UK: URBAN ISSUES/CHALLENGES - PAPER 2 Flashcards
What is the population distribution in the UK?
82% live in towns and cities
In London, there is a popu. density of 5000 per km2
Goes down to 10km per km2 in Northern Scotland
Islington - 14517 per km2, highest in London
Lowest densities in the north/west of UK, mainly Wales and Scotland
Highest found in cities like London, Manchester, Glasgow
What is an area in UK chosen for regenration?
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, located in Stratford, East London.
Leading up to the Olympics, the area was dilapidated and abandoned, and the regeneration would be able to revive and maintain the area even long after the 2012 Olympics
It was already an area very accessible in the london, with train links to many areas in the UK
What were the features of the regeneration project?
The regeneration began in 2007, and to manage it:
The land was purchased under the Olympic Delivery Authority
Decontaminating the land that would be used
Burying electric cables - creating a more attractive landscape
Constructing bridges over waterways - improved access
Landscaping - creating natural habitats and improving attractivenes
What is the present state of the area?
It has great sports arenas, mainly the Olympic Stadium, the Aquatics Centre, along with cycling velodromes
Landscaped park; tourist attractions and natural habitats
Athlete’s Village; turned into housing area for locals
Better aquatic environment; footpaths and cyclepaths
What is an example of a sustainable community?
East Village, formerly Athletes Village
Used to provide 2800 new homes, and high sustainability standards
What are the main features in East Village?
Transport - local buses and trains conencted to the Underground; Stratford Int. provides routes to Central London and Europe
Green spaces - 10 hectars of parkland, purifying the air
High-density apartments - high standards of insulation and efficiency
Green rooves - slows rate of water draining off; encourages more wildlife
Affordable homes - many homes rented at lower rates;
Car parks - good cycle and foot paths, along with fees for parking encourage less car use
Shops and services - local shops keeps money in the local economy, along with schools and a health centre
How is water and energy conserved and used sustainably?
Collecting rainwater, and recycling it for use in the home, for work and in community services
In East Village, this grey water is used for toilets and gardens rather than high quality drinking water
Using green rooves - harvesting rainwater and growing food in an attractive manner, and creating natural ecosystems
Also using solar panels on rooves
Increased efficiency in any water-using devices - washing machines, dishwashers, toilets
Using biomass to generate electricity - used in East Village for heating homes
How is recycling done more sustainably?
Reducing materials for packaging and recycling - fewer used up as waste; in the UK, plastitc bags cost money to do this
Using waste to create energy - biogas digesters; food and garden waste into usable gas
Sorting materials in the home (paper, cardboard, glass), along with industries and businesses
Urging communities to grow food and compost waste
How is urban transport used sustainably?
Integrated transport systems: In Freiburg, trams are used along with bus routes, cycle paths and footpaths. 30km of tramline + 400km of cycleways
Bristol: more cycle paths, MetroWest + MetroBus systems
Charges for cars entering cities - ULEZ charges in London
Adding to public transport: Beijing; new metro lins and BRT system
More attractive public transport (or demeriting private transport): Singapore; many fees to use cars - petrol, registration, automatic road pricing - 44% reduction in traffic
