AQA A-level Geography · 3.2.3

Sustainable urban development and case studies

50 exam-style questions with answers for 3.2.3 Sustainable urban development and case studies in AQA A-level Geography (spec 7037). Practise with flashcards, a topic quiz, a random quiz across the course, 5 crosswords, or read every question and answer below. Not official AQA material.

All 50 questions and answers

Question 1 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Impacts of cities
Define the term ecological footprint of a city. [2 marks]
Answer:
The area of land and sea needed to supply a city's resources and absorb its wastes (1); it is much greater than the area of the city itself (1).
Question 2 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Impacts of cities
Explain the impacts of urban areas on local environments. [4 marks]
Answer:
Building replaces natural habitats and soil with impermeable surfaces, reducing biodiversity (1); air pollution, noise and the heat island degrade local climate and health (1); water is polluted by sewage and runoff, and drainage is altered (1); waste and dereliction affect land and appearance (1).
Question 3 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Impacts of cities
Explain the impacts of urban areas on the global environment. [3 marks]
Answer:
Cities occupy about 3% of the land but use most of the world's energy and produce most carbon dioxide emissions (1); they draw resources such as food, water, timber and minerals from distant areas, causing land-use change elsewhere (1); consumption and waste produce pollution that crosses borders, including plastic in the oceans (1).
Question 4 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Impacts of cities
Explain why the ecological footprint of cities is much larger than the area they cover. [2 marks]
Answer:
Cities import food, energy, water and materials from large areas beyond their boundaries (1); high-income cities in particular consume a lot per person and produce a lot of waste and emissions (1).
Question 5 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Impacts of cities
A city covers 1,572 km² and its ecological footprint is 157,200 km². Calculate how many times larger the footprint is than the city. [2 marks]
Answer:
157,200 ÷ 1,572 (1); 100 times (1).
Question 6 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Sustainable cities
Describe the four dimensions of sustainability in an urban context. [4 marks]
Answer:
Natural sustainability: protecting air, water, soil and biodiversity (1); physical sustainability: efficient buildings, transport and infrastructure that can last (1); social sustainability: access to housing, health, education and a fair society (1); economic sustainability: a strong economy with jobs that does not damage the future (1).
Question 7 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Sustainable cities
Describe the features of a sustainable city. [4 marks]
Answer:
Any four from: compact, mixed-use development that reduces the need to travel (1); efficient public transport, walking and cycling (1); renewable energy and energy-efficient buildings (1); green space and biodiversity within the city (1); waste reduction, reuse and recycling (1); water efficiency and recycling (1); affordable housing and a good quality of life for all (1).
Question 8 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Sustainable cities
Define liveability and give indicators used to measure it. [3 marks]
Answer:
The quality of life that a city provides to its residents (1); indicators include stability and safety, healthcare, education, culture and environment and infrastructure (1); cities such as Vienna and Copenhagen regularly top liveability rankings (1).
Question 9 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Sustainable cities
Explain why liveability varies between cities. [3 marks]
Answer:
High-income cities have more resources to invest in services and infrastructure (1); political instability, conflict and crime reduce the liveability of some cities (1); rapid growth, informal housing and poor services reduce liveability in many cities in low-income countries (1).
Question 10 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Sustainable cities
Explain the opportunities for developing more sustainable cities. [3 marks]
Answer:
Dense cities can supply services, public transport and heating more efficiently per person (1); new technology, such as electric vehicles, smart grids and renewable energy, can reduce impacts (1); cities are centres of innovation, and strong local government can act more quickly than national governments (1).
Question 11 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Sustainable cities
Explain the challenges of developing more sustainable cities. [4 marks]
Answer:
Cost: retrofitting buildings and infrastructure needs large investment (1); rapid growth in developing countries makes it hard to keep up with housing and services (1); dependence on cars and the attitudes of residents and businesses are hard to change (1); conflicts between economic growth, social needs and the environment, and weak governance in some places (1).
Question 12 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Strategies
Explain how Copenhagen promotes sustainable transport. [3 marks]
Answer:
About half of commuting trips to work or study in the city are made by bike (1); there is an extensive network of cycle lanes and bridges and a good metro and rail system (1); the city aims to be carbon neutral and has used district heating and wind power (1).
Question 13 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Strategies
Describe the integrated transport and planning in Curitiba. [3 marks]
Answer:
Curitiba introduced a bus rapid transit system with dedicated lanes in the 1970s (1); development was planned along transport corridors with high-density housing near stations (1); parks, recycling schemes and pedestrian streets also improved sustainability (1).
