Question 1
Figure 1 shows part of an urban area containing apartment buildings, a park and a waterway.
Identify one biotic component and one abiotic component shown in Figure 1.
[2]
Outline one interaction between biotic and abiotic components shown in Figure 1.
[1]
Question 2
In 2005, a country had an urban population of 2.4 million and a rural population of 1.6 million. In 2025, its urban population was 4.8 million and its rural population was 1.2 million.
Calculate the percentage of the country's population living in urban areas in 2005.
[1]
Calculate the change in the urban percentage between 2005 and 2025.
[2]
Question 3
A farming household moves from a rural district to a city after several years of drought and falling crop income. The city advertises technical-college places and higher-paid employment. Ten years later, one household member moves from the city to a small rural settlement because remote working is available and urban housing is expensive.
Identify one push factor and one pull factor affecting the household's move to the city.
[2]
State the term for the household member's later movement away from the city.
[1]
Distinguish between voluntary and forced migration.
[1]
Question 4
Figure 1 represents selected annual flows through the urban system of Bellhaven. Arrow widths are proportional to the size of each flow.
Identify the largest external input by numerical magnitude.
[1]
Calculate the recycled-water flow as a percentage of the external water input.
[2]
Explain how the two feedback loops shown may increase the sustainability of Bellhaven.
[3]
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Question 5
Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show population change and selected reasons for migration in the country of Maruva.
Calculate the change in the proportion of Maruva's population living in urban areas between 2000 and 2025.
[1]
Describe two features of the population trends shown in Figure 2(a).
[2]
Interpret the migration reasons in Figure 2(b) using the concepts of push factors, pull factors and forced migration.
[3]
Question 6
Draw a systems flow diagram for an urban system. Include one input, two storages, one output and one recycling feedback flow.
[4]
Question 7
Figure 2 compares river discharge following the same rainfall event in an urban catchment and a vegetated catchment.
Calculate the difference in time between the peak discharges of the two catchments.
[1]
Explain why the urban catchment has an earlier and higher peak discharge.
[3]
Question 8
The city of Riverton has a population of 600 000. Figure 1 shows selected annual flows through its urban water, energy and waste systems. Arrow widths are proportional to flow magnitude.
Calculate the percentage of Riverton's water input that leaves the urban system as treated wastewater.
[2]
Identify one storage and one process shown within the urban-system boundary.
[2]
Describe two characteristics that show Riverton is an open system.
[2]
Explain how reducing leakage and increasing water reuse could improve urban efficiency.
[3]
Evaluate whether Riverton should prioritize water reuse rather than solid-waste recycling to improve its sustainability.
[3]
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Question 9
Between 2005 and 2025, low-density housing expanded across the Lower Kalo catchment. Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show land-use and river-flow changes following a storm of the same rainfall intensity and duration.
Calculate the percentage decrease in agricultural land between 2005 and 2025.
[2]
Compare the storm hydrographs for 2005 and 2025.
[3]
Explain how the land-use change shown could have produced the change in river flow.
[3]
Outline two environmental impacts, other than altered river discharge, associated with the pattern of suburbanization shown.
[2]
Evaluate the use of a boundary restricting further development beyond the existing built-up area.
[3]
Question 10
Figures 3(a) and 3(b) show changes in the Luro River catchment following suburban expansion.
Calculate the percentage decrease in agricultural land between 2005 and 2025.
[2]
Compare the storm hydrographs for 2005 and 2025.
[2]
Explain how the land-use changes shown could affect river flow and water quality.
[3]
Question 11
A city council is considering two plans for redeveloping the former East Dock industrial site. Figure 4(a) shows the proposed land uses and Figure 4(b) compares selected outcomes predicted for 2035.
Predicted outcomes for East Dock redevelopment plans in 2035.
| Predicted outcome (2035) | Plan A | Plan B |
|---|---|---|
| Affordable dwellings / % | 8 | 32 |
| Residents within 400 m of public transport / % | 35 | 88 |
| Daily private-car trips | 18 000 | 9500 |
| Public green space / ha | 6 | 15 |
| Development cost / million local currency units | 420 | 510 |
Identify two predicted outcomes for which Plan B performs better than Plan A.
[2]
Explain one environmental and one social advantage of Plan B.
[2]
Suggest which plan the council should select, using evidence to consider environmental, social and economic needs.
[3]
Question 12
Figure 3 summarizes a proposal to redevelop a former industrial site.
Outline two features of the proposal that may increase urban sustainability.
[2]
Explain why the living roofs and rain gardens represent ecological urban planning.
