Urban Sustainability - Paper 2 Flashcards
Give 3 reasons why living in a city can be more sustainable than living in the countryside:
-People need to make fewer road journeys because everything they need is closer
-Careful planning on things like public transport help to save resources
-People work together to generate ideas or produce goods and services that benefit the economy
What are the 4 unsustainable inputs into a city?
-Food - most is grown outside of the city or imported it
-Water - taken from rivers or from below ground and stored in reservoirs
-Energy - most comes from burning fuels that are drilled or mined
-Other resources - building materials like timber, concrete and other materials we consume
What are the 3 unsustainable outputs of a city?
-Waste - a lot ends up in landfill or is burned
-Sewage - treated in sewage works before it is returned to a river
-Pollution - can spread beyond the city in the air or water
What is an ecological footprint?
The area of land or sea that is needed to produce all the inputs a city uses and to dispose of its outputs.
How big is London’s total ecological footprint?
About twice the size of the UK.
How big is the ecological footprint of each person in London?
An estimated 6 global hectares.
Give 5 initiatives cities around the world are taking to be more sustainable?
-Recycling more waste
-Improved public transport
-More green spaces
-Local energy schemes
-Better cycling routes
What does reliance on cars lead to?
Traffic congestion, poor air quality and ill health, as well as making streets less friendly to people.
What is a sustainable city?
One that can meet its needs without making it more difficult for future generations to meet their needs.
Give 5 features of urban sustainability:
-Energy conservation
-Water conservation
-Waste recycling
-Creating green space
-Urban transport strategies to reduce traffic congestion
Name 3 water conservation schemes which can help cities be more sustainable:
-Collecting rainwater for use on gardens or flushing toilets
-Installing toilets which use less water to flush
-Installing water metres so people have to pay
Name 3 energy conservation schemes which can help cities be more sustainable:
-Promoting renewable energy sources
-Government incentives to make homes more energy efficient eg allowing homeowners who generate renewable electricity to sell excess to national grid
-Making sure that new homes that are built meet minimum energy efficiency requirements
Name 3 waste recycling schemes which can help cities be more sustainable:
-Collection of household recycling boxes
-Recycling facilities for larger items like fridges
-Websites where items are offered for free so they can be used by others instead of thrown away
Give 3 social benefits of creating green space:
-Provide cooler areas where people can relax in hot weather
-Encourages people to exercise more and use alternative transport, making people healthier and less stressed
-Make people feel happier by providing a break from the city
Give 2 environmental benefits of creating green space:
-Reduce the risk of flooding by reducing surface run off from rainfall
-Reduce air pollution by creating pockets of clean air
