Discuss some of the challenges faced by urban areas in the UK as a result of urban change?

The challenges facing urban areas in the UK can broadly be categorised into two types, socio-economic and environmental challenges. The socio-economic challenges are those which impact the people in the area, and the overall economy of the area. Environmental challenges are those which impact the physical characteristics of an area. Examples of socio-economic challenges can include urban decline and increased unemployment. The decline of heavy industry in the UK has been one urban change which has resulted in urban challenges. Many cities in the UK were heavily focused on industries such as mining and shipbuilding, however, since the 1970’s these industries have declined. Many Northern cities such as Liverpool and Newcastle have experienced this decline of industry and as a result, these urban areas have large industrial facilities which are now derelict, which leads to deprivation in urban areas as they struggle to maintain their economies. The closure of manufacturing industries in the UK has also lead to increased unemployment because many people were employed in these industries, and when they closed, it resulted in a large number of people who needed to find new jobs. Some urban areas in the UK are still struggling to attract investment from companies which would provide new jobs. This is because these areas are still seen as industrial, making it difficult for them to rebrand themselves as economically stable areas which would be good to invest in.One example of an environmental challenge faced by UK cities is atmospheric pollution. In the past, urban areas in the UK were seen as industrial hubs, and this resulted in suburbanisation. People decided to live in the suburbs of urban areas, rather than in the centres, meaning there was an increased reliance on car ownership. Many people have to drive to get into urban areas, and so there are more vehicles on the road, emitting more carbon and other pollutants into the atmosphere.