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- UK challenges: people, resources and the economy
UK challenges: people, resources and the economy
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Paper 3 ends with a decision-making question about a UK challenge, using a resource booklet. You need a good overview of each challenge.
Resources and the environment
The UK's population is expected to keep growing, mainly in the south east, increasing demand for housing, water, energy and food.
More people put pressure on ecosystems, for example building on countryside and more visitors to fragile places.
Sustainable transport options include better rail and bus services, cycling, electric vehicles and charging schemes such as London's congestion charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone.
More people put pressure on ecosystems, for example building on countryside and more visitors to fragile places.
Sustainable transport options include better rail and bus services, cycling, electric vehicles and charging schemes such as London's congestion charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone.
The two-speed economy
The UK has a two-speed economy: London and the south east have grown faster than many other regions.
Options for closing the gap include investment in transport and skills in the north and Midlands, such as the Northern Powerhouse plan (launched in 2014), and moving government jobs out of London.
Options for closing the gap include investment in transport and skills in the north and Midlands, such as the Northern Powerhouse plan (launched in 2014), and moving government jobs out of London.
Housing and migration
Greenfield sites (never built on) are cheaper to build on but use countryside. Brownfield sites (previously developed) save countryside and regenerate areas but may need expensive cleaning up.
Net migration = immigration − emigration. Official figures come from the Office for National Statistics, but they are estimates based on surveys, so their reliability is often debated. People and groups hold very different views about migration.
Net migration = immigration − emigration. Official figures come from the Office for National Statistics, but they are estimates based on surveys, so their reliability is often debated. People and groups hold very different views about migration.
In one year 1,200,000 people moved to a country and 500,000 left. Calculate net migration.
- Net migration = immigration − emigration
- 1,200,000 − 500,000
Answer: 700,000
UK challenges: population growth increases demand for resources and pressure on ecosystems; sustainable transport helps. The two-speed economy favours London and the south east. Greenfield versus brownfield development. Net migration = immigration − emigration, and its estimates are debated.
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