Question 14 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Strategies
Describe the Stockholm congestion tax and its impact. [3 marks]
Answer:
A charge on vehicles entering the city centre, made permanent in 2007 after a trial (1); traffic fell by about a fifth and emissions in the centre fell (1); public support increased after people saw the benefits, and the revenue funds roads and public transport (1).
Question 15 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Strategies
Describe how Singapore has become a greener city. [3 marks]
Answer:
Planning policies have created parks, green roofs and walls, and aim for a City in a Garden (1); Gardens by the Bay and park connectors increase biodiversity and cooling (1); the city recycles water through NEWater and uses road pricing to reduce congestion (1).
Question 16 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Strategies
Describe the BedZED development in London. [3 marks]
Answer:
The Beddington Zero Energy Development, built in 2002, is a housing and workspace scheme in Sutton (1); it uses high insulation, solar panels, rainwater harvesting and passive ventilation (1); residents use less energy and water, although the technology did not all work as planned (1).
Question 17 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Strategies
Describe the Vauban district in Freiburg. [3 marks]
Answer:
A low-energy neighbourhood built on a former military site (1); most streets are car-free and residents are encouraged to use trams, buses and bikes (1); homes use solar energy and high insulation, and the district has green space and community facilities (1).
Question 18 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Strategies
Describe the eco-city of Masdar in Abu Dhabi and the criticisms of it. [3 marks]
Answer:
Planned as a zero-carbon, car-free city powered by renewable energy (1); it has been much reduced in scale and has few residents compared with the original plan (1); critics say it is an expensive showcase that is not a model for the poorer cities that are growing fastest (1).
Question 19 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Strategies
Explain the idea of the 15-minute city. [3 marks]
Answer:
Residents should be able to reach most daily needs, such as shops, schools, work and parks, within 15 minutes on foot or by bike (1); it reduces car use and emissions and supports local businesses (1); Paris is applying the idea by creating cycle lanes and local services, although it is hard to apply in spread-out cities (1).
Question 20 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Strategies
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of compact city development. [4 marks]
Answer:
It reduces journey lengths and encourages public transport, walking and cycling (1); it protects the countryside and uses brownfield land (1); it makes shared heating and services more efficient (1); high density can cause overcrowding, higher house prices, loss of green space and more noise and heat (1).
Question 21 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Strategies
Explain the benefits of green infrastructure in cities. [3 marks]
Answer:
Trees, parks and green roofs reduce temperatures and the heat island effect (1); they absorb rainwater, reducing flooding, and improve air quality (1); they provide habitat for wildlife and benefits for mental and physical health (1).
Question 22 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Strategies
Explain the role of urban agriculture in more sustainable cities. [3 marks]
Answer:
Growing food on allotments, roofs and vacant land reduces food miles (1); it provides fresh food, jobs and community involvement, as in Detroit and Singapore (1); the amount of food produced is small, and soils may be contaminated (1).
Question 23 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Strategies
Explain what is meant by a smart city, using Songdo as an example. [3 marks]
Answer:
A city that uses sensors and data to manage services such as traffic, waste, energy and water (1); Songdo in South Korea was built from the start as a smart city, with pneumatic waste collection and sensors (1); critics point to the cost, loss of privacy and low occupancy compared with the plan (1).
Question 24 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Strategies
Explain how cities can become more socially sustainable. [3 marks]
Answer:
Provide affordable housing and avoid displacing existing residents (1); ensure access to good schools, healthcare, transport and green space for all areas (1); involve local people in decisions, so that they support policies (1).
Question 25 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Strategies
Explain how cities can become more economically sustainable. [3 marks]
Answer:
Support local businesses and green jobs, such as renewable energy and recycling (1); invest in skills and infrastructure so that the economy can adapt to change (1); make the city resilient to hazards such as flooding, heat and economic shocks (1).
Question 26 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Strategies
Assess the extent to which cities in low-income countries can become more sustainable. [6 marks]
Answer:
Rapid growth makes it hard to provide housing, water, sanitation and transport (1); finance and technology are limited, and governance may be weak (1); however, cheaper approaches exist, such as bus rapid transit in Curitiba and Bogotá, upgrading informal settlements and informal recycling (1); new cities have the chance to plan sustainably from the start rather than retrofit (1); international aid and technology transfer can help (1); the extent depends on political will, funding and the involvement of local communities, so progress will differ between cities (1).
Question 27 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · London case study
Describe the pattern of economic well-being in London. [3 marks]
Answer:
London produces a large share of UK GDP and has very high average incomes (1); wealth is concentrated in the west and centre, such as Kensington and Chelsea, while parts of the east and inner east have higher unemployment and child poverty (1); housing costs are very high, so many households on average incomes find it hard to afford a home (1).
