The Changing Economic World (AQA GCSE Geography): Revision Notes

5.1.8 Economic Development in the UK

Economic Development in the UK: CHANGING RURAL LANDSCAPES

Overview:

• Industrial changes in the UK have significantly impacted rural areas.
• Some rural locations are experiencing fast growth and economic growth (Economic), but at the expense of local communities (Social) and natural habitats (Environmental).
• Other areas are declining in terms of working population and the affordability of providing services to remote areas.

A Rural Area Experiencing a Boom:

South Cambridgeshire:

• Migration and Employment:
• Large numbers of highly skilled and educated people moving in due to Cambridge University and proximity to London.
• High level of employment.
• 21% of the workforce employed in high-tech industries (computer software, engineering manufacturing).
• Population Growth:
• Migration increased by 25%.
• Population expected to grow by 50,000 in the next 10 years.
• Housing and Traffic:
• Population rise led to house price increases.
• Average house price is £500,000, twice the UK average.
• 80% of people commute by car, increasing road traffic.

A Rural Area Experiencing a Decline:

Outer Hebrides:

• Population Decline:
• Population declined by 50% since 1900.
• Outward Migration:
• Limited opportunities led younger people to move away for better employment.
• Left behind an ageing population.
• Economic and Social Issues:
• High unemployment.
• Few shops, schools, and services; many are closed.
• Infrastructure:
• Lacks high-speed internet, discouraging new residents.

Economic Development in the UK: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

How has the UK Car Industry impacted the environment?

• Energy-Intensive Business:
  • Car manufacturing is energy-intensive, consuming as much energy in production as the car will in its lifetime.
• Fuel Dependency:
  • Majority of UK cars run on petrol or diesel.
  • Oil extraction is a dirty process causing environmental problems 📝(e.g., oil spills in Brazil).
• Non-Biodegradable Components:
  • Cars contain many non-biodegradable components.
  • Leakage from parts like batteries can cause contamination.
• CO2 Emissions:
  • Cars account for 20% of the UK's CO2 emissions, making them the second-largest producer of CO2 emissions.
• Health Impact:
  • Car emissions cause air pollution, leading to illnesses like lung cancer and diabetes.
• Resource Usage:
  • Car manufacturing uses many resources, creating a large carbon footprint due to transportation.

How can we make the Car Industry more Sustainable?

Electric Cars:

• Jaguar Land Rover (JLR):
• Announced first electric car in 2019.
• All electric vehicles will be built in the Midlands (UK).
• Every model produced has an electronic option.
• Batteries will also be made in the Midlands, reducing the carbon footprint.

Sustainable Factories:

• JLR Engine Manufacturing Centre:
  • £900m sustainable factory employing 1400 staff.
  • Features include:
  • North Skylights:
  • Provide daylight, reducing need for electric lighting by 25%.
  • Water Recycling:
  • Extensive grey water recycling, reducing treated water consumption by 30%.
  • Solar Panels:
  • 21,000 panels providing 30% of factory's electricity.
  • Waste Management:
  • Segregated waste reduces landfill by 37%.
  • Landscaped Design:
  • Improves environmental impact by reducing flood risk.

Economic Development in the UK: LINKS TO THE WIDER WORLD

The UK has formed strong links with other countries as it has developed:

Trade:

• Trades globally with strong links to the USA, Europe, and Asia.

• Exports worth £250 billion per year. Transport:

• Channel Tunnel links to UK to France by rail, providing a route for goods and people to travel to mainland Europe.

• Large airports like Heathrow act as hubs and provide transport links to hundreds of countries worldwide. Security:

• Highly influential member of international organisations such as the UN, G8, and G20. Commonwealth Founder:

• The Commonwealth is a group of 50 countries aimed at improving well-being and economic development.

• Meets every 2 years to discuss human rights and economic development. Language:

• Global importance of English provides strong cultural links. Culture:

• UK literature, music, cinema, sport, television, history, and architecture are important globally.

• UK sports showcased through events like the Olympics, World Cup, Wimbledon, and Premier League. Communications:

• Linked to the rest of the world via the internet.

• Subsea internet cables provide fast global connections.

Improving the UK's Transport Network

Improving Air Travel:

• New runway proposed for Heathrow.
• Development expected to generate £147 billion over 60 years and 70,000 new jobs by 2050.
• Flights to 40 new destinations.
• Estimated cost: £18.6 billion.

Improving Ports:

• New port called London Gateway at the mouth of the River Thames.
• Capable of handling the world's largest container ships.

Improving Rail:

• High Speed (HS1):
  • Fast train link between London and Paris.
• HS2:
  • Planned fast train link between London and Birmingham.
  • Estimated completion by 2026 with a cost of at least £43 billion.

Improving Roads:

• Government announced £15 billion investment in improving and expanding UK roads in December 2014.
• Includes building smart motorways that use technology to manage congestion.