UIaC- Urban Change in the UK Flashcards
What percentage of the UK population lives in urban areas, and what percentage of the land do cities occupy?
90% of the UK population lives in urban areas, but urban land only accounts for 7% of the total land mass.
How is urbanization distributed across the UK?
- England: Even spread of cities in the North & South
- Wales: Cities mainly on the North & South coasts, few inland
- Scotland: Major cities in the South due to mountainous North
- Northern Ireland: Small cities, mainly in the East near the coast
Why is London disproportionately important in the UK’s urban structure?
London is the capital city, home to 8.7 million residents, and a global financial/trade hub.
What are the three main migration groups affecting UK cities?
- Rural-urban migrants – Move for jobs, education, lifestyle
- International migrants – Fill job vacancies (e.g., NHS staff), send remittances home
- Retirees & families – Move out of cities for space, affordability, and quality of life
What is ‘net migration,’ and why is it important?
Net migration is when more people move into a city than leave. This increases urban populations.
What are some key factors shaping UK cities?
- Cultural Mix – Immigration has led to multicultural cities
- Facilities & Attractions – Sports, shopping, tourism, and nightlife
- Transport Networks – Need for integrated systems to reduce congestion
- Urban Greening – More green spaces to improve sustainability
What are the benefits & challenges of multicultural cities?
- Benefits:
✔️ Skilled migrants fill employment gaps
✔️ Multicultural festivals boost tourism (e.g., Notting Hill Carnival)
✔️ More diverse cuisine and businesses - Challenges:
❌ Some fear job competition from immigrants
❌ Certain ethnic groups face hate crimes & segregation
What are three ways to improve transport in UK cities?
- Cycle paths – Encourage biking over cars
- Expanded bus & tram networks – Reduce car dependency
- Congestion management – Reduce standstill traffic & pollution
What is an integrated transport system?
A system that links different transport types (e.g., trains, buses, bikes) to allow seamless travel.
What are five key urban greening strategies?
- Tree planting – Provides shade & wildlife habitats
- Green walls & rooftops – Absorb CO₂ and cool urban areas
- Public parks – Protected spaces for exercise & leisure
- Raised plant beds – Grow wildflowers & food in cities
- Cemetery conservation – Protects natural biodiversity
Why is urban greening important?
It improves air quality, reduces heat islands, enhances biodiversity, and boosts mental well-being.
What is urban sprawl?
The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding countryside.
What are the differences between Greenfield & Brownfield land?
- Greenfield:
- Definition: Never built on before
- Cost: Cheaper
- Sustainability: Destroys wildlife & ecosystems
- Access to city: Often further away
- Brownfield:
- Definition: Previously developed land
- Cost: Expensive to clear land
- Sustainability: Reduces urban wasteland
- Access to city: Closer to city centre
Why do developers prefer Greenfield sites?
They are cheaper and easier to build on, without the cost of removing old buildings.
What are the risks of using too much Greenfield land?
It leads to urban sprawl, habitat loss, and increased commuting distances.
What is social inequality?
The unequal distribution of wealth, education, and opportunities in a city.
How does social inequality impact people?
- Better-off people have higher-quality housing, education & healthcare
- Poorer areas suffer from lower life expectancy, unemployment & crime
How do governments reduce social inequality?
By investing in public services, affordable housing, and education initiatives.
What makes a city sustainable?
- Low carbon emissions from transport & buildings
- Socially inclusive – Everyone has access to jobs, housing & services
- Resource-efficient – Protects water, energy & green spaces
Give two examples of sustainable initiatives in UK cities.
- London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) – Fines polluting cars
- Sheffield Green Roofs Initiative – Encourages rooftop gardens
What is Urbanisation?
The increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas compared to rural areas.
What is Net Migration?
The difference between the number of people moving into a city and those leaving.
What is Rural-Urban Migration?
The movement of people from countryside (rural areas) to cities (urban areas) for jobs, education, and lifestyle.
What is International Migration?
The movement of people across countries to settle in another country permanently or temporarily.
