Top Down & Bottom up Approaches (Edexcel IGCSE Geography)

• Top-down development schemes are usually expensive
• The schemes happen as a result of government or TNCs
• They often involve borrowing money
• Local people affected by the scheme often have little say in the process

High Speed 2 (HS2)

• Aims to reduce regional inequality increasing growth, productivity and incomes in the Midlands and the North of England
• The first stage will be completed in 2026
  • It will link Birmingham and London
  • Stage 2 included a link to Leeds - this part of the project has now been abandoned

Arguments for HS2	Arguments against HS2
Increase employment and productivity in the Midlands and North	The cost has increased from £32.7bn to an estimated £72bn-£98bn
22,000 construction jobs are to be created	250 acres of green belt land will be built on
The government estimates an increase in the UK GDP of £15bn a year	It will cross Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Increasing numbers of people will use trains instead of cars or planes reducing emissions	HS2 trains will use 50% more energy than Eurostar trains
Better transport connections reduce production costs	The money could be spent on many other projects to improve the quality of people's lives
The government estimates that 70% of jobs will be created outside of London	The consultation did not take into account the views of people along the proposed route

• Bottom-up development schemes are relatively low cost
• Usually organised by NGOs and/or local people
• They target the poorest communities and involve local people at all stages
• Use appropriate technology which can be maintained and used by local people

Micro-Hydro Schemes in Peru

• Aims to provide electricity to remote rural areas where 50% of people were living on just US$2 a day
• Practical Action has installed 47 micro-hydro schemes across Peru which provide:
  • Metered electricity to 5,000 families
  • Good quality lighting
  • Refrigeration
  • Access to televisions/computers
• 25% of households have started or expanded businesses as a result of having electricity
• 60% of household incomes have increased

Chambamontera, Peru

• Cost of scheme US$51,000 partly paid for by the community, Japan and Practical Action
• 60 families directly benefit and an additional 100 families in neighbouring villages benefit 
  • Streetlights mean that people can go outside after dark
  • Improved school facilities
  • Completing homework in an evening is now possible
  • Business development is possible
  • Coffee processing has become mechanised