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Edexcel GCE
Geography B
Advanced
Unit 6: Synoptic Assessment
Issues Analysis – Cumbria
ADVANCE INFORMATION
To be issued to candidates on Friday 2 May 2008
Do not write anything in this booklet. This must be
taken into the examination on Wednesday 18 June
2008 in the morning.
RESOURCE BOOKLET
Items included in this pack
Resource Booklet
Instructions to Candidates
Work through the booklet to make sure you understand all the resources. You may seek help from
your teachers or any other sources in this context. In the examination you will have to apply your
critical understanding in an unfamiliar situation.
Whilst you may wish to do some background research on the internet on Cumbria in order to
understand the resources, you will be assessed only on your critical understanding of the resources
provided in this booklet.
Advice to Candidates
In this synoptic exercise you will be assessed on your ability to synthesise knowledge, understanding
and skills derived from your Advanced GCE Geography course.
You will also be assessed on the quality of written communication shown throughout your report.
This publication may be reproduced only in accordance with Edexcel Limited copyright policy. ©2008 Edexcel Limited.
List of Resources
Figure Page
You may wish to visit the following websites as part of your initial assessment of the Cumbria
region:
www.visitcumbria.com
www.western-lakedistrict.co.uk
www.westlakesrenaissance.co.uk
www.cumbria-investment.co.uk
M26020A 2
Figure 1(a) Map of Cumbria
0 10 km Improvement/widening to
M6 junction 40 in 2006
Riv
congestion at key pinch points
er
Ed
59 and improve traffic flow on the
en
route between the M6 and
Workington Barrow-in-Furness
59
Key:
26
National Park AONB
69 M6 motorway Settlements
A & B roads
(Source: www.visitcumbria.com/mapindex.htm)
Districts in Cumbria:
Copeland
0 10 km
South Lakeland
Eden
Barrow-in-Furness
Allerdale
Carlisle
Western Cumbria
Settlements
M6
A Roads
0 10 km
(Source: Reclaim the North West – Final report of the North West Land Reclamation Review Steering Group, 2001)
M26020A 4
Figure 3 Socio-economic indicators
(Source: Examining affordability of houses in Cumbria (Source: Rural health and healthcare, Institute for Health
using street value and paycheck, Research Lancaster University, 2004)
Cumbria County Council, 2005)
Penrith
Keswick
Kendal
Lancaster
(Source: State of the countryside, The Countryside Agency, (Source: Rural health and healthcare, Institute for Health
2002) Research Lancaster University, 2004)
Age group
55-59
50-54
45-49
40-44
35-39
30-34
25-29
20-24
15-19
10-14
5-9
1-4
Under 1
Population Number of
% population % population Projected %
density 2004 parishes in % owner
Area change change change
(people per sq Lake District occupation
1991–2001 2002–2005 2006–2028
km) National Park
Allerdale* 77 - 3.3 + 3.0 + 2.7 6 69.1
Barrow* 904 - 2.3 - 2.6 - 10.8 0 76.2
Copeland* 100 - 3.7 + 3.1 + 0.1 5 70.2
Carlisle 96 - 1.1 + 4.4 + 7.2 0 67.5
Eden 24 + 8.2 + 6.1 + 14.2 7 73.2
South Lakeland 67 + 3.4 + 0.6 + 3.5 15 75.2
Cumbria 72 + 0.3 + 0.8 + 0.3 33 71.8
North West 480 - 1.7 + 0.4 + 4.4 n/a 72.0
*These districts form western Cumbria
(Source: Census 2001; Key Statistics + Cumbria Economic Bulletin, March 2005 + Cumbria Economic Assessment 2004)
(Source: Examining Affordability of Houses in Cumbria using StreetValue and Paycheck, Cumbria County Council, 2005)
M26020A 6
Figure 5(a) Industrial indicators
Cumbria is a county in economic decline and one of only four sub-regions in the EU which are in
absolute decline. In western Cumbria the situation is even worse. The county is still going through a
process of de-industrialisation and job losses will continue, particularly with the nuclear industry being
the largest single employer.
