UK challenges Flashcards
Give an example of how the UK has more people compared to natural resources
the UK only produces 60% of its food - shows too many people compared to natural resources
What are the characteristics of the UK’s population?
- by 2030, population expected to rise to 70.5 if current trends continue
- 259,700 from migration
- 226,200 from natural increase - in 2013, 25% of births to mothers born outside of the UK
What are the two pressures due to population growth I need to know?
- pressure on ecosystems
2. pressure on need for sustainable transport in the UK
What are the ways population growth puts pressure on ecosystems?
- rise in CO2 emissions
- building on greenfield sites - destruction of habitat
- pressure on water systems
- new houses could increase flooding
- food demands intensifies agricultural practices
What are the ways population growth puts pressure on sustainable transport?
- increasing public transport options
- London taxis must be capable of 0 emissions by 2018
- promoting use of hybrid and electric tricks cars
- implementing congestion charging and park-and-ride schemes - 20% less carbon emissions in London following congestion charge scheme
- educating people to car share when commuting to work
What is a two-speed economy?
the uneven growth of the UK economy with the South-East growing faster
What is a solution for the two-speed economy?
improving transportation links with the north to encourage business and development and bridge the growth gap
What are the positives of building on greenfield sites?
- cheaper land
2. more land development opportunities
What are the negatives of building on greenfield sites?
- potential loss of agricultural land
2. potential disruption to wildlife habitats and ecosystems
What are the positives of building on brownfield sites?
- services like gas and water already installed
2. improvement to unused areas that are spoiling the landscape
What are the negatives of building on brownfield sites?
- expensive to build on
- potential restrictions to development
- may be contaminated with toxic substances
What are the different views towards migration into the UK?
- local councils - concern over health/education provision
- businesses - migrants increase the workforce with skills in short supply
- individuals - may think migrants will reduce employment availability
What was net migration in 2015?
336,000
What are the different ways National Parks are being conserved and developed?
- converting old farm buildings
- working with other organisations e.g. English Heritage
- river restoration works (river fences to prevent erosion)
- promoting the use if electric bikes to reduce number of cars
- using renewable energy
- regular monitoring of historic sites by staff to check condition
How many National Parks are there in the UK?
15