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
What agency is responsible for the management of the UK’s rivers and coasts?
The Environment Agency
What approaches are used ti manage flood risk of rivers and coasts?
- monitoring and early warning systems
- soft and hard engineering techniques (thames barrier is largest moving floor barrier in the world - protection to centre from total surges)
- educating local residents
- new regulations for building on floodplains/coastlines
- river catchment management (afforestation)
What is the UK’s future climate?
- rise between 2 - 4ºC causing warmer summers and winters
- increased precipitation leading to more extreme weather events
What are the UK’s local responses to climate change?
individuals reduce their carbon footprint by using public transport, car sharing, recycling waste, installing renewables etc
e.g. installing cavity walls
What are the UK’s local responses to climate change?
government promotes the use of sustainable practices by raising awareness and increasing car tax based on carbon emissions
could also continue to invest in increased use of renewable energy