[2]
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Question 13
Figure 4 compares two proposed neighbourhoods occupying equal-sized areas.
Identify the district that best demonstrates urban compactness and mixed land use.
[1]
Explain two ways in which the planning of District A may reduce car dependency compared with District B.
[2]
Identify one feature of District A that promotes social mix.
[1]
Question 14
Figure 5 shows selected characteristics of two districts in the same city.
Selected green-space, access and heat characteristics of two districts.
| Public green space / ha per 1000 residents | Residents with safe 10-minute walk access / % | Mean summer surface temperature / °C |
|---|---|---|
| Public green space [ha per 1000 residents] | 0.8 | 2.5 |
| Residents with safe 10-minute walk access [%] | 35 | 88 |
| Mean summer surface temperature [] | 39 | 32 |
Explain why the distribution of green space shown in Figure 5 is an environmental-justice issue.
[2]
Suggest one planning strategy that could improve environmental justice in District L.
[1]
Question 15
Figure 6 shows annual flows of organic material through part of an urban system.
Calculate the percentage of the input that is returned to use through anaerobic digestion and composting.
[2]
Explain two ways in which these feedback flows support a circular economy.
[2]
Question 16
Outline the meaning of the social foundation and ecological ceiling in the doughnut economics model.
[2]
Explain why a low-carbon housing project may still fail to place a city within the safe and just operating space of the model.
[2]
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Question 17
Figure 7 shows proposed green-building features for two different climates.
Identify one feature of Building X that reduces cooling demand and explain how it does so.
[2]
Identify one feature of Building Y that reduces heating demand and explain how it does so.
[2]
Question 18
A planning authority is considering two designs for a former industrial site in the hot, seasonally wet city of San Aurelio. The site will contain 1000 dwellings. Figure 3 compares the designs.
Modelled urban-environment performance of the two site designs.
| Measure | Design A | Design B |
|---|---|---|
| Permeable or vegetated cover / | 8 | 44 |
| Mean afternoon surface temperature / | 39.0 | 34.5 |
| Runoff from standard storm / | 31 000 | 17 000 |
| Annual private-car journeys / million | 1.80 | 0.95 |
State two biotic components included in Design B.
[2]
Calculate the percentage reduction in modelled storm runoff from Design A to Design B.
[2]
Explain two ways in which the biophilic features of Design B could improve the urban environment.
[3]
Explain why Design B may reduce private-car use.
[2]
Justify which design the planning authority should approve.
[3]
Question 19
Nambara is a middle-income country experiencing rapid population redistribution. Figures 4(a) and 4(b) show national population trends and changes in the city of Lutana.
Nambara population trends and reported motives of recent rural-to-urban migrants.
| Year | Urban population / million | Rural population / million | Reported migration motive (all years) | Respondents / % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 8 | 17 | Employment | 46 |
| 2010 | 12 | 17 | Education | 18 |
| 2020 | 18 | 15 | Drought or crop failure | 16 |
| 2025 | 21 | 14 | Healthcare | 11 |
| — | — | — | Family or other | 9 |
Calculate Nambara's urban population as a percentage of its total population in 2025.
[2]
Distinguish between urbanization and rural–urban migration.
[2]
Analyse the push and pull factors contributing to migration in Nambara.
[3]
Describe the pattern of Lutana's urban development between 2000 and 2025.
[3]
Evaluate the reliability of the figures for explaining why Lutana expanded in the pattern shown.
[3]
Question 20
Figures 5(a) and 5(b) compare two neighbourhoods within the city of Norchester.
Neighbourhood indicators for Riverside and Westfield, Norchester.
| Indicator | Riverside | Westfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population density / people | 12 500 | 3 200 |
| Residents within 800 m of daily services / % | 84 | 29 |
| Private-car journeys per household per day | 1.1 | 3.8 |
| Residents within 10-minute walk of green space / % | 76 | 81 |
| Lower-income households spending over 40% of income on housing / % | 34 | 12 |
| Land uses present | Housing; shops; employment; education; healthcare | Not stated |
| Housing provision | Different housing types and tenures | Not stated |
Identify one indicator suggesting that Riverside is more accessible than Westfield.
[1]
Calculate the percentage reduction in private-car journeys per household in Riverside compared with Westfield.
[2]
Analyse the extent to which Riverside applies the principles of compactness, mixed land use, social mix and environmental justice.
[4]
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Question 21
The diagram represents annual food and organic-material flows in the city of Aramoor after the introduction of a circular organic-waste programme.
