Urban Issues & Challenges (AQA GCSE Geography): Model Answers

To some extent, urban areas in NEEs like Brazil offer social and economic opportunities for people.

A social opportunity in Rio, Brazil, is the improvement of water supply. For instance, between 1998 and 2014, seven new treatment plants were built, and over 300km of pipes were installed. As a result, by 2014, 95% of the population had access to a mains water supply. This is considered a social opportunity because it provides more people, particularly those in favelas like Rocinha, with improved access to both the quantity and quality of water. Furthermore, this contributes to increasing the average life expectancy in areas such as Cidade de Deus, where it is currently only 45 years, as fewer people drink contaminated water, reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases like cholera and lowering mortality rates. However, this improvement has only reached 95% of Rio's population, leaving 5% without access to these benefits.

An economic opportunity is the enhancement of education. For example, Rio's authorities have improved access to education by providing school grants to poor families, helping them afford to keep their children in school. This is an economic opportunity for families in favelas like Rocinha as it reduces the financial burden of education. Moreover, if fewer children drop out of school at 14 due to financial constraints, more individuals in Rio will gain higher qualifications, leading to increased job opportunities in sectors like finance. In turn, this will contribute to Rio's economy, enabling it to produce over 5% of Brazil's GDP.

Examiners Comment:

Balanced between social and economic with a clear assessment of opportunities. Place knowledge and understanding of processes, aim clear. NB: Students would need to avoid writing so much for 6 marks as it could compromise their time available for later questions. L3 = 6 marks