Question
“The most important factor influencing the water–food–energy nexus is climate change.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? [10]
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):
- Responses should show knowledge and understanding of the WFE nexus – nexus refers to connections and so candidates should display an understanding of the interactions between two or more elements whether they are dependent or interdependent. The WFE nexus therefore studies the connections between these three resource sectors whether they are harmonious or conflicting. Responses may outline how changes in one element of the nexus has an influence on one or both of the other elements.
- The geography guide gives some emphasis to the idea of resource security so responses may develop interactions in the form of impacts on resource security. Answers may give some development of these securities – water security is access to safe drinking water and sanitation, energy security is access to clean, reliable and affordable energy and food security is access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food. Some candidates may discuss this in the context of sustainability.
- Responses should show a knowledge and understanding of the impacts of climate change on the WFE nexus. For instance, climate change may affect water availability and thus crop yields, increased drought may impact on water availability and thus the production of hydroelectricity. Some answers may address the idea that the influence is both ways and that elements of the nexus may impact on climate change – e.g. a green economy approach to resources may be used to manage climate change.
- Responses should show that other factors have an influence on the WFE nexus. Answers may address the links between population change and the nexus, technology and the nexus, changing diets and the nexus, changing economies and the nexus, environmental movements and the nexus, etc.
Good answers may be well-structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) which focuses on the relative importance of climate change on the WFE nexus. Some answers may address the idea that climate change has varying importance on different elements of the nexus. Responses may focus on a spatial approach and give an evaluation of the importance of climate change on the nexus in different regions/countries.
For 5–6 marks, expect a weakly-evidenced outlining of some links between climate change/other factors and the WFE nexus
For 7–8 marks, expect a well-structured account, which includes:
• either a well-evidenced synthesis which links together several themes from the guide and acknowledges different elements of the dialogue
• or a critical conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) informed by geographical concepts and/or perspectives.
For 9–10 marks, expect both traits.
Question
Global climate — vulnerability and resilience
(a) Outline what is meant by global dimming. [2]
(b) Suggest two ways in which economic development leads to international variations in greenhouse gas emissions. [2 + 2]
Way 1: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Way 2: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Reduction in the amount of solar energy/sunlight (reaching the Earth’s surface) [1 reserved], because volcanic activity has put dust in the atmosphere [1] /air pollution (sulphate aerosols) from industrialization [1] leading to a decrease in global temperatures [1].
Award [1] for identification of a valid way and [1] for the effect leading to international variation in GHG emissions.
Candidates may refer to international variation via comment on levels of development (richer/poorer/HIC/MIC/LIC etc.)
For example: Higher level of economic development means more people can afford cars [1] therefore GHG emissions are higher in HICs [1].
Other possibilities include:
- More domestic appliances are used in \(\mathrm{HICs} /\) results in greater use of electricity which gives more GHG.
- Changed diet of middle classes in countries with a growing economy/result in more meat and methane emissions
- More manufacturing industry in \(\mathrm{HICs} /\) results in higher emissions of GHG
- More alternative energy use in \(\mathrm{HICs} /\) decreases use of fossil fuels
- Increased awareness/education in \(\mathrm{HICs} /\) people use less fossil fuel/recycle.
- Government initiatives in HICs/encourage use of alternative energy.
- Move from manufacturing to service industry in \(\mathrm{HICs} /\) means move to less carbon-based industry.
- Shift to sustainable growth in richer countries/more responsible consumption thus less energy – recognition of embedded energy.
- Economic shocks (e.g. COVID, 2008 financial crash and conflict)/reduce economic activity in countries with developed economies.
In each case, allow [1] for a valid reason and [1] for further development/exemplification to explain why wealthy are less vulnerable.
For example: Wealthy people can afford to live in areas which have better sea defences [1] so they are less vulnerable to sea level rise [1].
Other possibilities include:
Houses of wealthy are built of sturdier materials/can withstand impacts of climate change induced flooding.
Can afford food or purchase food from elsewhere/can mitigate decrease in food supplies.
richer farmers can use irrigation/mitigate against the effects of drought.
have the education/skills/funds making migration possible/possible to move to areas where climate change less susceptible to the impacts.
can afford medicines to combat disease/reduce the impacts climate change induced medical issues e.g. malaria.
Wealthy people can afford insurance/reduces the level of loss of the individual.
Wealthy people have access to political power/can skew policies in favour of their protection.
Wealthy people are employed in jobs less affected by climate change/fewer are engaged in farming which is more vulnerable.
Wealthy people have access to education/provides awareness of the impacts of climate change which can then be avoided/mitigated.
