Key Terms: Sustainable Urban Development (AQA A Level Geography): Revision Note

Environmental impact - key terms

Air pollution – Harmful substances released into the atmosphere from vehicles, industry, and buildings; common in high-density urban areas.

Biodiversity loss – The decline in variety of species due to urban development, loss of green spaces, and pollution.

Congestion – Traffic build up in urban areas, contributing to air pollution, noise, and reduced quality of life.

Ecological footprint – A measure of the amount of land and resources a population needs to support its lifestyle and absorb its waste.

Emissions – Gases such as CO₂ and particulates released by transport and industry, contributing to local smog and global climate change.

Green space loss – The reduction of natural areas due to urban sprawl and development, leading to habitat destruction and lower quality of life.

Noise pollution – Excessive noise from traffic, construction, and industry that affects urban health and wellbeing.

Overconsumption – Excessive use of water, energy, and materials, common in high-income urban areas, straining local and global resources.

Plastic pollution – Urban waste, especially plastics, that often ends up in oceans, harming marine ecosystems.

Resource competition – Urban areas place heavy demands on water, energy, and space, which can lead to shortages or inequality.

Smog – A mixture of fog and pollution often seen in densely populated cities, causing respiratory and visual health issues.

Urban heat island – The phenomenon of cities being significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to heat-absorbing surfaces and emissions.

Waste generation – The large volume of domestic, industrial, and commercial waste produced in cities.

Dimensions of sustainability - key terms

Aesthetics – Urban environments should be visually appealing, clean, and accessible to enhance liveability.

Carbon-neutral buildings – Structures that generate as much energy as they consume, reducing their environmental impact.

Cultural inclusivity – The promotion and protection of diverse cultural identities within cities to maintain social cohesion.

Economic sustainability – A system that supports local jobs, businesses, and growth while being self-renewing and equitable.

Energy efficiency – Designing buildings and systems to use less energy, often through insulation, solar panels, and efficient appliances.

Environmental sustainability – Managing land, resources, and waste responsibly to preserve ecosystems and ensure long-term viability.

Governance – Involves leadership, planning, and resident inclusion in decision-making to improve urban sustainability.

Liveability – A measure of how suitable an area is for living, including access to services, housing, safety, and wellbeing.

Physical sustainability – Ensuring urban design works with nature, incorporating green space and resource management.

Recycling and upcycling – Reducing landfill by reusing materials or turning them into higher-value products.

Social sustainability – Ensuring all residents have equal access to housing, services, cultural life, and decision-making.

Stability – Maintaining social order, safety, and cohesion to support sustainable urban life.

Urban agriculture – Growing food in cities through rooftop gardens, vertical farms, or community allotments, reducing transport emissions.

Sustainable cities - key terms

20-minute neighbourhood – A planning concept where all basic services (shops, work, leisure, education) are accessible within a 20-minute walk or bike ride.

Carbon-neutral development – Designing cities and buildings that balance energy use and production, often using renewable energy.

Cycle lanes – Dedicated paths for bicycles that reduce reliance on cars, helping cut congestion and pollution.

Energy recovery – Converting waste into usable energy, reducing landfill and fossil fuel reliance.

Green architecture – Environmentally friendly building design that minimises energy use, uses sustainable materials, and promotes indoor air quality.

Green belts – Protected areas around cities where development is restricted to prevent sprawl and preserve nature.

Green space expansion – Increasing parks and natural areas to boost biodiversity, mental health, and air quality.

Insulation incentives – Government schemes that encourage homeowners to improve building energy efficiency.

Paris 15-minute city – An urban model trialled in Paris where all residents should be within a short walk or cycle from essential services.

Rainwater harvesting – Collecting and storing rainwater for reuse, reducing water demand.

Renewable energy – Energy from natural sources like wind, solar, and hydro that reduces dependence on fossil fuels.

River clean-ups – Community or government-led projects to restore water quality and biodiversity in urban rivers.

Sponge cities – Cities that use permeable surfaces and green infrastructure to absorb rainwater and reduce flooding.

Sustainable transport – Systems that minimise emissions, such as public transit, cycling infrastructure, and electric vehicle support.

Urban farming – The practice of growing food in city spaces to reduce supply chains and support food security.

Vehicle restrictions – Measures such as congestion zones or car-free days to lower emissions and promote cleaner air.