Dimensions of Sustainability (AQA A Level Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Jacque Cartwright
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Concept of Liveability
Liveability can be defined as:
'The level to which a place provides a suitable or good space to live in’
It is usually measured by factors such as safety, cultural, environmental and social quality, access to community facilities, shops and services and levels of freedom as perceived by residents, workers, customers and visitors to the area
Factors Used by People
Factor | Example |
|---|---|
Safety and health related issues | Personal security, public health, traffic safety |
Local environmental conditions | Cleanliness, noise, dust, air and water quality |
Quality of social interactions | Community identity and pride, neighbourliness |
Opportunities for recreation and entertainment | Leisure centres, cinemas, restaurants |
Aesthetics | Easy to navigate, inviting, beauty, appealing, accessible |
Existence of unique cultural environmental characteristics | Historic structures, mature trees, traditional architectural styles, streetscapes |
The Economist Intelligence Unit publishes an annual Global Liveability Index which quantifies the challenges presented to an individual’s lifestyle and quality of life in 173 cities
The Index is based on 5 broad categories:
Stability
Healthcare
Culture and environment
Education
Infrastructure
In 2022, lessened covid-19 restrictions and the Ukraine Crisis contributed to shifting trends in the most liveable cities and overall standards of living. Higher scoring cities are in regions where vaccination rates are higher, and cities with lower quality of life assessments are where war is prevalent. The Economist Intelligence Unit 2023
Every city is assigned a rating of relative comfort for over 30 qualitative and quantitative factors
Each factor is rated as acceptable, tolerable, uncomfortable, undesirable or intolerable
Scores are weighted and then given a total score out of 100
Top and Bottom Two Ranked Cities of 2019 and 2022
Top and Bottom Ranked City | 2019 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
1 | Vienna, Austria | Vienna, Austria |
2 | Melbourne, Australia | Copenhagen, Denmark |
139/171* | Lagos, Nigeria | Lagos, Nigeria |
140/172* | Damascus, Syria | Damascus, Syria |
*In 2019 the Index only covered 140 cities
The liveability of a place has a direct impact on the people who live, work, or visit the area
Popular areas to live and work in (high liveability), property values and business activity tends to be higher, as people compete to locate there
Neighbourhoods perceived to have low levels of liveability generally have cheaper housing because people are less likely to choose it as a place in which to live
Dimensions of Sustainability
Sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of today without compromising the needs of tomorrow
In other words, making the best use of current resources, protecting the environment, controlling growth of the built environment and limiting waste
The concept of true sustainability is not possible at present, but good planning and management contributes towards that goal
Urban sustainability falls under the following:
Physical and natural - nature has limits, and communities (people are also part of naturel) are responsible for protecting and building natural assets
Economic - should be for the common good, be self-renewing, build local value and self-reliance
Social - opportunity for full participation in all activities and benefits of a society
Political and governance - inclusion and consultation in decision-making of the city, clear leadership and management, government is open and transparent
Dimensions of Sustainability | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Physical and Natural | Economic | Social | Political and Governance |
Land use and conservation Management of resources and waste Energy efficiency and reduction of emissions Recycling and upcycling Expansion of green spaces Urban agriculture Good housing, transport and services Carbon neutral building structures | Access to ethical, well paid jobs Well-funded council to ensure continued economic growth Distribution of renewable energy Technology and innovation supported for green production and growth Interconnected systems to share good practice Addressing ecological footprint of business | Social inclusivity Cultural promotion Access to public spaces, services and good housing Tolerance and respect of each other to maintain social cohesiveness | Strengthening of political and civil rights Support of local, regional, national and global links Inclusivity of residents and decision making Reduction of inequalities - Help to Buy Schemes Planned expansion - compact cities |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Remember that sustainable cities must be liveable in the now and in the future and therefore, sustainability encompasses the concept of liveability and how able residents are to accessing a good quality of life.
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