Question
“The causes of global climatic change are essentially human.” Discuss this statement.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
The wording accepts global warming as a fact, but expresses uncertainty about its origin. Responses would be expected to provide a description of the main human causes of global warming (increased greenhouse gases and particulates (aerosols) from industrialization, land use, transport, livestock) and an explanation of the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Some description of alternative natural explanations for global climatic change would also be expected: cosmic rays, solar cycles (sunspot cycles), orbital variations (Milankovitch cycle), volcanism.
Some candidates may consider the different causes of long-term and short-term climatic changes.
If only human factors are considered, the response should not move beyond band C. Responses that evaluate the balance of argument are likely to be credited at bands E/F.
Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.
Question
The graph shows global temperature changes since 1850.
[Source: IPCC – data based on a graph in The Economist, 9 September 2006]
State one natural external forcing which could have influenced the changes in temperature shown on the graph.[1]
Referring to the graph, describe how temperature has changed since 1850.[3]
Explain three possible environmental consequences of global climate change since 1950.[3×2]
▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
Award 1 mark for naming a natural external forcing. Any changes in solar radiation; changes in the orbital path of the Earth; volcanic eruptions (these are acceptable as external to atmospheric system). The answer must be external to the Earth’s atmospheric system.
Average temperatures remained more or less stable at first/until 1910–1930 [1 mark]. After that time, average temperatures have risen significantly/there has been an overall increase [1 mark]. The final 1 mark is reserved for quantification or for describing how temperatures have always oscillated/fluctuated, though these have not altered the overall trend.
There are many possible answers here. Award 1+1 marks for each valid environmental consequence, provided that it is developed by means of examples, explanation or detail. No credit should be awarded for any consequence that is not environmental in nature, or for statements such as “temperatures have risen” since that is implicit in the question.
Valid possible environmental consequences include: poleward shift in some natural vegetation belts; rise in sea levels; alterations to migration routes of animals; expansion of some deserts; greater frequency and severity of tropical storms and hurricanes; record-breaking climate extremes; melting of Arctic ice; retreat of glaciers in most parts of the world.
Examiners report
There seemed to be quite a lot of confusion in identifying a natural external forcing. Technically this needs to be external to the Earth’s atmospheric system and as such only a limited range of answers could be credited. As these correct answers were relatively few and far between and this is a new syllabus we allowed for some flexibility with this question. Please refer to the markscheme for the acceptable answers.
Candidates have become more confident in describing trends. On the whole this was well answered. Those who did not gain all three points generally found it difficult to relate the first period in the graph (1850–1920) to the long-term temperature average.
Most candidates had quite a lot to write here with detailed knowledge of potential environmental consequences with good explanation and exemplification. For example, ice caps melting – habitat loss – polar bears vulnerable. In some minor cases sticking to environmental impacts proved problematic, as responses came back to the impact on humans rather than ecosystems of natural environments.
Question
“Of all the environmental challenges we face, soil degradation is the most serious.” Discuss this statement.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
A good response may define the term “soil degradation”, which includes erosion (wind, water), or nutrient depletion, salinization, duricrust growth, loss of soil structure, and others.
There are a number of possible responses as the environmental challenges in the syllabus relate to soil and also to climate change, water, biodiversity and sustainability in general. The focus of the answer should be on assessing the importance of soil degradation, but reference to other issues is needed as well in discussing the statement as it calls for some evaluation. However, a candidate cannot dismiss soil and write an essay on climate change; they must answer the question posed and use their knowledge of soil degradation to explain why it is serious or why it is less serious than other challenges we face.
Responses must develop a substantiated argument that agrees or disagrees with the statement (either by saying other challenges are more important or that soil degradation does not prevent all forms of food production, for example, aquaculture).
Responses demonstrating a thorough knowledge and understanding of soil degradation with specific and accurate case study material and offering some evaluation of the statement will reach levels E and F.
Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.
Examiners report
Some candidates who answered the question had, generally speaking, little knowledge and understanding of soil degradation, hence scored very low marks. Those who did possess a good basic knowledge of soil degradation wavered on the evaluation part. There were some responses that ignored the question completely and wrote about deforestation.
Question
Examine the relationship between energy consumption and environmental sustainability.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
There are many possible approaches to this question.
Sustainability should be explained – it is achieved when resources are used at a rate which does not deplete them for future generations.
In the context of sustainability, energy use includes not only the total amount of energy required by a society but also the sources of energy required. Renewable power, such as wind and solar power, are usually sustainable sources, whereas traditional non-renewable sources of power such as coal and oil are not physical. Human and socio-economic environments can all affect the choice of energy sources.
It is possible that responses may outline specific features of energy consumption and look at their impacts on the environment. Other approaches may review developments in renewable energy and examine how they decrease the impact on the environment. Some responses may take a case study approach and review energy consumption in one or more areas to emphasize contrasts.
