London's environmental challenges

• What is the total amount of waste produced by London annually?

  18 million metric tonnes
• What percentage of London's waste is recycled or composted?

  32%
• What is the government's target for recycling London's waste by 2030?

  65%
• What are the two main methods of waste disposal mentioned that are detrimental to the environment?

  Landfill and incineration
• How many tonnes of CO₂ emissions are produced by incinerating waste at London EcoPark?

  560,000 tonnes
• What is notable about London's incineration rate compared to other local authorities in the UK?

  It has the highest incineration rate
• What environmental issue arises from food waste going to landfill?

  It produces methane as it decomposes
• What has caused many factories in London to shut down?

  Manufacturing moved overseas to countries like China
• What happens to areas where factories have shut down?

  They become abandoned and fall into disrepair
• What environmental hazards can arise from derelict areas?

  Toxic leaks, asbestos, rubble, rats, foxes, and unwanted plant growth
• Why are derelict areas socially problematic?

  They are an eyesore and a danger for children
• How many new homes does London need each year to accommodate population growth?

  63,000 new homes
• What is the obvious solution to meet the housing demand in London?

  Redevelop derelict sites
• What challenges arise when redeveloping derelict sites?

  Developers' costs increase
• What are brownfield sites?

  • Land that has previously been built on
  • Examples include Battersea Power Station and the Olympic Park
• What are the environmental problems associated with converting brownfield sites into new homes?

  • More waste production as land needs to be cleared
  • Increased costs due to safety measures before building
• What are greenfield sites?

  • Sites that have never been built on before
  • Often located in the countryside surrounding a city
• What environmental issues arise from developing greenfield sites?

  • Destruction of wildlife habitats
  • Increased urban sprawl and pollution from traffic