Unemployment rates %
South
Allerdale Barrow Carlisle Copeland Eden Cumbria
Lakeland
Male 3.1 4.3 3.1 4.0 0.8 1.1 2.8
Female 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.6 0.4 0.5 1.0
Total 2.2 2.8 2.2 2.9 0.6 0.8 1.9
0 10 km
0 10 km
Cumbria = 0.86
England
and Wales = 0.83
worse better
Skills base:
(NB. Level 1 is Basic Skills; Level 2 is NVQ2/GCSE; Level 3 is NVQ3/A Level/National Diploma;
Level 4+ are usually Higher Education qualifications)
20
15
10
0
qualifications/level
No qualifications
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4/5
unknown
Other
Qualification levels
M26020A 8
Figure 6 Development strategy for western Cumbria
The development strategy for western Cumbria is to:
Renew the economy of western Cumbria through the co-ordinated delivery of infrastructure, new skills and
sustainable communities.
To achieve this, the following priorities have been identified:
• Industrial transition – Responding to competitive pressures in the global market by: preparing
infrastructure, sites and other opportunities for new industries and businesses; reshaping the economy of
western Cumbria; and reducing dependency on older industries
• Nuclear opportunities – Maximising new opportunities from nuclear decommissioning and the Nuclear
Decommissioning Agency (NDA) locating to western Cumbria; diversification; the preparation of any
available sites; and co-ordinating promotion of these new opportunities
• Culture and creativity – Developing the tourism and cultural offer, supporting new cultural industries
and festivals, boosting the profile of the area and its tourism appeal
• Housing renewal – Upgrading and revitalising run down housing for which there is little demand,
re-using sites for higher quality housing and improving the housing environment, yet at the same time
maintaining sufficient affordable housing
• Connectivity – Making better use of the ports, seeking improvements to the road infrastructure, supporting
the local rail network, improving links by air and enhancing the broadband initiative
• Energy – To promote and develop the environmental goods and services market, alongside growth in
wind energy industries
• Enterprise support and networking – Helping to develop an enterprise culture and strengthen existing
business support through the enterprise agencies and other local networks
• Sustainable communities – Meeting the diverse needs of existing and future communities in ways that
contribute to a high quality of life, but are sensitive to environmental requirements, are safe and inclusive,
are well planned, built and run and offer equality of opportunity
• Knowledge and education – Helping to build and extend the skills base in western Cumbria, spanning
the range from basic employability to more advanced skills and knowledge. This will include the
development of a university for Cumbria
• Coastal renaissance – Using the assets of the Cumbrian coast, (natural and built environment), more
effectively and sustainably for the communities that live and work there; promoting the area for tourism
and investment.
A wind farm on the west Cumbrian coast Redevelopment of Workington town centre
(Source: West Lakes Renaissance Business Plan 2006/07 and West Cumbria Strategic Forum Project Brief, 2006)
500-999
1000-1250
Estimated employment at the Sellafield site:
Hunterston Anticipated closure date
B Torness
Date Employment Shut down
A
2006 12 100 Chapelcross
2005-2008
2012 10 000 2008-2015
Hartlepool
2014 6 800 Calder Hall 2015-2025
Berkeley Bradwell
Hinkley Point Oldbury
A Dungeness A
B B
M26020A 10
Figure 8(a) The future UK energy picture
UK electricity generation:
450
400
350
300
Pumped storage
(TWh)
250
Imports
200
Renewable
150 Nuclear
100 Gas
50 Oil
Coal
0
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
UK gas imports:
100
80
60
%
Other imports
40
World-wide Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) imports
Norwegian imports
20
Europe imports
0 UK Production
2005 2020
Goals of future energy policy: Total lifetime releases of carbon from different technologies:
• to put ourselves on a path to cut the UK’s Technology (2005-2010) GC/kWh* Equivalent to GCO2/kWh**
carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by about Lignite 228 836
Coal 206 755
2050, with real progress by 2020 Natural Gas 105 365
• to maintain the reliability of energy supplies Biomass 8-17 29-62
• to promote competitive markets in the UK Wind 3-10 11-37
and beyond, helping to raise the rate of Nuclear 3-6 11-22
sustainable economic growth and to improve *Grams of carbon per kilowatt hour of electricity produced
our productivity **Grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt hour of electricity produced
• to ensure that every home is adequately and
affordably heated
• to aim for renewables to supply 10% of UK Long term projected CO2 emissions (based on no further government
electricity in 2010, subject to the costs being action):
acceptable to the consumer.