Reference must be made to sustainability to move beyond band D – this may be implied.
Responses that fully examine the relationship and that arrive at a clear conclusion are likely to be awarded band E or above.
Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.
Examiners report
Many candidates did not show an understanding of environmental sustainability and as such their answers lacked the correct focus. The best answers had detailed accounts of the relationship and included plenty of valid and accurate case studies. There was some detailed knowledge and understanding of how some countries are developing alternative energies and thus improving their sustainability.
Question
Examine the view that population change is responsible for water scarcity.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
There are many possible approaches to this question.
Responses should understand the term water scarcity, both economic and physical. In terms of population change it can be broadly interpreted and could refer to a growth/decline and/or a change in structure.
Population growth is expected to be the change that is most commonly discussed. Population growth causes increased demand for water. In areas where water resources are under pressure this is likely to be a significant factor increasing water stress. Population growth causes increased demand for agricultural production and an associated demand for water. Population growth may be associated with increased industrial and domestic water demand. Areas that are resource poor are less likely to be able to support larger populations and are more susceptible to overconsumption of the limited resource (for example, Australia).
Responses could argue that demographic change alone has little impact on water scarcity and that other factors are more important such as the growing affluence of a population, as this determines levels of consumption. Affluent societies are likely to have a higher per capita water consumption and are thus more likely to lead to physical water scarcity. Affluence increases demand because of lifestyle (dishwashers, washing machines, showers/baths) and diet (water used in meat production). The relationship between supply and demand should be addressed. Another factor (other than population change) that could be addressed could be changes in supply, for example, drought.
The strongest answers, accessing bands E and F, will need to make effective use of a relevant example or examples and reach a conclusion regarding the statement.
Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.
Examiners report
The best answers had rigorous knowledge and understanding of water scarcity, both economic and physical and could relate this to population change (although often only growth). Only the best candidates disagreed with the statement explaining that population growth is just one of a complex number of factors that impact on water scarcity. Some of these responses were excellent, looking at political and economic factors such as privatization of water and increased affluence. Case studies tended to be generalized but there were some instances of precise examples, particularly from Australia.
Question
“There is no truly sustainable solution to the world’s growing energy problems.” Discuss this statement.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
Responses are likely to identify energy-related problems such as: meeting the growing demand; increasing the use of renewable sources of energy; cutting energy costs, increasing energy availability; expansion of energy production into sensitive environments. There could be a brief explanation of the causes of the problems identified.
Responses could also include some discussion of what a sustainable solution involves, with clear reference to being able to meet future demand.
Candidates are likely to divide energy resources into renewable (wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, tidal) and non-renewable (fossil fuels and possibly nuclear energy). Many answers are likely to discuss each of the renewable sources, pointing out their relative merits. However, development of renewable sources (generally considered to be sustainable) is unlikely to be able to meet the growing demand owing to high investment costs and locational considerations.
In considering some of the other energy problems, the discussion might extend to strategies of energy conservation/reduction.
To reach bands E and F, responses should show a sound understanding of sustainability and a good knowledge of at least two distinct energy problems.
Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.
Examiners report
This was the most popular question. In general the best answers had excellent knowledge of the term “sustainable” when applied to specific energy issues. The grade E and F answers had a balanced approach of both energy conservation and alternative energy sources with pertinent exemplification, for example, wind farms in Denmark. Weaker candidates tended to write about the advantages and disadvantages of numerous alternative energies with little reference to either energy problems or sustainability. These were self-limiting.
Question
The graph shows the categories of global water consumption in 2010.
Identify Category X on the diagram.[1]
Define the term physical water scarcity.[2]
Explain two physical factors that affect the availability of safe drinking water for a community.[4]
Analyse the role of water in the causes of soil degradation.[4]
▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
Agriculture/farming [1 mark].
Physical water scarcity occurs when the use of water resources [1 mark] approaches or exceeds sustainable levels [1 mark] (that is, it relates water availability to demand, meaning that arid areas are not necessarily water-scarce areas if demand is small).
For a partial definition, eg water demand exceeds supply, award [1 mark] only.
Award [1 mark] for each factor and a further [1 mark] for explaining why it relates to a safe water supply.
Physical factors that affect access to safe water include climate (amount, type and timing of precipitation eg drought; climate change), geology (groundwater and aquifers), relief (surface water depressions, poor access probable if slopes are steep), drainage (rivers, lakes), isolation or distance from supply, natural hazard events such as earthquakes.
Note that the factor must be physical. This may lead to contamination, eg earthquakes lead to contamination by sewage. Do not award human factors alone such as industrial or agricultural pollution.
At least two ideas associated with causes should be developed for the award of the full [4 marks]. A greater range of ideas (in less depth) may also be awarded full marks.