Calculate the percentage of collected organic waste diverted from landfill.
[2]
Explain two ways in which the programme applies circular-economy principles.
[2]
Analyse why the system shown is not a fully circular urban economy.
[3]
Question 22
Figure 7 is a doughnut-economics dashboard for the city of Valmere. A social score below 100 indicates a shortfall in meeting human needs. An ecological-pressure score above 100 indicates that the city's ecological ceiling has been exceeded.
Doughnut-economics dashboard for Valmere; benchmark score is 100.
| Dimension | Indicator | Score | Preferred direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social foundation | Affordable housing | 68 | Higher toward 100 |
| Social foundation | Health access | 91 | Higher toward 100 |
| Social foundation | Education | 96 | Higher toward 100 |
| Social foundation | Employment security | 78 | Higher toward 100 |
| Social foundation | Political participation | 74 | Higher toward 100 |
| Social foundation | Public transport access | 88 | Higher toward 100 |
| Ecological pressure | Climate emissions | 145 | Lower toward 100 |
| Ecological pressure | Material use | 160 | Lower toward 100 |
| Ecological pressure | Freshwater use | 92 | Lower toward 100 |
| Ecological pressure | Air pollution | 118 | Lower toward 100 |
| Ecological pressure | Habitat loss | 126 | Lower toward 100 |
| Ecological pressure | Nutrient pollution | 84 | Lower toward 100 |
Identify the largest social shortfall and the largest ecological overshoot.
[2]
Calculate the percentage by which the material-use score must decrease to reach the ecological ceiling.
[2]
Suggest how a housing policy could reduce both the affordable-housing shortfall and the material-use overshoot.
[3]
Question 23
A developer proposes demolishing a structurally sound office building and replacing it with a tower that would use no net external energy during operation. An alternative proposal would adapt and reuse the existing building while improving its insulation and ventilation.
Explain why zero net external energy during operation does not necessarily mean that the new tower has a lower whole-life environmental impact.
[2]
Outline two environmental advantages of adapting and reusing the existing building.
[2]
Question 24
The city of Meridia is choosing between two redevelopment plans for a former freight yard. Both plans provide 6000 dwellings. Figure 5(a) compares their land use, while Figure 5(b) shows accessibility for different household-income groups.
Accessibility and predicted private-car trips under the two redevelopment plans.
| Plan | Low-income residents reaching essential destinations within 20 min without a private car / % | Middle-income residents reaching essential destinations within 20 min without a private car / % | High-income residents reaching essential destinations within 20 min without a private car / % | Predicted daily private-car trips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan C | 82 | 88 | 90 | 9600 |
| Plan D | 31 | 48 | 72 | 22800 |
Calculate the percentage by which the land area of Plan D exceeds that of Plan C.
[2]
Identify one feature representing each of urban compactness, mixed land use and social mix in Plan C.
[3]
Analyse how Plan C could reduce energy consumption compared with Plan D.
[3]
Explain why the accessibility data indicate an environmental-justice concern in Plan D.
[3]
Evaluate whether Plan C is necessarily the more sustainable option.
[3]
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Question 25
Port Sola has adopted circular-economy and doughnut-economics models for its 2035 development strategy. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) summarize the city's current material flows and social and ecological performance.
Port Sola social foundation and ecological ceiling indicators.
| Domain | Indicator | Current | Target / ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social foundation | Affordable housing | 68% | 90% |
| Social foundation | Secure employment | 74% | 90% |
| Social foundation | Health | 93% | 90% |
| Social foundation | Education | 95% | 90% |
| Ecological ceiling | GHG emissions | ||
| Ecological ceiling | Virgin material use | ||
| Ecological ceiling | Fine-particle pollution | ||
| Ecological ceiling | Freshwater use |
Calculate the percentage of material input that is repaired, reused or recycled within Port Sola.
[2]
Distinguish between the circular-economy and doughnut-economics models.
[2]
Analyse Port Sola's position relative to the safe and just operating space.
[3]
Explain how increasing the reuse of construction materials could improve both ecological and social outcomes.
[3]
Evaluate the claim that raising the city's recycling rate will be sufficient to make Port Sola sustainable.
[4]
Question 26
A municipal authority must choose how to provide offices for 800 workers over the next 50 years. Option R retrofits an existing building, while Option N demolishes it and constructs a new high-performance building.
