Practise SL questions on sustainability pillars by weighing environmental protection, social wellbeing, economic activity and long-term resilience.
Figure A:Examples of ecosystems in London
Figure B:Examples of ecosystems in London
Figure:Green spaces in London
Figure:Population of deer in Richmond Park, 2013–2017
Figure:Number of deer removed from Richmond Park, 2013–2017
| London | United Kingdom | World average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ecological footprint (global hectares per capita) | 4.5 | 4.6 | 2.8 |
| Biocapacity (global hectares per capita) | 0.17 | 1.20 | 1.60 |
Table:Ecological footprints of London, the United Kingdom and the world, 2015
Figure:Underground vertical farm
Figure:Rooftop beekeeping
Figure:Annual mean NOx concentrations in London air, 2016
Figure:Recycling rates in London and England, 2000–2015
| Material | Proportion recycled / \% |
|---|---|
| Plastic | 10 |
| Paper | 57 |
| Aluminium cans | 33 |
| Steel cans | 45 |
| Glass | 51 |
Table:Proportions of material recycled in London, 2006
• The largest city in England.
• London generates 22 % of the United Kingdom’s economy.
• Population of 8.9 million (2019).
• Natural increase rate was 1.13 % per year (2011–2019).
• 37 % of London’s population are immigrants.
• Electricity is generated in power stations outside London.
• London aims to supply 15 % of its energy by local, renewable sources by 2030.
• 47 % of London is classified as green space.
• 33 % is natural habitat in public open spaces.
• 14 % is private domestic gardens.
• 2 % is rivers, canals and reservoirs.
• It has over 8 million trees.
• It has two national nature reserves, three Special Areas of Conservation, 144 local nature reserves and 1602 Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation.
• Residential areas near a green space have higher economic value.
• Richmond Park is a national nature reserve and Special Area of Conservation.
• Approximately 630 red and fallow deer live permanently in the park.
• There are no natural predators for deer in Richmond Park.
• Deer numbers in the park are managed to maintain a sustainable population.
• Deer meat is sold and any profits are reinvested into caring for the deer.
• Approximately 9 % of London’s land area is used for agriculture.
• Most commercial farms are on the edges of London, in the “green belt”.
• There is increasing interest in urban agriculture, such as vertical farming and rooftop gardening, including beekeeping.
Vertical farms:
• Vertical farms exist underground and inside empty industrial buildings.
• They produce vegetables such as salad leaves, lettuce, spinach and herbs.
• Compared to traditional UK agriculture, vertical farms use up to 70 % less water and no pesticides.
Urban beekeeping:
• There are over 1000 beekeepers in London.
• There is a higher density of bees in London than in rural areas of the UK.
• London’s bees have more diverse food sources and are healthier than rural bees.
• An 11 km “bee corridor” of wildflowers has been created in north London.
To what extent is London a sustainable city? Refer to the information provided in the resource booklet in your answer.