Possibilities include: erosion by water, removing soil, may follow overgrazing and the removal of vegetation. Flash floods can strip surface soil within minutes, leaving barren rock. The upward movement of water through soil may result in salinization, rendering the soils infertile. The downward movement of water through soils may leach valuable minerals out of the soil, reducing its fertility.
Question
The table shows deforestation rates for six countries that share the Congo rainforest.
Rank the three countries with the largest areas of rainforest from highest to lowest.[2]
Referring to the data in the table, describe the trend in rainforest loss between the 1990s and 2000s.[3]
Explain three reasons why it is important to maintain the biodiversity of tropical rainforests.[6]
▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
DRC > Gabon > Congo [2]
This is the only acceptable answer.
In general, the rate of loss increased in almost all countries between the two time periods [1].
Each of the following statements merits an additional [1], up to a maximum of [2]:
- Equatorial Guinea reduction to zero
- Gabon reduced rate by 0.10
- the Democratic Republic of the Congo has increased the most – more than doubled.
There must be some reference to data for full marks.
For each reason, award [1] for identifying and/or describing a valid reason, and [1] for explaining its importance in terms of biodiversity.
For example: It is good for ecotourism [1] because of a wide variety of species for visitors to see [1].
Other possible reasons include:
- ecosystem services (soil, water, habitats)
- water filtration/nutrient recycling/climate amelioration
- biological resources (food, medicine, genetic stock, breeding stock)
- aesthetic value (tourism, appreciation of need to conserve)
- ethical value (role/responsibility of people in preserving planetary ecosystem and preventing loss of endemic species of flora and fauna)
- cultural benefits (recreation/cultural integrity of indigenous groups).
The second mark should not be awarded for generic answers that do not link clearly to biodiversity.
Question
“Climate change will only increase global disparities in wealth.” Discuss this statement.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
Refer to Paper 1 Section B markbands (available under the “Resources” tab) when marking this question.
There are many possible approaches to this question, and each should be marked on its merits.
It is hoped that candidates will interpret global climate change as having a wider meaning than “global warming”. The disparities in wealth may be considered at any scale: regional, national or sub-national. Effects may be due to higher temperatures, change in rainfall amounts or timing, rising sea levels, and may impact the environment, population, settlement and economic activities. Effects may include: changes in farmland productivity; loss of tourism earnings; reduction in water quality and/or availability; population migration; change in distribution of natural vegetation zones; increased incidence of climatic hazards.
Discussion of the statement may have a number of approaches: there could be a discussion of the positive and negative impacts of climate change on wealth; a discussion of the magnitude of the impacts of climate change on wealth; a discussion of geographical variations in the impacts of climate change on wealth; a discussion of how the impacts of climate change on wealth vary over time; or a discussion of how the impacts of climate change on wealth vary with access to technology/investment.
Accept other valid discussions.
Responses at band D are likely to describe ways in which climate change could affect the wealth of different people and places.
At band E, expect either more detailed explanation of how climate change could increase and/or decrease the wealth of different people/places or a structured discussion of the concept of global disparities in the context of climate change from a positive and/or negative viewpoint.
At band F, expect both.
Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.
Question
“Population growth is the greatest threat to our planet’s soil quality and biodiversity.” Discuss this statement.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
Refer to Paper 1 Section B markbands (available under the “Resources” tab) when marking this question.
Candidates can agree or disagree with the statement but need to be able to support their position. It is also possible that responses may agree partially with the statement. Either of these approaches is acceptable.
Population growth should be addressed in terms of the regional variations with some regions predicted to grow quite rapidly (Sub Saharan Africa) and others being predicted to experience negative growth (Japan, Europe).
Causes of soil degradation and loss of biodiversity of tropical rainforest (allow other biomes/ecosystems) should be addressed to assess the extent to which population growth is a contributing factor.
Candidates may also look at alternative threats to our planet’s soil quality and biodiversity, such as climate change, how an increasing standard of living results in increased consumption irrespective of population growth, the concentration of population in urban areas and the expansion of cities, changing agricultural practices, pollution, invasive species, poaching etc.
Responses should make use of examples but responses that focus on describing soil quality and biodiversity and not focusing on the role of population growth will be self-limiting.
It is not necessary for the discussion of soil quality and biodiversity to be of equal depth for the award of full marks.
At band D, expect some description of the issues of population growth, soil quality and biodiversity.
At band E, expect either some explanation of a range of threats that population growth poses to soil quality and biodiversity or a discussion of why other factors besides population growth may be equally or more important in terms of their impacts on soil quality and biodiversity.
At band F, expect both.
Marks should be allocated according to Paper 1 Section B markbands