mix a social opportunity from urban change in London?
- London is the most diverse place in the UK
- London has a huge number of different races, religions and cultures (mainly from ex-British colonies)
- This enriches cultural life (food, music, cultural events)
- This exposes people to know about other religions, languages and cultures
How is recreation and entertainment a social and economic opportunity from urban change in London?
- London has a huge number of cultural attractions (National gallery, Natural History Museum)
- Has the West End
- Has tourist attractions(Buckingham Palace, Parliament)
- Held the 2012 Olympic games(sports)
How is employment an economic opportunity from urban change in London?
The economy of London is dominated by financial and insurance activities
- in the UK it is the largest contributor to the economy
- has a major financial centre(City of London, Canary Wharf)
- home to the world or European HQ of major banks
How is an integrated transport system an economic opportunity from urban change in London?
Public transport accounts for 25% of London’s journeys
- has Oyster card(used on most forms of transport)
- integrated cycle network
- international airports (Heathrow, Gatwick)
- M25 ring road around he city
How is urban greening an environmental opportunity from urban change in London?
Green spaces take in carbon dioxide and reduce global warming
- creating rooftop green spaces
- using canals, rivers and river jetties(for bird roosts)
- Olympic village takes into account urban green spaces
- Open spaces for recreation and wildlife(Hyde Park)
What social challenges has urban change had on London?
- inequalities in health, housing, education, employment
- cultural integration
What economic challenges has urban change had on London?
- urban decline and deprivation
- urban sprawl
What environmental challenges has urban change had on London?
- atmospheric pollution
- waste disposal
- dereliction
- building on brownfield and greenfield sites
How is inequalities in health a social challenge from urban change in London?
People in wealthy areas tend to live longer than people in poorer areas
- lower income areas may be exposed to a poorer environment (may have a poor diet and lifestyle)
- poorer people may also have more limited access to health care
How is inequalities in housing a social challenge from urban change in London?
House prices in London are higher than anywhere else
- more people rent than own their own house
- the people that rent spend more than half of their weekly pay on rent
- massive difference from mansion in the west to small flat buildings in the east
How is inequalities in education a social challenge from urban change in London?
Children across London do not get equal grades
- in the poorer areas people have the worst education
- 35% of people in Newham have no educational qualifications compared to the 5% average in London