Section A: Urban issues and challenges

Urban change in cities in the UK leads to a variety of social, economic and environmental opportunities and challenges.

Overview of the distribution of population and the major cities in the UK.

A case study of a major city in the UK to illustrate:

• the location and importance of the city in the UK and the wider world
• impacts of national and international migration on the growth and character of the city
• how urban change has created opportunities:
  • social and economic: cultural mix, recreation and entertainment, employment, integrated transport systems
  • environmental: urban greening
• how urban change has created challenges:
  • social and economic: urban deprivation, inequalities in housing, education, health and employment
  • environmental: dereliction, building on brownfield and greenfield sites, waste disposal
  • the impact of urban sprawl on the rural–urban fringe, and the growth of commuter settlements.

An example of an urban regeneration project to show:

• reasons why the area needed regeneration
• the main features of the project.

Urban sustainability requires management of resources and transport.

Features of sustainable urban living:

• water and energy conservation
• waste recycling
• creating green space.

How urban transport strategies are used to reduce traffic congestion.