Key Terms: Other Contemporary Urban Issues (AQA A Level Geography): Revision Note

Contrasting environmental issues - key terms

Air pollution – The contamination of the atmosphere by harmful substances such as nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.

Atmospheric pollution – Pollution that alters the natural characteristics of the atmosphere; can originate from domestic heating, vehicles, industry, or open fires.

Brownfield site – Previously developed urban land that is now derelict or unused, often available for redevelopment but may require decontamination.

Dereliction – The abandonment or decay of buildings and infrastructure, often resulting from deindustrialisation or urban decline.

Japanese knotweed – An invasive species that can spread across urban derelict land, posing risks to infrastructure and ecosystems.

Particulate pollution – Pollution composed of small solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, often from combustion or industrial activity.

Photochemical pollution – A form of air pollution involving sunlight-driven chemical reactions, creating compounds like ozone and nitrogen dioxide.

Pollutants – Substances that contaminate the environment and can cause harm to health, ecosystems, and structures.

Surface runoff – Rainwater that flows over roads, pavements, and other hard surfaces, often carrying pollutants into waterways.

Urban decay – The physical and social deterioration of urban areas due to neglect, crime, and economic decline.

Urban dereliction – When economic activity declines and buildings fall into disrepair, common in former industrial areas.

Urban pollution – The combined environmental impacts of urban activities, including air, water, and land pollution.

Water pollution – The contamination of water bodies by substances such as sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and landfill leachates.

Managing the issues - key terms

Anaerobic digestion – A method of processing organic waste to produce biogas, which can be used as a renewable energy source.

Brownfield regeneration – Redevelopment of abandoned urban areas to reduce land waste and promote sustainable urban growth.

Catalytic converter – A device fitted to vehicle exhausts to reduce harmful emissions like nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.

Clean technology – Industrial methods that reduce emissions and environmental damage, including cleaner production and waste treatment.

Combined sewerage system – A drainage system that carries both rainwater and wastewater; treatment is essential to avoid pollution.

Congestion charge – A fee for driving in certain urban areas during peak hours, used to reduce traffic and improve air quality.

Energy efficiency – Designing buildings and systems to use less energy, helping to reduce pollution and environmental impact.

Filters – Devices used in industrial settings to remove pollutants from emissions before they enter the atmosphere.

Greywater reuse – Recycling lightly used domestic water (e.g. from sinks or washing machines) for uses such as toilet flushing or irrigation.

Green transport – Transport systems that minimise emissions, including cycling networks, electric vehicles, and efficient public transit.

Heritage quarter – Urban redevelopment strategy focused on preserving and promoting a city's historical and cultural assets.

Organic waste disposal – Environmentally friendly methods for dealing with biodegradable waste, including composting and anaerobic digestion.

Public education campaigns – Government initiatives to raise awareness about water usage, pollution, and sustainable practices.

Recycling – Processing waste materials for reuse to reduce landfill and pollution.

Regeneration – Comprehensive redevelopment of urban areas to improve environmental, social, and economic conditions.

Sanitation infrastructure – Systems and facilities that manage waste and provide clean water, essential for reducing waterborne diseases.

Tertiary water treatment – The advanced stage of water purification that removes specific pollutants like pharmaceuticals and pathogens.

Urban planning – Designing urban spaces to balance development and environmental protection, often incorporating green space and efficient layouts.

Wastewater treatment – A multi-stage process involving physical, chemical, and biological steps to clean used water before returning it to nature.

Water Aid – An NGO working globally to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene in LDEs.

Water quality regulations – Laws and guidelines that control pollutant levels in water bodies to protect health and ecosystems.