Question 28 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · London case study
Describe the pattern of social well-being in London. [3 marks]
Answer:
Life expectancy, health and educational attainment vary between boroughs, with several years' difference in life expectancy between the richest and poorest areas (1); deprivation is concentrated in some inner east and outer areas, and overcrowded and temporary housing is common in some areas (1); cultural diversity is high, with over 300 languages spoken, creating a rich community life but some segregation (1).
Question 29 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · London case study
Explain how the physical environment creates risks and opportunities in London. [3 marks]
Answer:
London lies on the River Thames, which provided a route for trade and a site for the city (1); its tidal estuary and low-lying land give a flood risk, managed by the Thames Barrier, completed in 1982, and other defences (1); the temperate climate and relatively low relief make building and transport easier, but the heat island and summer heat are increasing risks (1).
Question 30 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · London case study
Describe the environmental conditions and sustainability measures in London. [4 marks]
Answer:
Air pollution from traffic is a problem, and the ULEZ now covers all boroughs (1); the green belt and parks protect green space, and London aims to reach net zero by 2030 (1); the Thames Tideway Tunnel and recycling targets aim to reduce water pollution and waste (1); housing demand, congestion and flood risk make sustainability difficult (1).
Question 31 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · London case study
Describe the character of London and residents' attitudes to it. [3 marks]
Answer:
London is a world city with a mix of historic, financial and cultural areas, and a diverse population (1); many residents value its job opportunities, culture and diversity (1); housing costs, pollution, crowding and inequality are common concerns, and attitudes to measures such as the ULEZ differ (1).
Question 32 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · Mumbai case study
Describe the pattern of economic well-being in Mumbai. [3 marks]
Answer:
Mumbai is India's financial capital, home to the Bombay Stock Exchange, major companies and the film industry (1); there is extreme inequality, with very expensive housing in south Mumbai and about 40% of residents living in informal settlements (1); many people work in the informal economy, with low and insecure incomes (1).
Question 33 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · Mumbai case study
Describe the pattern of social well-being in Mumbai. [3 marks]
Answer:
Access to water, sanitation, healthcare and education is far better in wealthy areas than in slums (1); health problems such as tuberculosis and diarrhoea are more common in overcrowded settlements (1); strong community networks exist in areas like Dharavi, even where services are poor (1).
Question 34 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · Mumbai case study
Explain how the physical environment affects Mumbai. [3 marks]
Answer:
The city is on a narrow, low-lying peninsula, which limits land and raises land values (1); the monsoon from June to September brings about 2,000 mm of rain, and high tides can cause floods, as in 2005 (1); reclaimed land and the loss of mangroves have increased flood risk, and the heat and humidity affect health (1).
Question 35 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · Mumbai case study
Describe the environmental sustainability issues facing Mumbai. [4 marks]
Answer:
Water supply is limited and often intermittent, with many people depending on tankers (1); suburban trains carry millions of people daily and roads are congested, which contributes to air pollution (1); waste collection is poor and large dumps such as Deonar create health and environmental problems (1); the sea and the Mithi River are polluted by sewage and industry (1).
Question 36 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · Mumbai case study
Describe the character of Mumbai and residents' attitudes to it. [3 marks]
Answer:
Mumbai is a densely populated port city that combines colonial buildings, high-rise towers and informal settlements (1); many residents value the opportunities, energy and community spirit of the city (1); concerns include overcrowded transport, housing costs, flooding and fears among slum dwellers about redevelopment and relocation (1).
Question 37 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · Case study comparisons
Compare the patterns of economic well-being in London and Mumbai. [4 marks]
Answer:
Both cities are economic hubs and have wide differences in income between areas (1); London has a larger formal economy, with more secure jobs and a welfare system (1); in Mumbai about 40% of people live in informal settlements and many work in the informal economy (1); housing is very expensive in both cities, but in Mumbai it forces many into slums (1).
Question 38 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · Case study comparisons
Compare how physical environmental conditions affect London and Mumbai. [4 marks]
Answer:
Both cities are on rivers or estuaries with flood risk (1); Mumbai's monsoon rainfall brings a bigger flood risk than London's (1); London is managed with the Thames Barrier, while Mumbai's drainage and defences are less developed (1); Mumbai's heat and humidity are greater, while London's heat island and summer heatwaves are increasing (1).
