London

Question 1

Regional importance

Answer 1

Many people in surrounding counties commute into London and it provides many jobs for people.

Question 2

National importance

Answer 2

London is of huge economic importance for the country as it is the centre of trade and finance. It also holds much importance in terms of education, media, government and culture.

Question 3

Global importance

Answer 3

London is a ‘World City’ which means that it is one of the most important financial centres in the world.

Question 4

How has urban change has created social and economic opportunities ?

Answer 4

Cultural mix

Recreation and entertainment

Employment

Integrated transport system

Question 5

urban greening

Answer 5

Urban greening is about increasing the amount of green space that cities have. London is already a green city as it has many parks so it is about maintaining what they have and continue to improve it.

Question 6

What is urban deprivation ?

Answer 6

Some areas of London are very deprived. For example in Newham over 50% of people are receiving benefits. Life expectancy is an indicator of deprivation. In London if you travel from West Ham to Knightsbridge on the Jubilee line life expectancy increases from 78 years to 90 years – that’s 12 years difference just depending where you live!

Question 7

inequalities in housing

Answer 7

There is not enough housing in London and many people who have grown up in London will struggle to ever get a house. Many rented houses are overpriced and are in poor condition. This has been made worse in recent years.

Question 8

Education

Answer 8

The quality of schools vary largely depending on where they are. It is always a big struggle to provide enough good schools and it is very competitive amongst parents.

Question 9

Health

Answer 9

People can have very different levels of health depending on where they live. This is due to poverty and deprivation.

Question 10

Employment

Answer 10

Unemployment increases in areas which are more deprived. Often people do not have the skills or education to have employment and if they do it is poorly paid. Many people in Tower Hamlets (a poor area) cannot get jobs in Canary Warf despite the close distance.

Question 11

Effects of urban Change ?

Answer 11

Urban deprivation
Inequalities in housing
Health
Employment

Question 12

Life expectancy in Newham compared to Kensington and Chelsea ?

Answer 12

76 Newham

85 Kensington and Chelsea

Question 13

How has urban change has created environmental challenges ?

Answer 13

Dereliction:
Many factories shut down as countries like China started manufacturing. This meant lots of factory buildings became derelict and houses nearby became vacant. This led to increased crime and the buildings became run down and covered in graffiti. This reduces the environmental quality of the area and makes it unpopular with people and business. Many of these areas have now been regenerated.

   Waste disposal:   London produces a huge amount of waste. 25% still goes to landfill and this is unsustainable. 61% is recycled. The target is that 0% of London’s waste should go to Landfill by 2030. This will be achieved by less packaging and incinerating waste to make electricity for example in London EcoPark, Enfield (an incinerator).

Question 14

What are brownfield sites ?

Answer 14

There are lots of sites available from when factories shut down.

Reduces urban sprawl

Question 15

What are greenfield sites ?

Answer 15

Natural habitats that will be destroyed

Increases urban sprawl

Question 16

What is the impact of urban sprawl on the rural–urban fringe, and the growth of commuter settlements?

Answer 16

As London is too expensive for many people to live, people move to commuter settlements like Reading which is just outside the greenbelt.

Question 17

What is an example of an urban regeneration project ?

Answer 17

The London Olympics

Question 18

Reasons why the area needed regeneration (London Olympics)

Answer 18

 There was lots of derelict and contaminated land.
 The River Lee was polluted and needed to be cleaned.
 Transport was poor in the area, making it disconnected and preventing good jobs.
 Places like Newham were very run down and there were high levels of deprivation.

Question 19

The main features of the project (London olympics)

Answer 19

 The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) which was set up by the government bought the land.
 People who lived there were forced to sell their homes and move – this caused protests.
 Land had to be decontaminated and large electricity pylons had to be buried under the
ground.
 Bridges were built over the river and the river was cleaned, habitats being created on the
banks.
 New houses were built along with new schools, nurseries and community facilities.
 The aim was that the redevelopment of the Olympic site would leave a lasting legacy for
London.
 Once the Olympics was over, much of the green space has been sold to build new housing
and pay back the debt created from the Olympic games.