Comparison of environmental and financial indicators for office-building options R and N. Fifty-year GHG totals use upfront embodied emissions plus 50 times annual operational emissions, assuming a constant annual rate and excluding unprovided maintenance, replacement and end-of-life emissions.
| Indicator | Option R | Option N |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront embodied GHG / t e | 1800 | 7200 |
| Annual operational GHG / t e per year | 55 | 25 |
| Mains-water use / per year | 11 000 | 6500 |
| Storm runoff / per standard storm | 780 | 310 |
| Capital cost / million currency units | 9 | 19 |
Calculate the total life-cycle greenhouse-gas emissions of each option over 50 years.
[3]
Identify two features of Option N that respond to the local climate without requiring continuous mechanical cooling.
[2]
Explain how two features of Option N could safeguard water or urban ecosystems.
[3]
Analyse why assessing annual operational emissions alone could produce a misleading decision.
[3]
Evaluate which option should be selected.
[3]
Question 27
A housing authority in the warm, seasonally wet city of Delora is comparing three options for a 60-apartment building. Figure 8(a) shows selected building features and Figure 8(b) gives predicted environmental performance.
Predicted environmental performance over a 30-year assessment; end-of-period demolition emissions excluded.
| Option | Embodied emissions / | Operational emissions / | Mains-water use / | Surface runoff / % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retain existing | 0 | 18 | 7200 | 82 |
| Deep retrofit | 60 | 9 | 4800 | 44 |
| Demolish and construct new | 190 | 5 | 3900 | 28 |
Calculate the total carbon emissions over 30 years for each option.
[3]
Explain how two features in Figure 8(a) are appropriate for Delora's climate.
[2]
Evaluate which option the housing authority should select.
[3]
Question 28
Outline two similarities and two differences between an urban system and a natural ecosystem.
[4]
Explain how resource-recovery feedbacks and green infrastructure may increase both the efficiency and resilience of an urban system.
[7]
Using named examples, evaluate the contribution of ecological urban planning to the sustainability of cities.
[9]
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Question 29
Distinguish between urbanization, suburbanization and deurbanization.
[4]
Explain how rural–urban migration and subsequent suburbanization may produce environmental and social change.
[7]
Using named examples, to what extent can urban planning reduce the negative impacts of rapid urban and suburban expansion?
[9]
Question 30
Outline four stakeholder needs that may influence decisions about urban land use.
[4]
Explain how integrated land-use and transport planning may improve the sustainability of an urban system.
[7]
Using named examples, discuss the claim that reducing private-car use should be the main priority of sustainable urban planning.
[9]
Question 31
The coastal city of Darsana is planning for population growth and increased flooding. Three policy packages have been modelled for 2045. The current population is 1.2 million, of whom 38% live in districts exposed to a one-in-100-year coastal or river flood.
Projected 2045 outcomes for three urban policy packages in Darsana.
| Policy package | New dwellings | Affordable housing / % | Land converted / km² | Change in daily car travel / km day | New dwellings in flood zone / % | Capital cost / billion units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package 1: Peripheral expansion | 70 000 | 12 | 46 | +520 000 | +41 | 4.2 |
| Package 2: Compact transit redevelopment | 70 000 | 35 | 9 | +90 000 | +18 | 5.1 |
| Package 3: Compact regenerative redevelopment | 70 000 | 40 | 11 | -40 000 | 4 | 6.8 |
Calculate the number of current Darsana residents living in districts exposed to the one-in-100-year flood.
[2]
Compare the predicted urban form and transport outcomes of Packages 1 and 2.
[3]
Analyse how Package 3 applies ecological urban planning and circular-economy principles.
[3]
Explain how Package 3 may improve resilience and environmental justice.
[3]
Evaluate which policy package Darsana should adopt.
[4]
Question 32
Outline the principles of urban compactness, mixed land use, social mix practice and environmental justice.
[4]
Explain how applying these principles together may produce synergies and trade-offs within an urban system.
[7]
Using named examples, evaluate whether compact, mixed-use and socially mixed development necessarily creates a sustainable and environmentally just city.
[9]
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Question 33
Distinguish between a circular economy and doughnut economics as models for urban sustainability.
[4]
Explain the opportunities and limitations involved in applying these models to an urban system.
[7]
Using named examples, to what extent can circular-economy and doughnut-economics models transform cities into sustainable systems?
[9]
Question 34
Outline four principles used to reduce the whole-life environmental impact of a building.
[4]
Explain how climate-responsive green architecture may affect energy, water, biodiversity and human health within an urban system.
[7]
Using named examples, evaluate the claim that green architecture is the most effective way to reimagine cities for a sustainable future.
[9]
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