Outline two ways in which people have adapted their outdoor activities to extremes of weather in hot, arid environments.

Distinguish between the terms “accumulation” and “ablation” in the glacial environment.

Explain two reasons why many glaciers are retreating.

“Global climate change will create more opportunities than challenges for indigenous populations.” Discuss this statement, with reference to one or more extreme environments.

In each case, award [1] for the factor and [1] for further development/ exemplification.

For example: People wear long, loose / light-coloured robes/clothes [1] as such garments allow air to circulate / reflect insolation [1] / provide protection from the sun during the day and are warm at night [1].
Turbans provide protection from the sun [1] and can be wrapped around the face in sand storms [1].
Nomadic herders stay in tents [1] that are easily dismantled and moved [1].
Daily routine [1] – work done in the cool of the morning [1].
Nomadic herders move their animals [1] in order to be close to sources of water during a dry season [1].

Long term-agricultural adaptations that reflect climatic conditions (such as irrigation) are not acceptable.

Accept other valid suggestions.

Award [1] for each statement. Two simple statements (no need for explicit distinction) acceptable for [2].

• Accumulation – increase of snow and ice on the glacier [1].
• Ablation – the melting of glacial ice [1].

In each case, award [1] mark for the factor and [1] for further development.

Possible reasons include:

• global warming (either caused by humans or part of a natural cycle)
• changes in precipitation levels
• increased volcanic activity
• changes in ocean currents
• El Niño
• sunspot activity.

For example: Many glaciers retreat due to higher temperatures / global warming [1] caused by enhanced greenhouse effect [1].

There are many different indigenous populations that may be used. Examples include, but are not limited to, the San, Tuareg, Fulani, Inuit, Nenet, Saami.

The question is not limited to one area, so references may be made to more than one indigenous population and more than one extreme environment.

Indigenous peoples are among the first to face the direct consequences of climate change, owing to their dependence on, and close relationship with, the environment and its resources (for food, cultural identity). Climate change exacerbates the difficulties already faced by vulnerable indigenous communities, including political and economic marginalization, loss of land and resources, human rights violations, discrimination and unemployment.

However, global climate change in the Arctic may bring increased navigation during the winter, and a warmer climate has lengthened the growing season so potential yields may increase, more opportunities for sedentary agriculture / forestry / tourism / sea fishing / hunting.

Opportunities / benefits in hot, arid areas may include better grazing potential, more food production and more reliable water supplies.

Some may argue that climate change will have little or minor effect on their chosen example.

Good answers should progress beyond simply agreeing with, or rejecting, the statement and will discuss the validity of the statement by considering such things as the scale of the climate change, the degree to which indigenous population groups have assimilated in society, etc.

Another approach might be to provide a structured discussion of different kinds of opportunities and challenges found in an extreme environment and arrive at an evidenced conclusion.

At band D, expect some description of impacts on an indigenous population. (including answers that do not specify who the indigenous peoples are).

At band E, expect either more detailed explanation of opportunities and challenges for indigenous populations or a structured evaluation of the statement.

At band F, expect both of these elements.

Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.