Geography - Sustainable Urban areas: Ecological footprint and liveability

Definition of sustainable urban development

Meeting present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs.

Why cities pose major environmental threats

They consume around three‑quarters of global resources and generate most pollution.

What an ecological footprint measures

The land and water needed to produce the resources a population consumes.

Example: London’s ecological footprint

Estimated to be twice the size of the entire UK.

Relationship between affluence and ecological footprint

Higher affluence increases consumption and waste, leading to larger footprints.

Global sustainability goal for cities (post‑2015 SDGs)

To make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Key economic requirement for a sustainable city

Provision of employment opportunities.

Key social requirement for a sustainable city

High living standards for residents.

Key environmental requirement for a sustainable city

A clean and healthy environment.

Governance requirement for sustainable cities

Fair governance that supports equitable access to services.

Meaning of people‑centred planning

Urban planning that prioritises residents’ needs, wellbeing, and quality of life.

Definition of livability

How suitable a city is for living, based on factors like safety, green space, and amenities.

Why livability varies between people

Different residents prioritise different needs, such as green space, safety, or family‑friendly environments.

How sustainable development reduces ecological footprints

By lowering resource consumption and waste through efficient, inclusive urban systems.

Two major environmental impacts of cities mentioned in the video

High waste generation and high energy/resource consumption.

Brundtland definition of sustainable development

Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs

Four dimensions of sustainability in urban areas

Social, economic, physical (built environment), natural (environmental)

What an ecological footprint measures

The land and water area needed to produce consumed resources and absorb generated waste

Why cities have larger ecological footprints than rural areas

Higher consumption, greater waste production, and reliance on global resource flows

Example of a city with a very large ecological footprint

London’s footprint is almost twice the size of the UK

Key social sustainability indicators in cities

Clean water and sanitation, food security, healthcare access, affordable housing

Key physical sustainability features

Green spaces, pedestrianised zones, cycling infrastructure, recreational areas

Key economic sustainability strategies

Decent employment, regeneration, living wages, upskilling citizens

Key natural/environmental sustainability strategies

Green transport, water management, waste and recycling systems, green technology

Definition of livability (2)

How well a city supports quality of life through stability, healthcare, culture, education, and infrastructure

Why livability varies between people (2)

Different groups prioritise different needs (e.g., safety, green space, culture, family amenities)

Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis

Environmental degradation rises with economic growth until a turning point, after which wealthier societies reduce impacts.

One criticism of the Environmental Kuznets Curve

Wealthy nations often outsource pollution and resource extraction to poorer countries

BedZED’s main sustainability features

Solar panels, south-facing homes, energy efficiency, electric car charging, low-energy design

Main limitation of BedZED as a sustainability model

Very small scale (3.5 acres), not representative of wider London

Why sustainability is increasing in Bangalore

Rising affluence in IT sector increases environmental awareness and demand for sustainable housing.

Sustainable features of the Samseng Hosa development (Bangalore)

Rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient walls, communal spaces, reduced energy use.

Why sustainability is challenging in rapidly growing cities

Financial constraints, weak governance, poor infrastructure, competing priorities like water and food access

One major opportunity for sustainable cities

Falling cost of green technologies such as solar panels

Why physical geography matters for sustainability

Rivers, coastlines, and topography constrain transport, housing, and pollution management

Example of physical geography limiting sustainability

Lagos’ lagoon restricts road building and contributes to congestion and housing pressure

What AQA expects in 20-mark sustainability essays

Evaluation, case study depth, multi-dimensional analysis, scale and time considerations

How to approach 'To what extent…' sustainability questions

Balance opportunities and challenges, use dimensions, compare scales, reach a justified judgement

How to approach 'Evaluate the relative importance…' questions

Compare strategies directly, assess scale, time, and effectiveness, conclude with hierarchy of importance

Why contrasting case studies strengthen essays

They allow comparison of successes, limitations, and context-specific challenges

One reason waste is a global issue

Waste is often exported internationally, spreading environmental impacts across borders

Why wealthier cities often have higher ecological footprints

Higher consumption of energy, meat, transport, and manufactured goods

One reason sustainability can reduce inequality

Regeneration and improved services can improve access to jobs, housing, and amenities.

One reason sustainability can be difficult to scale

Small pilot projects may not translate to whole-city implementation due to cost and complexity

One example of a global livability trend during COVID-19

Global average livability scores fell by seven points due to pandemic impacts