Paper 3

Question 1

Describe current trends in the UK’s population. (2)

Answer 1

• The UK is becoming overpopulated (too many people compared to natural resources).
• By 2030 UK’s population is expected to rise to 70.5 million if current trends continue, due to natural increase and migration.

Question 2

What are the environmental pressures of population growth on the UK? (4)

Answer 2

• A potential rise in CO2 emissions.
• Destruction of natural habitats due to building on / exploiting greenfield sites.
• Food demands intensifying agricultural practices.
• New houses potentially increase flooding.

Question 3

Explain some sustainable transport solutions to population growth in the UK. (5)

Answer 3

In order to reduce congestion and emissions due as a product of increased transport in the UK, we should invest in:

• Increasing public transport options.
• Educating people to car share when commuting.
• Implement congestion charging and park-and-ride schemes.
• Promoting the use of electric / hybrid vehicles.
• Implementing zero-emission goals (such as London taxis).

Question 4

What is the ‘two-speed economy in the UK?

Answer 4

The ‘two-speed economy’ refers to the uneven growth of the UK’s economy, with the South-East developing faster than the North-West.

Question 5

How can we bridge the gap created by the ‘two-speed economy’?

Answer 5

One possible solution to help bridge the gap between the south-east and the rest of the UK is improving transportation links with the north, to encourage more economic inter-connectivity. E.g. HS2

Question 6

Give two advantages and two disadvantages of building on greenfield sites.

Answer 6

A1 - Construction on greenfield sites tends to be cheaper.
A2 - Greenfield sites have more land development opportunities.

D1 - Potential loss of agricultural land.
D2 - Potential disruption to wildlife habitats and damage to ecosystems (higher carbon footprint).

Question 7

Give two advantages and three disadvantages of building on brownfield sites.

Answer 7

A1 - Services such as gas, water and electricity.
A2 - Improvement of unused areas that are spoiling the landscape.

D1 - Brownfield sites are subject to potential building restrictions.
D2 - Brownfield land tends to be more expensive.
D3 - Toxic substances may need to be extracted.

Question 8

Describe six conservation and development strategies to protect the UK’s national parks.

Answer 8

• River restoration works, e.g. river fences to prevent erosion
• Promoting the use of electric bikes to reduce the number of cars.
• Converting old farm buildings as an alternative to building on greenfield sites
• Working with other organisations, such as English Heritage
• Regular monitoring of historic sites by staff to check the condition
• Using renewable energy resources.

Question 9

Describe the UK’s future climate.

Answer 9

Future climate change could see the Uk’s temperature rising between 2 and 4 degrees, causing warmer summers and winters. Scientists also believe precipitation levels will increase and the UK will experience more extreme weather events.

Question 10

How has the UK responded to climate change on a national and local scale?

Answer 10

National Scale: The UK government can promote the use of more sustainable practices, raising awareness of adopting them to tackle climate change. The UK government can also continue to invest in renewable energy.

Local Scale: Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint by using public transport, car sharing, recycling waste and installing renewable energy generators.