Practice Questions on Urban Sustainability: Prepare for the AP Exam

📚 Topic Summary

Urban sustainability focuses on creating cities that can thrive long-term without depleting resources or harming the environment. It involves balancing economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection. Understanding concepts like urban sprawl, green infrastructure, and sustainable transportation is key for the AP exam.

🌍 Part A: Vocabulary

Match the following terms with their definitions:

1. Term: Urban Sprawl
2. Term: Green Infrastructure
3. Term: Gentrification
4. Term: Ecological Footprint
5. Term: Mixed-Use Development

1. Definition: The impact of a person or community on the environment, expressed as the amount of land required to sustain their use of natural resources.
2. Definition: The process of renovating and improving a district so that it conforms to middle-class taste.
3. Definition: Development that blends residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, or industrial uses.
4. Definition: A network of decentralized stormwater management practices, such as green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavements, that capture and infiltrate stormwater, reduce flows to sewer systems and improve water quality.
5. Definition: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas.

(Match each numbered term to its lettered definition.)

🏙️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following paragraph using the words provided below:

Sustainable cities aim to reduce their _________ footprint by promoting _________ transportation options such as cycling and public transit. They also prioritize _________ efficient buildings and invest in _________ energy sources like solar and wind power. The concept of _________ seeks to improve the quality of life for all residents while minimizing environmental impact.

Words: renewable, ecological, sustainability, energy, alternative

🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking

Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing sustainable urban planning strategies in rapidly growing cities. Provide specific examples to support your answer.