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Evaluate the relative importance of strategies used to develop sustainable cities in overcoming environmental problems for one urban area you have studied. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 3
Evaluate the relative importance of strategies used to develop sustainable cities in overcoming environmental problems for one urban area you have studied.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Evaluate the relative importance of strategies used to develop sustainable cities in overcoming environmental problems for one urban area you have studied. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
Knowledge of strategies to develop sustainable cities
Answer
To evaluate the importance of strategies used to develop sustainable cities, one must first understand these strategies. Examples include:
- Transport: Incorporating public transport systems to reduce car dependency.
- Recycling: Implementing comprehensive recycling programs to minimize waste.
- Affordable Housing: Ensuring housing projects meet the needs of low-income families without expansion into green spaces.
- Renewable Energy: Promoting solar panels and wind energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Sustainable Urban Drainage: Developing systems to manage rainwater efficiently to prevent flooding and promote water recycling.
Each of these strategies is tailored to address specific environmental challenges, such as urban sprawl, waste management, and energy consumption.
Step 2
Evaluate the extent to which sustainable strategies are successful
Answer
The success of these strategies greatly depends on local conditions and community involvement. For example, in a city like Curitiba, Brazil:
- Recycling Schemes: These have shown to be highly effective; residents are educated on the importance of waste separation, leading to reduced landfill usage by 50%.
- Public Transport: The city's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system has significantly decreased traffic congestion, demonstrating effective sustainable urban planning.
- Green Spaces: Introducing parks has not only improved air quality but also enhanced urban biodiversity.
However, not all strategies yield equal results. For instance, while recycling appears successful, other strategies such as green roof initiatives may struggle due to financial constraints or lack of public awareness.
Step 3
Conclusion on the relative importance of strategies
Answer
In conclusion, the relative success of strategies for developing sustainable cities can vary, but understanding local challenges is crucial. Strategies like public transportation and recycling tend to have more immediate impacts, addressing critical issues such as waste management and mobility.
Thus, while all strategies are important, those that promote community engagement and education, like recycling and public transport, play a more significant role in overcoming environmental problems in urban settings. Therefore, effective policy implementation must prioritize these key areas to foster sustainable urban environments.