MtC = Million tonnes of carbon
Total
% %
CO2 % %
Residential Transport
emissions Industry Services
sector sector
(MtC)
2000 143.5 26.3 27.9 31.8 14.0
2030 151.4 27.3 27.5 30.9 14.3
2060 162.6 29.3 25.0 31.1 14.6
Energy Current*
Pros Cons Outlook
source %
Gas Reliable, cleaner than coal and has CO2 emissions are significant. Reliance on gas expected to
lower CO2 emissions. Very cheap Domestic reserves are running out continue, with imports set to
in the 1990s, reliance on it grew so growing dependence on imports increase. Trade Secretary says UK
40
fast. UK has North Sea reserves. means increasing vulnerability to now a net importer of gas.
rising prices and instability in gas-
producing regions.
Coal Well established, cheap, reliable. High emissions of CO2 and SO2 Government says coal has
UK has large reserves. Prices are remain a concern. Economically “important part to play” and plans
rising, but slower than for gas viable UK coal will run out in 10- to invest in cleaner technologies and
33
and oil. Emissions of SO2 (which 15 years and is already expensive carbon capture. New EU pollution
causes acid rain) have declined to mine. Half the coal used in the rules will force plants to either
rapidly over last 20 years. UK is imported. upgrade or close.
Nuclear Minimal CO2 emissions after Cost of building and Currently all but one of UK’s
construction. Efficient, effective decommissioning reactors, nuclear power stations will be
and reliable. Not as vulnerable to problem of nuclear waste and phased out by 2023. Public debate
20 fuel price fluctuations as oil and concerns about safety. Planning on new build expected to continue.
gas. and building a power station takes
at least 10 years so will not help
meet Kyoto targets.
Hydro No CO2 emissions, no Natural flow hydro is reliant on Much of UK’s hydropower potential
vulnerability to fuel price or rainfall and vulnerable to drought. already exploited. Large-scale future
political instability. Very cheap Pump storage hydro relies on development unlikely, but use of
>2
once dam has been built. off-peak electricity to pump water small-scale systems may increase.
back uphill. Environmental and
social impact of large dams.
Landfill gas Landfill sites give off methane, Burning methane still releases Already in use, but future supplies of
a greenhouse gas 20 times more carbon dioxide and also nitrogen landfill gas will be limited if waste
1.2 potent than CO2, and burning it oxide gases. reduction policies are effective.
reduces its contribution to climate
change.
Oil Reliable technology, well Inefficient generation, price By 2010 UK will be a net importer
established. instability, dependence on of oil. Oil makes a small and
1.2 politically unstable regions, CO2 declining contribution to electricity
emissions. generation in UK, but is an
important vehicle fuel.
Biofuels Energy crops considered Space required to grow crops, A few facilities burning biofuels
carbon neutral because carbon impact on landscape. Release of such as waste wood products and
released when crops are burned greenhouse gases in harvesting straw are already operating. Energy
0.6 is balanced by carbon absorbed and transport of crops. Particulates crops could be grown in UK, but
from atmosphere during growth. and hydrocarbons given off during some will not be cost effective
Suitable crops could be grown in combustion. unless yields improve.
UK.
Wind Renewable, not vulnerable to fuel Local opposition and concerns Fastest growing renewable in the
price fluctuations. Some say UK about noise and impact on UK. Heavy government backing,
0.5 has best wind resources in Europe. landscape. More expensive than seen as key to target of 20%
Turbines are emissions free and fossil fuels. Wind levels fluctuate. renewable electricity by 2020. Costs
quick to build. are falling.
Solar Free and renewable energy source. UK sunshine is unreliable and Capacity small but developing.
Can generate electricity from limited. Solar power is confined to Government estimates solar could be
>0.1 photovoltaic cells, be used to heat daylight hours unless photovoltaic economically competitive by 2020-
water directly, or be maximised by cells are used to store power in 30. Cheaper if integral to design of
good building design. batteries. new buildings.
Wave and tidal Renewable, parts of UK have Development costs, potential Wave power 10 years behind wind
strong potential. environmental changes in tidal power in development terms. Tidal
basins. power in UK at research stage.
>0.5
Large-scale investment needed for
ocean power to make significant
contribution to UK energy.
