This video from OMG (One Minute Geography) Revision discusses the environmental opportunities and environmental challenges in our Urban Change in the UK case study of Birmingham. There are a lot of environmental challenges in Birmingham such as air pollution from traffic congestion, derelict buildings from factory closures, loss of habitats and greenfield sites due to urban sprawl and waste management issues – only 30% of waste in Birmingham is recycled. These challenges pose problems for both Birmingham City Council in the management of these issues and the people who live in Birmingham. However, as a result of many of these challenges, Birmingham has created some environmental opportunities. Many derelict buildings have been redeveloped and regenerated and used for other purposes such as the regeneration of Brindley Place into a recreational center or the reuse of old factory buildings in Digbeth for modern city apartments. Birmingham has also embarked on its ’Big City Plan’ that has Birmingham’s Green vision running through the heart of this project. The main aims of this project are to make the city more attractive, encourage investment from businesses and improve health. Opportunities can be seen with the development of East Side City park that is a new 6 acre park next to Birmingham City University. Urban greening has taken place in and around many buildings in Birmingham such as the new Birmingham Library and the HSBC headquarters – this not only improves the look of the city but also encourages biodiversity. Walking and cycling is being encouraged and schemes have been put in place to reduce the use of cars in and around the city. Investments have also been made in Smart Motorways to reduce traffic congestion and investment in an Integrated Transport System such as the metro line tram that will reduce reliance on cars and motorcycles in the city. Finally, in order to manage waste – Birmingham City Council has developed its recycling center whilst also providing households with multiple bins so that they can sort out their waste before it is collected. To help study and revise this part of the topic, you need to have an understanding of specific opportunities and challenges and be able to describe and explain them both. You then need to try and evaluate these opportunities and challenges – are the opportunities more significant than the challenges? Using a Geography matrix is a good way to organise your notes for the social, economic and environmental opportunities and challenges in Birmingham.
