Sustainable Cities (AQA A Level Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Jacque Cartwright
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Features of Sustainable Cities
Features of a sustainable city include:
Liveable communities with improved transport - developing infrastructure, networks and modes (i.e. car sharing) to meet demand, without increasing congestion and pollution; adopting and promoting affordable public transport; introducing vehicle restrictions and technical innovations (EV chargers etc.)
Green architecture - reducing the number of resources used and lower greenhouse gas emissions from building city structures; using solar panels, enhanced ventilation and insulation
Urban farming - utilising rooftop spaces and using vertical gardens; improvement of air quality; reduced runoff and improved humidity; supports local food production thereby reducing transport costs and boost local economy; utilises neglected spaces and reduces agricultural supply chain impact
Carbon-neutral developments and planned expansion - compact cities and building structures that generate as much energy as is used
Waste management and water conservation - improved planning and water leak detection; recycling, composting and upcycling materials and waste
Green space expansion - parks, nature preserves and recreational areas get people out of cars and improves mental health; improves and supports diverse ecosystems including birds, bees and butterflies
Renewable energy - installation of solar panels, wind turbines and central heat and power units
Opportunities & Challenges to Sustainability
Opportunities & Challenges to Sustainability
Opportunities | Challenges |
|---|---|
Inward investments are more likely due to higher benefits | LDEs lack the money to invest in expensive sustainable methods |
Higher population densities, ensures that services are viable and can reach more people | Lifestyle changes are hard to implement and people are resistant to change |
Sustainable living and its importance is growing and many people wish to live sustainably, meaning investments into 'green tech' for urban living is increasing | Fast urbanisation rates creates difficulties in maintaining and increasing the demands and needs of a growing population |
Protection of greenbelts and redevelopment of brownfield sites to reduce urban sprawl | Globalisation has increased power and influence of TNCs, and they need to embrace the need to change |
Future planning can include low carbon policies, energy efficient buildings, reducing dependency on private vehicles etc. | Infrastructure can be inhibiting with narrow streets or roads |
Strategies for Development of Sustainable Cities
There is no one size fits all and different strategies for increasing sustainability are needed for different cities:
Reducing vehicle numbers - strategies can include vehicle free zones, times and days, constructing new cycle lanes, introducing park and ride schemes along with improving public transport provision
E.g. in Freiburg, Germany, cycling routes, pedestrian-only zones and a light rail system have reduced car use
Increasing green space - green spaces, e.g. parks, can reduce pollution and increase biodiversity, promoting urban agriculture
Programmes such as river clean-ups, wetland restoration and tree planting can provide habitats for wildlife
Improving urban waste disposal - many cities have introduced measures to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill
These include expanding recycling facilities, converting to incineration with energy recovery and encouraging people to compost green waste
Increasing renewable energy use - using renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, decreases fossil fuel use and carbon emissions
Reducing water use and wastage - authorities can insist that new buildings are fitted with water meters and water-efficient fittings, and ensure that people use less water
E.g. in Cape Town, South Africa, water pressure was reduced so that showers, hosepipes etc. would use less water
Improve building efficiency - governments can offer incentives to encourage homeowners and businesses to improve the insulation in buildings, install solar panels and use energy-efficient light bulbs
Forward planning - build with south facing windows, extra insulation, rainwater harvesting tanks, energy and water meters
20 minute neighbourhood - the idea is that no resident should need to travel more than 20 minutes from work, shops, business services, education or leisure facilities
In Paris, the mayor is using the Rue de Rivoli to trial the concept. It is hoped that in future, no Parisian should need to travel more than 15 minutes on foot or by bike to work, shop, or deal with a government agency
Sponge cities - sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) are open spaces within cities that can soak up floodwater and prevent damage in an ecologically friendly way
Many of China's growing cities suffer from chronic flooding, they are implementing measures to hold, clean, and drain water back into the system
The Netherlands has created multi-functional “water squares” which holds storm water and offers a social space during other times
Worked Example
Which of the following would not be an appropriate technique for a sustainable city?
[1 mark]
Using green roofs on houses to increase levels of infiltration
Building a dual carriageway across the city to ease traffic congestion
Government subsidies to encourage the use of solar panels
Increasing pedestrianisation to reduce care use
Answer:
B - whilst easing traffic congestion makes travel quicker and reduces overall emissions, it encourages the use of vehicles, which burn fossil fuels which is not sustainable
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