Question 39 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · Case study comparisons
Compare the environmental sustainability challenges of London and Mumbai. [4 marks]
Answer:
London's challenges are air quality, carbon emissions from housing and transport, and housing growth on limited land (1); Mumbai's include water supply, sanitation, waste and flooding for a large population (1); London has the money and institutions to invest in sustainable infrastructure (1); Mumbai has limited funds and weaker enforcement, so basic services take priority (1).
Question 40 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · Case study comparisons
Compare the experiences of people living in London and Mumbai. [3 marks]
Answer:
Many Londoners enjoy a high standard of services and public transport, but high housing costs and inequality affect well-being (1); in Mumbai, residents in wealthier areas have good services, while slum residents have poor sanitation and insecurity (1); commuters in both cities experience congested transport, but Mumbai's trains are far more overcrowded (1).
Question 41 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · Case study comparisons
Explain how the histories of London and Mumbai have shaped their character. [3 marks]
Answer:
Both were important trading ports linked through the British Empire (1); London developed as a financial and political centre, with Victorian infrastructure such as the sewers and the Underground (1); Mumbai (Bombay) grew as a cotton and trading port and later a financial centre, with colonial buildings and rapid migration after independence (1).
Question 42 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · Case study comparisons
Explain why strategies for managing urban problems differ between London and Mumbai. [3 marks]
Answer:
London has greater financial resources and strong regulation and planning (1); Mumbai faces rapid growth and large informal settlements, so the priority is basic services and housing (1); the political and legal systems differ, as does the capacity to enforce rules (1).
Question 43 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · Case study comparisons
Evaluate which of London and Mumbai faces the greater challenge in becoming sustainable. [4 marks]
Answer:
Mumbai has a larger gap between needs and resources, with rapid growth, informal housing and limited services (1); flooding, water supply and waste pose immediate risks to health (1); London's challenges are serious, but it has more funds, better governance and an established network of infrastructure (1); however, London has much higher resource use per person, so it contributes more to global environmental problems (1).
Question 44 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · Case study comparisons
Assess how far the evidence from two contrasting cities shows that urban areas experience urbanisation differently. [6 marks]
Answer:
London urbanised early with industrialisation and now shows slow growth, re-urbanisation and regeneration (1); Mumbai is growing rapidly through migration, with informal settlements (1); both are global cities with high inequality and pressure on land (1); levels of services, regulation and wealth differ, so the same issues, such as flooding, pollution and housing, take different forms (1); governments and communities respond differently, with London using planning and charges while Mumbai relies more on informal solutions (1); the evidence suggests that both the process and the scale of the problems differ, but similar themes of inequality and sustainability link the two cities (1).
Question 45 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Strategies
Explain how district heating contributes to sustainability in Copenhagen. [3 marks]
Answer:
Heat from power stations and waste incineration is piped to homes and offices (1); almost all buildings in the city are connected, which reduces fuel use and emissions compared with individual boilers (1); it can use renewable sources such as biomass and geothermal heat, but needs high-density development and large investment (1).
Question 46 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Strategies
Describe the transport schemes used in Bogotá. [3 marks]
Answer:
The TransMilenio bus rapid transit system, opened in 2000, uses dedicated lanes and carries over two million passengers a day (1); the Ciclovía closes main roads to cars on Sundays and holidays for cycling and walking (1); both schemes have improved access and reduced congestion and pollution, although the buses are crowded (1).
Question 47 · Spec 3.2.3.8 · Strategies
Explain what is meant by a resilient city. [2 marks]
Answer:
A city that can withstand and recover from shocks such as floods, heatwaves, earthquakes and economic crises (1); it has strong infrastructure, a diverse economy, emergency planning and community networks (1).
Question 48 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · Mumbai case study
Describe how Mumbai has tried to improve its public transport. [3 marks]
Answer:
The suburban railway carries millions of passengers a day and is being expanded (1); metro lines have opened since 2014 to relieve the rail network and roads (1); major road schemes, such as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link and the Coastal Road, aim to reduce congestion but may encourage more car use (1).
Question 49 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · Mumbai case study
Describe how Mumbai tried to reduce flood risk after the 2005 floods. [3 marks]
Answer:
The Brimstowad project aimed to improve and enlarge the storm water drainage system (1); the Mithi River was widened and cleaned, and encroachments on its banks were cleared (1); drains still clog with rubbish and monsoon floods continue to cause disruption (1).
Question 50 · Spec 3.2.3.9 · Case study comparisons
Explain how quantitative and qualitative data can be used to investigate well-being in an urban area. [3 marks]
Answer:
Census data and the Index of Multiple Deprivation show income, health, education and housing (1); interviews, questionnaires and mental maps record residents' experiences and attitudes (1); photographs and field sketches record the environmental quality, and the combination gives a fuller picture (1).

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