*Based on Department of Trade and Industry 2004/2005 figures. Exact proportions change seasonally.
M26020A 12
Figure 9(a) Allerdale – Images
Redeveloped Maryport Harbour
Typical housing stock in central Maryport or Workington Derwent Valley Regeneration Area, Workington
The Tesco store to
the right of the site is
likely to be
upgraded. The
central stadium used
for playing rugby is
to be replaced in any
redevelopment plans.
The area adjacent to
the River Derwent is
liable to flooding.
Derwent Forest site, including old MoD (Ministry of Defence) buildings in the foreground
(Source: adapted from Allerdale Borough Council Corporate Improvement Plan 2006–2011)
M26020A 14
Figure 10 Opinions of local stakeholders
Decommissioning of the nuclear industry poses major questions for the future, but also offers potential
opportunities. The decommissioning of the Sellafield site is planned to take place over a long time period
which should minimise the impact of any job losses. However, staffing at the site will be significantly
reduced between 2012 and 2016, as the initial phase of decommissioning is complete. The only way
to keep such an experienced workforce in the area is to develop the reprocessing side of the nuclear
industry at Drigg or elsewhere. Sellafield representative
The regeneration of the town’s harbour and environmental improvements to the main street have made
a real difference to the whole town. However, this area is not like South Lakeland or Eden that benefit
from wealthier retired people who are moving into the area for lifestyle reasons. Maryport has its fair
share of problems. Many of the houses and facilities badly need upgrading but residents just don’t
have the money to do it. If only we could have a decent supermarket here too. On the other hand, the
area is starting to benefit from the ripple effect from the Lake District National Park; house prices
in Maryport have increased dramatically within the last 5 years, much faster than the North West or
national picture. Rebecca Dennsion, Maryport resident
Two key problems in Allerdale are a low skills base and deprivation and we really need to do something
about both if we stand any chance of attracting inward investment to the area. Three areas in Allerdale
are in the worst 10% of the national picture of multiple deprivation. Barrow is even worse with 6 out
of the 13 wards being in this category. The recent designation of a new University for Cumbria and
extended nuclear training facilities should help with the education aspect, whilst a recent £20 million
investment from the North West Development Agency has extended broadband cover to the whole of
Cumbria. This network will also enable the University of Cumbria to deliver courses at several sites at
once and in more remote parts of the county. Allerdale Council member
Any alternative energy developments are welcomed but wind farm developers need to take into account
the biodiversity issues, particularly with regards to birds. The Solway Firth and Morecambe Bay are
noted as important areas for birds. Much of the improved grassland in the north and west of Cumbria
is particularly important for certain grazing wildfowl. Also, we must be careful where we place such
developments, as turbines placed along coastal areas are likely to have a high impact on the number of
birds killed by strikes as there are many migratory routes through these areas.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust
Tourism has to be the main opportunity for western Cumbria due to our location on the edge of the Lake
District National Park and as we have a range of attractions (such as Wordsworth’s house), facilities and
events. Cockermouth is a popular base for walkers with an increasing number of restaurants, shops and
hotels. Indeed 2.7 million tourists visited last year generating around £195 million of spend in the local
economy and providing up to 4000 local jobs. A recent marketing campaign encouraging people to buy
local produce has also been very successful.
Cumbria Tourism representative based in Cockermouth
Getting around is a real problem in Cumbria and this is not helped by the area’s landscape. It takes me
over 2 hours to get from Workington to my hospital specialist appointment in Lancaster. Transport is not
the only problem that residents in the town have. Although the old industries of coal, iron and steel have
largely gone, a large proportion of people are still employed in manufacturing industries. The recent
regeneration of Workington town centre should certainly help to attract further investment to the town.
However, the closure of the rail-making plant in the town in 2006 gave serious challenges to replace
those jobs and to re-use the site. Mike Bowden, Workington resident
As the owner of a business in Workington I often find it difficult to recruit trainees with the right
skills. Agriculture and tourism are two of Cumbria’s major employers, but many workers in these areas
don’t see the need to gain appropriate qualifications. Applicants are often weaker in information and
communications technology (ICT) skills and interpersonal and management skills. This means extra
costs for me in training and this is a cost I can’t really afford. However wage levels are currently lower
in this part of the country which helps a little.
David Owen, small business owner, Workington
M26020A 16